STAEDTLER's history -
idea incubators for centuries
The Mars’ head has a long tradition at STAEDTLER, although its appearance has changed over time. Today, the blue Mars head is not only STAEDTLER’s logo and trademark, but also a symbol of inventiveness, creativity and inspiration. Above all, it stands for the courage to make ideas a reality. Friedrich Staedtler and his great-great-grandson, our founder Johann Sebastian Staedtler, revolutionised the manufacturing of pencils and coloured pencils, back in the 17th and 19th centuries.
A pencil producer rewrites history
Friedrich Staedtler manufactured and sold wood-cased pencils in the second half of the 17th century. The special thing about it? He produced both the lead and its sheathing. He started his own pencil-making business in Nuremberg. Friedrich Staedtler is now regarded as the first German pencil maker to be mentioned in writing.
Friedrich Staedtler
The invention of the coloured pencil
Johann Sebastian Staedtler, the great-grandson of Friedrich Staedtler, had already begun manufacturing a new type of pencil in 1834. He succeeded in improving the standard red chalk pencil so that it “can be sharpened to the finest point straight away”, enabled fine line thicknesses, and adhered better to paper. Through his innovation, Johann Sebastian Staedtler went down in history not only as a pencil manufacturer, but also as the inventor of the wood-cased coloured pencil based on oil and chalk. In 1835, Johann Sebastian Staedtler laid the foundation for the STAEDTLER Group today.
Johann Sebastian Staedtler
Nuremberg Ideas Hub
Ideas that become everyday companions
In the middle of the 19th century, having a coloured pencil at home was still a phenomenon. Today, it has become a loyal companion that inspires people of all ages and at every stage of life. STAEDTLER now offers a wide product range that constantly focuses on new ideas. STAEDTLER also produces “Made from Upcycled Wood” coloured pencils from even the smallest wood residues. Some classic pencils have acquired cult status over the years, such as the Mars Lumograph pencil, the Noris pencil and the Lumocolor markers. Ideas become products. A few STAEDTLER milestones:
Classic Mars blue:
STAEDTLER registers the “Mars” brand in winter – the beginning of an era.
World-renowned branding:
the Noris pencil gets its iconic striped pattern in yellow and black.
A real everyday hero:
the first Lumocolor rotating pencil, incl. lead, is added to the product range.
All white:
the new Mars plastic eraser removes unwanted strokes in no time.
For extra fine and precise lines:
the Marsgraphic pigmentliner 308 conquers the market.
Even softer:
FIMO soft is the new modelling clay for both children and creative souls.
The beginning of something big:
the ergonomic triplus triangular pen is presented.
A new home:
the STAEDTLER box, a packaging innovation, puts the product in the spotlight.
Future proof:
the first Wopex pencils are produced in a new manufacturing process.
Ideas made from FIMO
Our idea generators
Ideas for the future
The future needs good ideas. And STAEDTLER is constantly coming up with them. Whether it's Dry SAFE technology, sustainable packaging or pencils made from Upcycled Wood... We create ideas that make our products more sustainable, efficient and durable.