2 0 1 6 S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T R E P O R T

We Kidsare

Maped has an important role to play and a responsibility to kids. We grow just like they do, and they provide meaning to our own growth and development.

C O N T E N T S

Family values first and foremostOrigins, the essentials, people… p 4-9

A bright future aheadSuccess, our strategy, the world… p 10-13

Growing the right waySustainability, the charter, a team… p 14-19

Following through with our ideasProduction, eco-design, health, progress… p 20-27

Joining forcesThe supply chain, rules, others… p 28-33

Creativity awakensQuality, creativity, products… p 34-39

< Roc de Chère, Annecy lake

1997 School supplies

1947

1996 Pencil sharpeners

Subsidiary in China Staplers, Hole Punches, Desk accessories

1993

1985 Scissors

Acquire Malat Erasers1992

...

4

Family values first and foremost

Origins…Claude Lacroix created Maped in 1947. Maped in french stands for «manufacture des articles de précision et de dessin,» literally manufacturing precision tools for drawing. Specializing in compasses, the company builds upon an already established from its Haute Savoie regional expertise in screw machining. His high quality standards fuel company growth. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jacques Lacroix then diversifies the business, designing office, school, and arts and crafts supplies. Maped transforms into a company focused on kids and adults in their quest to discover, play, and learn, as well as in their professional lives.

Today, Antoine and Romain Lacroix, along with their father, continue the family adventure. Along with their subsidiaries, distributors, and more than two thousand employees, they keep the company’s core mission alive – Enjoy, Learn, Experience! – to serve all children everywhere around the world.

Maped-Compas is founded

Revenues 124

M€

Revenues 168

M€

Revenues 191 M

€

2011 Subsidiaries in India & Peru

2012 Subsidiary in Russia Acquire Helix – England & the USA

2013 ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 Certification (Maped France)

2005 Subsidiaries in Canada & the USA - Coloring

2010Subsidiaries in Romania, the Netherlands & the UK 2nd factory in China (35000 m²)

2009 Subsidiary in Turkey

2006 Subsidiary in Greece - Acquire Helit Germany

2014

2015

Subsidiary in Mexico, factory in Mexico2002

Subsidiary in Brazil2003

Subsidiary in Argentina1999

Revenues

53 M€

2000

...

5

Writing2008 Revenues 110 M

€

Like a growing childFounded by a family and its values, Maped has based its growth and development on a long term vision to maintain its independence. For almost 70 years, our firmly planted roots in the region have allowed us to grow. We are committed to maintaining jobs, to the local economy, and to our environment. Since 2009, we have formalized this commitment through a principled approach to sustainability that provides for genuine environmental, social, and economic benefits. Managing our environmental impact, reinforcing trust with our sales partners, and continuously creating innovative products bear witness to our initiative. This first corporate and social responsibility report describes the company’s voluntary approach, and the commitments made by our staff and our partners in the value chain. It highlights the well-earned gains and the progress expected from every one of our subsidiaries, suppliers, service providers, clients, and users of our products. It also allows us to evaluate the impact of our business to set future objectives.

Like a child who grows up among family, friends, and teachers, maped relies upon the experience of the men and women who participate in the adventure. We learn from others. The interactions and sharing of ideas between cultures from around the world stimulate our creativity, our imagination, and new product development. They make Maped a truly interna-tional company, capable of adapting to market changes and emerging expectations. It is up to us to listen to the world’s children, to allow as many of them as possible to gain access to education through our products, to offer them new experiences, all the while respecting their cultures and our planet.

Jacques Lacroix, President of Maped

Romain, Jacques and Antoine Lacroix

The essentials: the core values that bind us

6

Expressing values established by a family, strengthened throughout the history of the company, requires working as a group. It allows us to understand and then share our day to day guiding principles. We promote our core values through a code of conduct, which encourages more effective internal communications, working better together, and preventing the risks related to misunderstanding. They offer an identity, goodwill, mutual trust, and reinforce group cohesion.

Creativity and adaptability Maped’s worldwide expansion and accelerated change requires agility and adaptability to continue moving forward. This context requires all staff and the company to change the way we operate and to be creative in order to always provide value to our clients.

Company spirit The success of the group rests upon each individual’s commitment to their designated role. Maped recognizes individual initiative, encouraging everyone to be involved in the process and to develop their careers.

Respect At Maped, success is always the result of working together. The company encourages teamwork, and remains devoted to ensuring personal fulfillment for staff members. All ideas are worth hearing. Everyone should be considerate to others, showing respect and an open mind to other cultures and to different ways of doing things.

