Pelikan

Pelikan, from the beginning

Pelikan Brand vision is the following: to create equal opportunity to learn and to grow for everyone.

In more than 180 years of existence, this vision has been the driving force of the brand, always seeking to design and produce products that help people in their daily activities.

From the beginning, we have been present in the lives of human beings, helping and teaching them to develop their motor skills and creativity, regardless of the field in which they do it. Pelikan is for the consumer the equivalent of “my first painting”, “my first text”, “my first mouldable figure”, “my first creation”,… In short, MY FIRST EXPRESSION!.

Our products and solutions are designed for parents seeking to improve their children’s education and skills, for adults seeking to express themselves in their personal and professional lives, and for young people seeking to express themselves with their peers.

Over 185 years of existence

3,000+ products for learning and expression

4 production plants in the world

More than 100 countries trust in the quality of our products.

Our values

We care for
our heritage

We care for
our products

We care for
our people

We care for
learning and education process

We care for
our planet

Our logo evolution

Our history

1838

Chemist Carl Hornemann founded the color and ink factory in Hannover, Germany. The first price list appears on April 28, 1838, which is the founding day of Pelikan.

1873

Implementation of the first logo based on the coat of arms of Günther Wagner's family.

1878

Registration of the Pelikan trademark.

1898

First poster competition. Nearly 500 designs were received and 200 were presented in Hannover, Berlin, Vienna and Zurich.

1906

Production plant in Hannover. Today it is a historic site where the brand's museum is located.

1931

The first opaque watercolor is launched for the school market, for use with children.

1960

Launch of the Pelikano fountain pen, designed in conjunction with teachers and engineers at the German plant.

1972

Launch of the first ink corrector, named Super Pirat in 1976.

1973

Inauguration of the production plant located in Peine (30 km from Hannover).

2008

Launch of the griffix product line. Innovative system for learning to write.

2011

Launch of Edelstein ink of the highest quality for use in fountain pens. After this launch, a special color chosen by Pelikan fans is launched every year.

2014

Pelikan Group bought the company Herlitz, adding the Herlitz and Susy Card to its product portfolio.

2021

Definition of the new Pelikan brand vision, mission and values.

2023

Launch of the Ineo ballpoint pen, winner of the iF Design Award and Reddot Design Award.