Who Owns Expo?

Expo operates under Newell Brands' corporate sustainability framework. Newell's 2024 Corporate Citizenship Report provides the most recent verified data on environmental performance.

Sustainable Packaging: Newell Brands reported that 93% of plastic packaging by weight across all products was EPS-free and 86% was PVC-free. Additionally, 84% of all product packaging company-wide is paper-based, reflecting a shift toward recyclable materials.

Emissions Reduction: Newell has achieved a 37% cumulative reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions at its global manufacturing sites. Approximately 14.3% of global manufacturing electricity comes from renewable energy sources. These improvements apply to Expo's production facilities.

Responsible Sourcing: Newell Brands maintains a responsible sourcing program that addresses supply chain ethics, environmental compliance, and social responsibility. The company requires suppliers to meet ethical standards and environmental regulations.

Product Safety and Chemical Management: Expo markers are subject to Newell's product safety protocols and comply with regulatory requirements for office and school supplies. The company adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and industry guidelines for chemical safety in writing instruments.

Workplace Safety: Newell's global manufacturing sites achieved a recordable incident rate of 0.50, and the company reports 100% completion of annual Code of Conduct training among employees.

Expo has maintained its position as America's leading dry erase marker brand through decades of product quality and market leadership.

Educator Recognition: Expo markers are consistently recommended by teachers and educational supply reviewers as the top dry erase marker for classroom use. The brand's reliable erasability, color range, and availability in multiple tip styles make it a staple in classrooms.

Market Leadership: Expo holds the leading market position in dry erase markers in the United States. Industry analyses and market research reports consistently identify Expo as the category leader in both sales volume and brand recognition.

Product Innovation: The 2025 vibrant ink technology rollout and the 2026 return of the yellow marker represent significant R&D achievements. The four-year ink reformulation project solved a chemistry problem that had kept yellow off shelves for nearly two decades, requiring the team to double color boldness without sacrificing erasability.

Cultural Impact: The yellow marker relaunch generated significant consumer engagement, including viral requests from educators on TikTok and direct appeals from factory workers to Newell leadership. The campaign drew on pop culture associations with the color yellow, including the Savannah Bananas and classic cartoon characters.

Expo has not been subject to major product recalls. The brand has faced scrutiny over chemical content in its markers.

Chemical Content Concerns: In 2018, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) tested school supplies for toxic chemicals and found that Expo scented dry erase markers contained detectable levels of volatile solvents including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. These petroleum-based compounds are associated with potential health concerns, particularly for children and individuals with chemical sensitivities.

Indoor Air Quality: The USPIRG findings raised concerns among parents, educators, and health advocacy groups about the safety of using solvent-based markers in enclosed classroom spaces. The report prompted discussions about indoor air quality in educational settings and safer alternatives for classroom use.

Industry-Wide Issue: The chemical concerns are not unique to Expo. Many competing dry erase marker brands use similar solvent-based formulations. Expo's market leadership position made it a focal point for advocacy groups seeking safer school supplies.

Regulatory Compliance: Expo markers meet current regulatory requirements for office and school supplies. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has not issued recalls for Expo markers based on chemical content. The products comply with existing safety standards for writing instruments in the United States and other markets.

Company Response: Newell Brands has developed low-odor formulations for some Expo products and continues to evaluate product formulations. The company states that its products are safe when used as intended and comply with all applicable regulations.