Civic responsibility Maped understands its responsibility to the planet, youth, and future generations. Everyone must contribute locally, behave fairly, especially with regard to children, and work to reduce the environ-mental impact of our business.

How are these values represented on a daily basis?

Creativity and adaptability – Philippe Freychat, Research & development director We often have a tendency to reduce creativity to product design. For Maped, it also relates to challenging our business model, cultivating a culture of trial and error, creating partnerships, and learning from others to better adapt. Change pushes you to be creative, to invent…

Company spirit – José Luis Rivera, Head of new projects at Maped Silco It means going to work with the conviction that the success of the group depends on everyone’s individual commitment; this requires establishing a common goal.

Respect – Irma Torres, Treasurer at Maped Silco Respect means providing employees with a lot of freedom in their jobs and the freedom to express themselves at every level. It also means a friendly atmosphere that encourages everyone throughout the company to perform at a high level.

Civic responsibility – Hubert de Marolles, Head of Maped Helix USA Maped’s good health depends on the good health of its own environment. Maped Helix heavily invested to ensure that the products we sell in the USA comply with the most stringent environmental standards. Since last year, our membership to ACMI (Art and Creative Materials Institute) attests to our commitment to progressively replace all hazardous chemical substances.

Sharing values with all of Maped!Etienne Berthelot, Chief financial officer

What specific actions were used to communicate your values to the company? We created a management reference guide. This guide lays out the code of conduct and presents real situations as tools to enable managers to act within a framework and to be able to apply the company’s core values at an interpersonal level.

Are managers the only ones concerned? Not at all, each employee is concerned. For example, actions taken in the manufacturing facility at our headquarters in Pringy (Alps, France), allow us to observe attitudes and behavior that could become a source of tension. Company values are an integral part of the yearly performance review; they allow everyone to self-assess their contribution.

7

Our people, the company, and performance

Giving one’s best, taking the initiative.With 2044 employees and steady growth since 2009, Maped offers real and unprecedented opportu-nities to advance and grow within the company. The human resources team takes on the challenge of constantly having to adapt and react quickly while maintaining its integrity and keeping with its core values.

Sophie Pont, Human resources director

You just arrived at Maped, what surprises you the most at the company thus far?

Maped has a unique personality and values; we recruit employees that are just as cheerful as our products. We give them the power to achieve their potential and to take charge of important projects, with management always close-by to provide support. Managers know their staff well, whatever the level of their position, and strive to cultivate respect and a positive atmosphere. This explains in part the long careers at Maped and the high degree of employee motivation and commitment.

What are your priorities?

Internationally, we need to ensure the long term viability of our human resources (HR) policy and pro-cesses. To do this, we have to set up a common HR information system for our subsidiaries. This tool is essential for HR to develop and to meet the needs and expectations of employees and managers in a global company like Maped. It will allow us to be more efficient, especially in terms of individual management, skills development, and pay scales.

Locally, several projects and initiatives are works in progress at each subsidiary. For example, in France we have invested a great deal in developing quality managerial skills and setting up a policy to prevent occupational stress. With support from the occupational hazards and work conditions com-mittee (CHSCT), we monitor the work climate and have structured individual reviews to allow every employee to signal any difficulties or to more easily express their goals.

8

Employees make a long term commitment

14 years: the average time spent at the company

56% of Maped France employees have worked at least 10 years for the company.

Maped is a company that is constantly evolving. It helps its employees to grow, to develop their skills, and offers them opportunities to advance within the company, to embark on an international career.

84% of Maped personnel took at least one training course in 2015.

450 training courses for 219 people

A youth and training oriented companyWorkforce audits revealed a clear absence of jobs for youth less than 18 years old; considered as a form of discrimination relative to this particular age group. The administrative complexity linked to employing minors led us to stop all hires for this category of personnel. We preferred instead to focus on internships and apprenticeships for youth in Europe. These training programs often end with a hire (14 in the last ten years). For other company sites, it is up to the HR department to work with staff to build the right solution for each country.

Maped Silco: kids’ day for company personnel! Every year, Maped Silco organizes a fun day and cultural experience for its em-ployees’ kids. Their kids have had the op-portunity to visit a museum, to play sports and learn about nutrition, and to enjoy a great time at an amusement park.

9

109 M€99 M€

113 M€124 M€

149 M€158 M€

168 M€

191 M€

A bright future ahead

10

The success of a worldwide manufacturer…Maped designs all of its products and manufactures 50%. Its factories, present in Latin America, Asia, and Europe, benefit from a unique expertise, and guarantee a rare level of independence and responsiveness in a market dominated by the use of subcontractors. This industrial model is one of the drivers for the company’s rapid international development. More than 50% of the company’s revenues are earned outside of Europe; Latin America alone represents one-third of all sales.

