The History of Bic Lighters

Bic (often stylized as BIC) began as a pen company in France around 1950. Then in 1973, the company rolled out its first full-size pocket lighter that featured an adjustable flame. It was available in five colors and sold for $1.49. It caught on and quickly became a household staple; it was also frequently held aloft during special songs at concerts (a tradition that is often continued today with the light from smartphone screens). In 1985, the Bic Mini Lighter debuted and also became a hit. Five years later, the first decorated Bic lighter hit the market; countless unique designs have been rolled out since. In 1998, the company launched its first utility lighter and in 2002, Bic rolled out a line of multi-purpose lighters. In 2013, Bic opened a lighter facility in China and in 2020, the company launched the EZ Reach, a multi-purpose pocket lighter with an extended wand. That same year, Bic also acquired Djeep, a French manufacturer of high-end pocket lighters. In early 2024, Bic launched its first reloadable lighter, the Bic EZ Load. Today, Bic lighters remain widely available and popular all over the world, but especially in the United States, where they got their start.