The DBA 98 Pen is the only 98% biodegradable pen in the
world. It’s also the only pen to use ink composed of simple,
environmentally responsible ingredients. Produced at a wind-
powered facility in the United States, it was designed as a
responsible alternative to the wasteful and often toxic pens we
use almost every day. And with its straightforward design and
rollerball tip, the DBA Pen looks good and writes well, too.

Most pens are made from a mixture of different materials,
including steel, polypropylene, nylon, polyester and a number
of chemicals. Because of this complex recipe, they are not
usually accepted for recycling. Additionally, most pen inks are
oil-based and often contain potentially dangerous biocides that
can be harmful to both humans and the environment.

The DBA Pen body is composed of an innovative new bio-
plastic made from sustainable crop material. Inside the Pen,
our ink reservoir is made from a renewable, biodegradable
fiber and uses a custom-formulated ink that meets the highest
safety standards for human and environmental toxicity.
 

Most pens are made in conventional low-efficiency factories
that contribute to higher levels of environmental pollution.
Unfortunately, many companies do not reveal their factories'
environmental policies to the public and are often located in
countries with poor regulation standards.

DBA has partnered with Harbec, one of the most ecologically
sustainable factories in the United States. Powered by an
on-site wind turbine and equipped with the most energy effi-
cient machines available, the factory exceeds the ISO 14001
environmental management standard. Harbec also uses a full
fleet of hybrid and zero-emission vehicles and innovative rain
water-assisted cooling systems.

Conventional pens are most often sold in "blister packs" —
these are cardboard sheets with PVC bubbles glued on to
hold the pens in place. Unfortunately, PVC is made with
chlorine and dangerous heavy metals, and none of this can
be recycled.

The DBA packaging is composed of 100% recycled content,
FSC certified paper, printed with vegetable-based inks and is
100% recyclable.

Many conventional inks contain toxic dyes and preservatives
that can be dangerous to both humans and the environment.
Unfortunately, no other pen manufacturers currently list
their ink ingredients so it is difficult for consumers to know
which are safe. DBA hopes to change this practice by
introducing ingredient lists on our packaging so that buyers
can be completely aware of every single component.

The DBA Pen contains a carefully formulated, ACMI certified
non-toxic ink, which is composed of FDA-approved dyes, and
ingredients used in the manufacture of food and cosmetic
products. The ink is safe for both humans and for the environ-
ment.

Most pens end up in landfills where they can leak toxic ink
residue into the soil and water, while the plastic housing will
remain intact for thousands of years.

The DBA Pen is 98% biodegradable and has been designed
to decompose in a compost facility within 180 days, leaving
behind no trace whatsoever. The remaining nib constitutes
only 2% of the Pen's weight and must be disposed of as
garbage.

The packaging of the DBA 98 Pen is as innovative as the pen itself. The carton is composed of 100% recycled content, FSC certified paper, printed with vegetable-based inks and unlike standard pen 'blister packs' contains no PVC, making it 100% recyclable. The slim triangular form of the 98 Pen 3-pack tessellates for efficient packing, effectively reducing carbon emissions from transportation.

• Forest Stewardship Council certified
• Certified Ancient Forest Friendly
• Produced using renewable energy
• Paper sourced and printed in the USA
• Processed chlorine free
• Printed with vegetable-based inks
• Made from 100% post-consumer recycled fiber

DBA has partnered with Harbec, one of the most
environmentally sustainable factories in the United States.
Powered by an on-site wind turbine, an energy efficient
Combined Heat and Power microturbine generation plant, and
an innovative geothermal-assisted cooling system, they are
well on their way to being a Carbon Neutral manufacturer.
They are also equipped with the most energy efficient
machines available, and their factory exceeds the ISO 14001
environmental management standard. Harbec’s green fleet
includes hybrid, alternative fuel and zero-emission vehicles.