Annual revenue growth, revenues in millions of Euros

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

11

… and a resolute strategy Value quality and do not succumb to the low-cost temptation Competition worldwide is focused on low-end products without any real value-add and whose perceived-obsolescence comes quickly. Maped’s answer is high-quality, durability, and a particular attention to product functionality, which leads to customer trust.

Remain close to our markets Maped is consolidating its long quest to conquer worldwide markets with support from its subsidiaries and distributors. Inspired by a strong sales culture, these local representatives contribute to deploy the brand throughout their region and to meet the expectations of each distribution channel. Thanks to its understanding of kids, and its expertise in product design, Maped is poised to diversify into new markets.

Take responsibility for the products we create Aware that long-term growth requires properly handling workplace and environmental conditions during production, Maped relies on several partners in the value chain to comply with environmental and labor regulations throughout the world, to refuse to use hazardous materials, and to establish desirable work conditions.

Plan for change in consumer habits Maped is challenged by the continuous growth of online sales, the development of collaborative consumption, and the widespread use of digital technology in schools. This stimulates our creativity, encourages us to experiment, and forces us to readjust our business model.

Recognized for our strategy and growthThe 2014 Les Chenes Trophy for a family company – Société Générale Bank

The 2014 Rhône-Alpes Auvergne Ernst and Young International Company Award

The 2015 Grand Prix for Growing Companies – distribution and consumer goods category

The world, a source of experience and inspiration

With a presence in more than 152 countries on 6 continents via 20 subsidiaries, and with more than 100 partners and distributors, Maped has widespread access to all of its markets. This allows us not only to multiply our growth opportunities and to split up risk, but also to share the best ideas and practices. Diversity is always fertile ground!

12

MAPED USA

MAPED MEXICO

MAPED PERU

MAPED BRAZIL

MAPED ARGENTINA

MAPED CANADA

13

MAPED UK

MAPED NETHERLANDS

MAPED RUSSIA

MAPED ROMANIA

MAPED GERMANY

MAPED TURKEY

MAPED CHINA

MAPED HONG KONG

MAPED FRANCE

MAPED GREECE

MAPED SPAIN

MAPED INDIA

Growing the right way

Sustainable development is a key issue for the company and a major commitment for our value chain on a global scale.Alain Trenchard, Quality director and sustainable development coordinator

Is sustainable development at Maped really a strategic issue?

When designing products for children, you need to first think about safety, reassuring parents on the com-ponents inside, on their reliability. It also means thinking about the people who make these products and about workplace conditions around the world. If we want our children to continue to breathe clean air and to enjoy what nature has to offer, we must lead by example with regard to protecting the environment. This is why we have committed to an environment, health, and safety management policy in which we require all of our manufacturing sites to be certified.

Is this compatible with your double digit growth rate goals?

Our development is linked to the Maped’s brand positioning, which embodies the core values of respect and civic responsibility. It is our responsibility to give meaning to these values in our approach to research, eco-design, and when phasing out hazardous substances in order to use safe ones in our products. Our growth is not necessarily linked to creating new products; there are so many new activities to invent for kids! We hope that this will allow us to earn their parents’ trust.

14

15

16

A well-established CSR policy

Time limited measures to reduce environmental impact

2009

Develop green logic range of eco-designed products

2010

Implementation with external stakeholders Code of conduct Supplier audit Ensure trust of clients,

consumers, communities…

20152011 à 2015

Implementation at all subsidiaries Dual environmental, heath,

and safety certification

Define principles and commitments: Values Environmental, heath,

and safety policy

17

Environmental, health, and safety policy at MapedSustainable development applies to everything we do on a daily basis and is naturally a core part of the company’s way of running business. We are aware of our impact on the planet and our responsibility to future generations.

This is why Maped is involved in protecting the environment, and in improving the health and safety of its employees. This commitment means implementing an environmental management (ISO 14001 international standards) and safety system (OHSAS 18001 standards) for all of our facilities and for our major suppliers.

By making this commitment, MAPED has embarked on an ambitious process for future improvement, involving every employee in the company and all key stakeholders in the supply chain (suppliers, service providers, subcontractors…).

