PRODUCT NEWS
How AI helps us fight illegal copies of our patented plantable pencils
Michael Staushalm, CEO SproutWorld, the Danish company behind the world’s only plantable pencils
Even the most sustainable companies need to constantly monitor their supply chain and threats from fakes. SproutWorld, a green company based in Denmark, owns the patent of “plantable writing instruments”. We have been making plantable pencils for 12 years and sold over 80 million to more than 80 countries. Our pencils grow into plants once used, making people really think about their stationery, the planet and the way in which the two can combine. Each pencil offers an ecological alternative to the incredible 135 million plastic
ballpoint pens produced worldwide every day. Many of our clients are companies and organizations that get logo and message engraved, but we also sell to retail and on Amazon. The pencils have turned out to be a popular gift idea, both for businesses and private consumers. The issue with creating a sustainable product is that fakes and counterfeits are a real issue. According to recent studies, almost half of brands are losing sales to counterfeit goods (47%). We noticed the problem a few years ago, with counterfeit attempts from regions like China, India and Turkey. Despite patents and trademarks, manual monitoring was only uncovering a fraction of infringements. Counterfeits were using unsustainable materials that posed ecological risks, introducing non-native seeds that could damage biodiversity. This is literally the opposite of what we want to do: our commitment to sustainability is central to our whole business, from using FSC-certified wood
to maintaining our own forest in Poland. We are dedicated to the circular economy. To address it, we used AI to detect
and remove counterfeit listings across online retail platforms and converted counterfeit distributors into official partners. Over 7,000 infringements were removed across 690 domains, significantly reducing the market presence of counterfeit products. We also identified and reported 1,982 infringers globally, gaining invaluable visibility into reseller networks.
These efforts streamlined
enforcement, enhanced operational efficiency, and supported SproutWorld’s broader sustainability goals.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are creating something that then can be repurposed and turned into something else. It’s an ongoing challenge but keeping your supply chain clean and tackling fakes is a vital part of being a responsible retail product.
sproutworld.com
NEBO announces rollout of new sustainable packaging across Screwfix stores
NEBO is proud to announce a major sustainability milestone: beginning this summer, all NEBO products listed with Screwfix will begin transitioning to new, 100% plastic-free packaging. Starting initially with the core best-sellers; the updated plastic-free SKUs will offer a more environmentally conscious packaging solution without compromising on quality, function or shelf appeal. This initiative reflects NEBO’s commitment to driving sustainable innovation while continuing to deliver top-quality lighting and power products to consumers. This new packaging is 100%
recyclable, uses organic-based inks and makes it easier for customers
14 DIY WEEK JUNE 2025
to engage with these best-selling NEBO products - whether they purchase from their local Screwfix store or alternatively if they buy online.
Key benefits of the new packaging: • Plastic-free and fully recyclable • Printed using organic-based inks
• Stand or hang display-ready • Improved merchandising and product visibility
• Multilingual design with clear icons, lumens and run times Not only is this a more
environmentally friendly solution, but it also helps Screwfix improve in-store presentation and enhances the customer experience.
www.nebolights.com
www.diyweek.net
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