Pilot Corporation of Europe wins prestigious European Office Products Award

Pilot Corporation of Europe was one of the winners of the 21st European Office Products Awards (EOPA) which were announced during a presentation dinner at the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam on 22 March 2022.

After a one-year virtual break, the annual EOPA were once again presented as part of OPI’s Partnership event – which this year for the eighth time brought together senior executives from Europe’s reseller and vendor communities for strategic one-to-one meetings.

The EOPA 2022 presentation dinner was attended by leading industry figures from across Europe. It was a joyful evening of celebration that highlighted great products, initiatives, companies and individuals from the business supplies industry. It was also a wonderful opportunity to get together in person again and raise a toast to all that is innovative, progressive and resilient in our sector.

Pilot won the Sustainability Excellence award in recognition of its 360-degree approach to this hugely important topic. The manufacturer continues to deliver on its comprehensive strategy that includes the full spectrum of sustainability issues. Pilot’s commitment in this area started back in 2006 with the launch of BEGREEN – the world’s first range of pens made from more than 70% recycled plastic. The EOPA judges were impressed with how, since then, Pilot has constantly strived to do better. The vendor has gone well beyond mere best practice, in the process reducing the ecological impact of its production while preserving high standards of quality and innovation.

Commenting on this year’s EOPA, OPI CEO Steve Hilleard, who is also the Chairman of the EOPA judging panel, said: “For the 21st time this year, leaders from the European business supplies sector came together to reward the very best of what our industry has to offer. With our milestone 20th EOPA last year having been a  downsized, virtual event, I’m even more pleased to be back here at the Okura in Amsterdam to celebrate innovative products, inspiring campaigns and initiatives, and outstanding companies and individuals in ten EOPA categories.

“The EOPA are always a great reflection of what’s going in our sector and this year is certainly no different. Whether it’s rising to end customers’ new product expectations ­– air treatment solutions and a renewed focus on sustainability spring to mind – or their evolving purchasing patterns that influence routes to market, the EOPA judging panel was impressed both with the versatility as well as the resilience of all channel operators involved in the process. So was I, and I’m immensely proud to be a part of this industry and its community.”