As a manager, I have made a personal commitment to implementing this responsible corporate approach. Here are the 5 key points:

Understanding and planning for regulationsWe should comply with and monitor as best we can the regulatory demands in our industry and those that apply specifically to our company. This involves collecting a lot of data, analyzing our emissions, keeping inventory on the chemical products we use, and conducting a full analysis of the risks at facilities involved in Maped’s business.

Continuous improvementSeveral actions have already been successfully implemented at Maped to minimize our impact on the environment and to improve the safety of everyone involved in our business. Nevertheless, we are committed to taking the process even further through our voluntary efforts to improve all indicators, to make eco-friendly moves gestures, and to participate in multicompany transportation plan for our headquarter offices.

Anticipating risksOrganizing ourselves, internal communications, and favoring a long term vision are just some of the requirements to be able to anticipate risk, especially when it comes to dealing with pollution and dangers at the source. Issues such as energy, waste, repetitive movements, and improving workplace conditions have been identified as a priority.

Beyond our own facilitiesRespect for the environment and safety at our facilities is important, but we would like to expand the scope of our approach. Now that we have a dedicated sustainable development team, we systematically take environmental and safety criteria into consideration when choosing suppliers. We apply an eco-design approach to all of our products and we work hard to ensure that all of our clients and product users are aware of this commitment.

Best practicesEvery Maped employee is concerned by this commitment, including office personnel. The company must be a model example and build greater awareness of best practices through effective internal communications tools.

March 2016 Jacques Lacroix, President

Companywide sustainable development management

18

An approach that involves everyone

At Maped, sustainable development involves everyone. Every year, we dedicate days to building awareness and ensuring involvement of personnel at all of our facilities. In 2015 in Annecy, France, the main topic was mobility. We discussed traffic laws, risky behavior (the negative effects of alcohol and cannabis), bicycle repair, and the opportunities available via the Company Transportation Plan. In addition, a workshop was co-organized with Eco-Emballages (an organization in France that handles the tax, collection, separation, and recycling for packaging materials), to build awareness among employees on how to optimize the separation and recycling of packaging waste.

With the creation of a dedicated team, Maped demonstrates its commitment to every aspect of sustainable development. The company has also dedicated enough resources to implement the process at every subsidiary. To share experiences, explain performance indicators, and take action, local representatives use an integrated management system (IMS) that covers social issues, quality, health-hygiene, safety, the environment, and ethics.

QUALITY & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

19

Alain Trenchard Coordinator

HEALTH & SAFETY PRODUCT REGULATION ENVIRONMENT ETHIC & SOCIALQUALITY

MAPED SAS France Bruno Gitton / Céline Fiorin

MOS China Kevin Kong

SILCO Mexico Marcos Carranza

MAPED Argentina Christian Casillas / Victoria Carbonari

HELIT / HPP Germany Isabel Brinitzer

MAPED SAS France Alain Trenchard

MOS China Zhou Wen

SILCO Mexico Laura Leticia Gonzalez Miranda

MAPED Argentina Christian Casillas / Victoria Carbonari

HELIT / HPP Germany Gennadi Andres

MAPED SAS France Marc Metziger

MOS China Kevin Kong

SILCO Mexico Marcos Carranza

MAPED Argentina Christian Casillas / Victoria Carbonari

HELIT / HPP Germany Isabel Brinitzer

MAPED SAS France Sophie Pont

MOS China Cynthia Chen

SILCO Mexico Martha Perez

MAPED Argentina Carla Spotorno

HELIT / HPP Germany Rolf Bonsack

MAPED SAS France Patrick Gavel

MOS China Zhou Wen

SILCO Mexico Laura Leticia Gonzalez Miranda

MAPED Argentina Christian Casillas / Victoria Carbonari

HELIT / HPP Germany Holger Marzahn

Following throught with our ideas

Manufacturing, the sustainable and responsible approach: Since 2009, our sustainable development route has been present in each phase of the manufacturing process. Shared by every employee, our policy and guidelines are implemented at every Maped subsidiary and with our main suppliers.

Supply chain 9% recycled plasticsWe are working hard to increase this percentage in spite of a difficult international situation. The drop in world oil prices does not encourage developing recycled materials, which cost much more than raw materials. Maped currently faces a lack of supply, consistency (mechanical and physical compatibility with our product specifications: color, feel, ergonomics), as well as a problem with traceability (compatibility with current regulations, non-toxic substances).

