Pelikan Malkasten (Paint Box)

The Pelikan Malkasten is an iconic German school staple, most famous in its 'K12' and 'Space+' formats. Originally founded in Hanover in 1838 by Carl Hornemann, Pelikan became a pioneer in the mass production of high-quality artist and school paints. Their opaque watercolor boxes became the pedagogical standard in German schools thanks to their rich pigments and hollowed-out paint pans designed to be easily replaceable.

In late 2023, a significant shift in ownership occurred when the French stationery giant Hamelin acquired the Pelikan Group from its previous Malaysian owners. This acquisition placed the heritage brand under European leadership once more. While Pelikan maintains historical production facilities in Germany (specifically in Peine-Vöhrum), its modern supply chain also utilizes facilities in other regions to serve global markets.