World’s first fully compostable marker pen

A new marker pen could reduce the use of plastic in the global pen industry

Spotted: Italian design and innovation firm Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA) has just unveiled the world’s first, fully compostable marker. Plastic marker pens are a surprisingly large source of waste: it is estimated that around 35 billion of them end up in landfills annually, an amount that could cover the entire island of Manhattan more than 11 times. In 2019, CRA launched Scribit, a drawing robot that uses markers to write on any vertical surface. Disturbed by the amount of plastic in the markers the robot used, the team decided to create a sustainable solution.

The new Scribit pen uses 100 per cent eco-friendly and compostable components. The barrel is made from wood, bioplastic or anodised aluminium. The ink cartridge and nib are crafted from natural fibres and are replaceable, to extend the life of the pen body. The ink is water-based and non-toxic enough to be certified as edible, as well as being washable and high-performance.

CRA’s goal is to promote a circular economy and a more sustainable approach to production and consumption. While Scribit itself uses plastic, it is designed to last for a very long time over repeated usage. The pens, however, run dry after a period of use, so they represent a much bigger source of waste.

Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab, who led the Scribit Pen design team, explains the motivation behind the push for a sustainable pen. “We are proud of Scribit’s success, and how it has empowered thousands of people around the world to change the way they draw. However, we were troubled by the amount of plastic produced by the markers that the robot uses. By developing the new Scribit pen, we can turn one of humankind’s primordial acts – drawing – into a fully sustainable one.” 

Reducing plastic is a key part of the fight against global warming, and it is something that everyone can do. At Springwise, we are also seeing a huge number of innovations that will make this easier. These include ideas that offer consumers further plastic-free options with everything from eyewear made from castor beans to plastic-free liquid cleaners.

Explore more: Architecture & Design Innovations | Sustainability Innovations