ManufacturingReducing energy consumption 25% reduction in gas and electricity consumption at our headquarter offices since 2009 No overall increase companywide in spite of the increase in production Improved insulation at our headquarter offices in Annecy, France Replacing lights with LED systems at our manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Germany, and China,

for at least one production line Monitoring electric heating systems in Germany, China, and France Optimization of production machine warm-up times and of the number of machines per square meter

Reducing water usage A 60% decrease in water usage in 5 years at our headquarter offices No overall increase companywide in spite of the increase in production Installing barrels to capture rainwater Setting up a closed-circuit cooling system for the eraser manufacturing process

20

Transportation 15% of cargo volume shipped by river transport from Marseille to Lyon (France)Maped is in the process of completing its first carbon footprint calculation. As part of this effort, the company is taking an inventory of the tons/kilometer covered per mode of transportation. At the end of the study, Maped will set specific goals to limit transportation-related carbon emissions.

Usage 100% of hazardous substances of very high concern are being studied for phase out by 2020

Repurposing waste 4000 T of plastic material used every year. Our civic responsibility has convinced us to question the future of these products. The lifecycle analyses and studies conducted with our consumers have persuaded us to significantly reduce the impact our products make when no longer in use. Maped is now equipped with software to manage this process on its own and is thinking about ways to integrate the circular economy.

Using and managing chemicalsSince 2007, Maped has committed to full compliance with REACh regulations (Registra-tion, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals) throughout its entire supply chain and all distribution channels.

By 2020, 100% of hazardous substances of very high concern will have undergone a thorough risk analysis, been safeguarded for use, and been studied for phase out and replacement.

Maped is required to comply with European toy standard EN 71 for certain categories of products. For products used primarily by kids but not categorized as a toy, MAPED is progressively working to ensure that these products also comply with all regulations that serve to better protect children. 21

The product life cycle analysis explained

In what way does this information allow Maped to reduce its impact on the environment? By becoming fully conscious of the impact of each product component, both technicians and designers can intervene at the right stage to reduce this impact.

Is environmental labeling useful for consumers? All studies show, for example, that energy consumption labeling has changed demand and pushed manufacturers to adjust. This allows Maped to prepare for a potential future general environmental impact labeling for mass market products in Europe.

Florent Blondin, Environmental Picture

Environmental Picture is a startup in Annecy, France, that provides product life cycle analyses in an easy to understand format. The company’s founder agreed to answer a few of our questions.

22

Eco-designFor several years, Maped’s research and development teams have been designing sturdy, durable, ergonomic, and esthetically appealing products, while working to reduce their impact on the environment. This is the daily challenge for eco-design. We have to first identify the priority areas for improvement. The life cycle analysis (LCA) establishes these priorities.

This is a standardized scientific approach (ISO14040 and ISO14044 standards) that allows us to quantify the impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle. First conducted on our primary product families (writing instruments, scissors, staplers…), the LCA provides reference values. These values indicate the phase in the life cycle when design should intervene. This allows us to guide our consumers towards lower-impact products.

The next generation of products

PRODUCT USE

END OF LIFE

RAW MATERIAL EXTRACTION

TRANSPORTATION

PRODUCT MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING

Maped’s strengths

23

Recycled product Unbreakable Rulers

Made with 100% recycled plasticCardboard packing reduced to the bare minimum required

Unbreakable product Stackable paper tray made with RPET (recycled water bottles)

50% gain in transport volumeNo more damage or unpleasant surprises when unpacking

Frequency rate: number of accidents causing a work stoppage x 1,000,000 / hours worked

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

5

10

20

15

25

Observing movement and posture, analyzing any discomfort that can hinder manual operations when repeated movements are required, adapting equipment to provide greater comfort in the workplace, this is Bruno Gitton’s and Céline Fiorin’s daily challenge. Since 2010, this internal Maped team has been piloting the implementation of, within the company and with our primary suppliers, measures to better manage health and safety in the workplace. These measures serve to eliminate the problem at the source, and to significantly reduce accidents and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

To reinforce risk prevention for physical activity, Maped has also started working with Cevrès Santé on an RSI prevention program; their physical therapists and human movement specialists were able to conduct a biomechanical analysis for several work stations and recommend improvements to preserve the orthopedic health of the persons concerned.

Change in the work accident rate

Health and safety, safeguarding our human capital

24

Change in the rate of serious injury

Safety is a priority for us every minute of the day. It is non-negotiable and requires our constant attention. Every accident is meticulously reviewed in order to properly address the root causes and to improve our approach to safety. Following the recent deterioration of all major indicators, drastic measures were taken immediately, including the standardization of all machine-related activities as well as reinforcing position audits and monitoring. Everyone has a precise role to play and the daily effort made by every team should allow us to reach our ultimate goal of zero accidents.

