ELLIS FAAS: New Life For Used Pens



More than a year ago, I had written a bits and bobs article about the ELLIS FAAS pens. One of the things mentioned was that it would be such a waste to throw away those gorgeous pens when they are finished. Refills would be a great idea, I had said.

It turns out that the folks at ELLIS FAAS have been getting many similar remarks from their customers about what a waste it is that nothing further could be done with the empty pens. Well, finally, ELLIS FAAS is taking action, but it doesn't involve refills, unfortunately. I was informed by ELLIS FAAS that this wasn't a plausible idea for hygiene reasons and due to the fact that the click-turn mechanism inside the pens turns in only one direction and cannot be reversed for refills.

Instead, they've come up with a more creative idea, literally. A couple of weeks ago, ELLIS FAAS announced that they've set up a system to collect the used pens to be recycled in the name of art. These used pens would be passed on to local and international visual artists like photographers, sculptors and designers who will create works of art with them. The unique art pieces would then be auctioned off with the proceeds going to War Child International, the organisation that works to help children in war-torn countries.


Make Up Not War is the name given to this programme. The press image for Make Up Not War depicts a leather belt holding a long row of ELLIS FAAS pens, like a bullet holster. It seems cheeky, but hey, the bullet was the inspiration that Ms Faas drew from when she first designed the sleek silver pens. If I recall correctly, Ms Faas has shown off a similar holster (minus the rhinestones) in a photo before, some time back, and declaring that she got past airport security with it!

The empty pens can be brought to any of its retail points or they can be sent by post directly to ELLIS FAAS. Details can be found on the ELLIS FAAS website (check also that part about the possibility of getting a 5% discount coupon on your next order through their online shop).


Further reading:
My bits and bobs article on the ELLIS FAAS pens: ELLIS FAAS: An Update

12 comments:

DinaXYYan said...

This is a really great idea to recycle the empty pens! The leather belt is so cool :D

BellasUnhaseCia said...

Very cool!
kisses

Unknown said...

This reminds me of a pen [expensive] which my mum bought me and I lost it >< I always buy refills for my pens, it's such a waste to throw it away.

The Student's Guide To Nail Polish said...

I'd have preferred a refill option, not going to lie...while the idea is innovative, it's not particularly useful. I don't know.

Anonymous said...

A refill would have been better for the customers. Pity that was not an option, but at least it is not a total waste. "KTee" xx

I am curious what these artists will create out of the pens.

Witoxicity said...

@Dina
@BellasUnhaseCia
@London's-beauty
Well, with this programme, those pens won't go to waste now. :)

@The Student's Guide to Nail Polish
The refill option would have gotten my vote 100%, but there's nothing much we can do about it now that the decision's been taken.

@KTee
I'm also curious how the response from customers would be to the pen collection scheme. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! Finally! A company that is finally doing something about the wasteful packaging of products! I've always felt guilty and wondered what to do when it came to jars and packaging after I finished with products. Other companies should follow suit!

Witoxicity said...

@Natalie
Well, it's great that the pens are not going to waste, but I still think refills would have been a better idea. That's what other companies should be doing. Some are already, to a certain extent. :)

Anonymous said...

I am curious what kind of art work they will come up with, though I prefer a refill too :(
Nicole x

Witoxicity said...

@Nicole
You prefer refills too, huh? Hopefully, one day, the folks at ELLIS FAAS would find a way make refills possible. :)

Cynthia Z said...

Cool! At least they'll help some kids with the proceeds

♥xx♥

Witoxicity said...

@Cynthia
Yeah, at least it's for a good cause. I'd be interested to see how it works out - the art pieces and all. :)