Pringy, France Improvements in the manufacturing process on the production line for latex erasers Noise reduction via safety casings for runners. Reduce weight to be carried by using scissor lift tables and installing bag holders

MOS (Maped Office Supplies, China) Install a vacuum pump to avoid any work-at-height associated with filling hoppers.

Argentina Reduce electric risks by moving plugs outside the area heated by a machine and by installing a ventilation system.

Maped Mexico Make access points and exterior pathways safer: install protection barriers to avoid high falls.

Seriousness rate: number of days indemnified x 1000 / hours worked

2011 2012 2013 2014 20150

0,5

1,5

1

25

26

MAPED ARGENTINAISO 14 001 and OHSAS 18 001

certified in 2016

MAPED GERMANYISO 14001 certified in 2011

OHSAS 18001 in 2014

MAPED MEXICO ISO 14001 certified in 2012

OHSAS 18001 in 2015

MAPED CHINAISO 14001 certified in 2013

OHSAS 18001 in 2015

MAPED FRANCEISO 14001 certified in 2010

OHSAS 18001 in 2013

* And in 2020, 100 % of our main suppliers (78% of our procurement budget) ISO 14 001 and OHSAS 18 001 certified

27

ISO 14001 OHSAS 18001

of Maped manufacturing

facilities

100%In 2016,

certified

*

Supply chain management, a collaborative approach Towards comprehensive CSR risk management Maped monitors, at every level of the value chain, the implementation of best practices. The company is actively working with all key stakeholders: suppliers, logistics, distributors, and industrial partners.

A policy of continuous improvement The globalization of our business has led us to manufacture near our target markets and sometimes in low-cost manufacturing countries. Even if 50% of our products are made in our own factories, we encourage our entire supply chain, suppliers and subcontractors, to create a workplace that respect human rights, social progress, and the environment. We have commited our service providers to submit to an audit process. We also established a baseline of their current practices to identify the main risks. We were then able to determine the commitments we wanted them to take. Today, they are subject to a code of good conduct.

Social audit for subsidiaries and partners Direct control over the manufacturing process is a source of confidence and trust for our sales partners. This trust rests on transparency and our being exemplary. We chose to start with social audits of our own factories, and then with our partners. Conducted by independent third-party orga-nizations, these audits use the SEDEX SMETA* guidelines that correspond to the requirements in our code of conduct.

The initial results from the audit: For every site audited by a third party, a corrective action plan is being implemented 66% of supplier sites have been audited using SMETA 4P guidelines 87 observed non-compliances 50% of non-compliances resolved by the end of 2015 Most frequent non-compliances observed: health/safety for employees, fire hazards

* The evaluation program according to SMETA 4 guidelines, which were written by SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), deals with the following topics: workplace conditions, health and safety at work, the environment, ethical practices. The audits are conducted by an independent third-party organization.

Joining forces

28

Sylvie Thonnerieux, Acte International

What are the benefits for companies who are audited? Whether requested by clients or by choice, a social audit conducted by a specialized third party is an opportunity for the company to evaluate the cohe-rence of their organization relative to International Corporate and Social Responsibility standards, with regard to labor laws, worker safety, or respect for the environment. Following the audit, the company has a very precise picture, thanks to resulting action plan, of the improvements to make within the organization.

How do you support them in the process to improve? It is up to the contracting party to rank the corrective actions needed and to set the necessary timetable to allow management to develop a continuous improvement approach. This framework can also be supplemented with support and advice from the contracting party on organizational elements.

29

Common rules: Maped’s code of conduct

30

The reason for establishing a code of conduct is to promote ethical business practices and partnerships. Maped chooses to apply within its sphere of influence a continuous improvement and development approach based on the following principles:

No forced labor

No severe or inhumane treatment of the workforce

No child labor, structured programs for youth workers

All forms of discrimination are prohibited

Freedom of assembly and the right to collective bargaining

Workplace conditions compliant with safety and hygiene regulations

A fair salary and benefits

Reasonable working hours

Fight against job insecurity and the illegal hire of workers as subcontractors

Respect for the environment

Business ethics: fight against corruption and counterfeiting

Common rules: Maped’s code of conduct

31

A supply chain driven by the need to be both efficient and ethical50% of the value chain created by Maped is handled by service providers and suppliers.

While establishing a solid and secure supplier relationship is important, other issues also drive our purchasing strategy:

Secure supplies and develop a multi-sourcing strategy. This approach has already allowed us to limit our dependence on certain suppliers. Maped offers to help and work with suppliers in the event of a difficult financial situation or to improve the performance of their industrial processes.

Grouping warehouses by geographic zone to limit inventory shortages, improve economic performance, and reduce our transportation carbon footprint. This is a major project for the company over the next two years.

Formalize a code of ethics for purchasing and provide stakeholders with a guide to managing ethical dilemmas This means establishing, with all individuals in contact with our sales partners, common rules to follow based on tangible situations. These rules always apply, regardless of the economic, cultural, or local regulatory situation.

The other stakeholders: getting the end-user involved

32

Maped listens to its distributorsNasser Kahil, Group quality, security & sustainability director – Lyreco

What do you expect from manufacturers, whose products you stock, in terms of sustainable development? Other than product features and manufacturing facilities, we pay close attention to workplace conditions and compliance with ILO (International Labor Organization) conventions. In 2015, Lyreco set up a supplier assessment program for CSR. Maped was assessed last year, and again this year.

Does Maped policy in this area meet your expectations? For 2016, I have taken note that Maped launched several initiatives to establish a long-term continuous improvement approach to CSR, such as: setting up consolidated reporting that covers workplace safety and the environment, regular CSR audits based on SMETA 4 pillars for your major suppliers, expanding the OHSAS 18001 certification program – which today covers every Maped manufacturing facility, writing a CSR report – to provide a better understanding and clearly communicate Maped’s approach.

Guillaume Lauvrière, Corporate social responsability coordinator - Centrale Bureau Vallée

What do you expect from manufacturers, whose products you stock, in terms of sustainable development? Bureau Vallée expects manufacturers to be proactive in the design and sale of environmentally-friendly products as well as in complying with current labor laws at their factories and those of their subcontrac-tors. To do this, Bureau Vallée created a system based on a ratings scale from A to E. Through this, Bureau Vallée would like to highlight french companies and inform customers of product origin through recognized criteria. These two pieces of information are on every label in our store aisles.

Does Maped policy in this area meet your expectations? Today, Maped answers every question we ask and provides substantiating evidence. 83% of the products present on Bureau Vallée shelves are rated either B or C.

33

Protecting innovation and intellectual propertyTo safeguard our innovations, MAPED must protect itself through copyrights (for brands), designs or templates (for artistic creations) and patents (for technical creations). Today the MAPED brand is registered in more than 130 countries. 400 product reference numbers are protected through designs and templates primarily in Europe and China, and 40 patents are still in effect.

Through intellectual property laws, Maped fights against illegal counterfeiting on a daily basis, syste-matically taking legal action against manufacturers or distributors who commit fraud. Every year, our legal efforts result in the seizure and destruction of counterfeit products and/or manufacturing facilities. In 2015, 20 products were successful taken off the market following either a customs seizure or factory inspection.

Working towards sustainable consumptionEvaluating the impact and benefit of the industry

Maped currently works with government stakeholders to make changes in the business practices of school and office supply professionals. Similar to energy labeling, required in Europe for certain product categories, Maped is working with SOFEA*in Europe to assess product impact. The end goal is to one day propose a labeling system. This will allow consumers, especially for writing tools, to base their choice on reliable and easy to understand environmental and social indicators.

Major changes in packaging

Maped works closely with Eco-Emballages, a company certified by the French government to super-vise the sorting and recycling of household packaging. For example, Eco-Emballages offers eco-de-sign training courses and had its experts assess the sorting process in our facilities. Eco-Emballages parising review of Maped, «It is a truly proactive company in terms of eco-design, one that goes far beyond its financial and legal obligations,» states Richard Quemin**, the Center-East Regional Direc-tor, «One of Maped’s key successes is informing consumers by clearly indicating on its products the sorting guidelines to follow.»

These green actions have allowed Maped to earn a bonus, reducing the required Eco-Emballage tax («Point Vert» or «Green Point» in France is the tax that companies who produce packaging pay to fund a reduction in household packaging at the source).

* Sustainable Office European Association: a European-wide association that brings together school and office supply manufacturers and distributors. **Excerpt from an article in Eco des Pays de Savoie, July 2015.

Everything starts with qualityRooted in Maped’s company culture, customer satisfaction is a constant source of inspiration for pro-duct change. It sparks our curiosity and extends the reach of our know how our expertise. It ensures that we make relevant choices and that quality always remains a focal point.

Products ever more safe and reliableThe quality department is involved in each step of new product development and the manufacturing process, starting with the initial phase of product design and development, to ensure that quality and safety are integrated into the process. 40 people across the company handle quality control on a daily basis.

An unparalleled test laboratoryFilled with machines, many custom made, our internal laboratory allows us to evaluate, to approve, to compare Maped products to the competition, and to verify production consistency.

Continuous improvementThe quality department has adopted a proactive approach to improve product performance, manu-facturing process reliability, and to stay one step ahead of regulatory demands. MAPED participates in several technical committees such as EWIMA (European Writing Instrument Manufacturer’s Asso-ciation) and AFNOR (French Standardization Association) with the goal of sharing best practices in terms of product quality and safety.

Creativity awakens

New products created every year

35

Creativity awakens

Creativity and innovation are fully part of Maped’s DNA! We provide kids with learning and creativity tools that contribute to their development. We observe them in action, and listen to their needs to offer new fea-tures, ergonomic shapes, a pleasant touch, and just what is needed to enjoy new sensations when using our products. We work to continuously improve product appeal and to increase product lifespan. We also allow our distributor clients to personalize their offering.

Research, Development, and Marketing, a 4-pronged department: Research works on mid-term projects, news concepts, and the «technology building blocks» essential for future products (laser nano texturing, shaving-capture system, compass stop system…).

Marketing conducts market and user analyses to determine product specifications, to coordinate specification implementation, and to guarantee our product and commercial competitiveness on the market.

Engineering designs new products based on a logical lifecycle, taking into consideration every step in the manufacturing process: design, prototyping, production launch, and packaging.

The short term team adapts our products to the specific needs of certain markets or partner clients.

The Research, Development, and Marketing department play a visionary role: thinking about what does not yet exist to provide kids with the means to invent and to develop their intelligence… while enhancing brand appeal. The department shares this role with the entire company.

At Maped, creativity and awakening are everyone’s business! We all learn from others, from everyone in the company, as well as from students and communities. We explore new ways to make our products.

Full access to creativity: 3D printing and Fablab. Through 3D printing, Maped will be able to expand its source of inspiration for product innovation. The first 3D printers are in the process of being installed. They are specifi-cally designed to materialize in record time any ideas from open-source platforms (like Thingiverse and Makerbot), as well as from Maped employees, or even our clients… and from kids of course! Maped Fablabs may soon be up and running in France, China, and Mexico, and will be a valuable link between spontaneous creativity and the new product design process.

Co-innovation, sharing ideas…Maped also willingly opens up to creativity beyond its walls in the university world. The company participates in inspiring events, such as the 24hrs of Innovation hosted by ESTIA-Bidart engineering school in 2015, or the Creativity Challenge by the Alès School of Mines in 2016. Maped offers innovation challenges that need to be resolved in 24 or 48hrs. An example? Invent a new circle tracing experience. It goes without saying that our teams rolled up their sleeves right along-side the engineering students. This type of event creates a exiting dynamic that feeds our creativity with new perspectives.

36

*

37

design and template copyrights

400

* And 40 active patents throughout the world

Pencil sharpeners Croc-croc Inno: the rabbit pencil sharpener’s teeth move when sharpening…

Erasers Technic Wings: an eraser with protection case, compact and fun.

Writing Visio Pen: an off-center tip more visible for left-handed people, a soft and non-slip touch, comfortably form-fitting grip

Twin Tip: a 4-color pen with two tips that allow the most dexterous to juggle between colors.

Reload: the quickest and most reliable cartridge reload for ink pens, no leaks or stains.

Innovative products: learning becomes a game

38

39

Maped CreativesMaped offers young kids fun apps to color on a tablet or computer. Léo, the fox explorer, takes kids and their parents on adventures that mix real activities with an interactive experience across 3 different worlds: Jungle Adventures, Snow Adventures, and Ocean Adventures.

Coloring

Jungle Inno: a fun and innovative solution prevent one’s losing a felt pen’s cap.

Desk accessories Flex Box: a flexible pencil container to easily carry all of your pencils.

Flat hole puncher: it stores in a binder.

Twist’n flex: the unbreakable ruler.

Kidy Board: the erasable board with themed sheets to learn to read and write.

www.maped.comMaped SAS: BP 14 - 74371 PRINGY Cedex - FRANCE - Tel: +33 (0)4 50 27 26 85

Rep

ort

edite

d a

nd d

esig

ned

by

Cor

rel -

Cop

ywrit

ing:

Lut

x -

Gra

phi

c D

esig

n: L

ydia

ne F

erre

ri -

Pho

to c

red

its: 2

L s

tud

io, G

etty

imag

es, I

stoc

k, M

aped

, Pas

cal L

eroy

, Oliv

ier

Rou

ssea

u

We Kidsare