Who would have thought that one day our ordinary power strips would become ambassadors for the green revolution? Zenitech has taken up this daring challenge with its Natura range, the first collection of bioplastic wall sockets to be manufactured in France. And what a success!
In a world where the urgency of climate change no longer needs to be demonstrated, every little gesture counts. But sometimes, ecological alternatives leave a bitter taste in terms of quality or aesthetics. With Natura, Zenitech has turned these preconceived ideas on their head, offering power strips that are as elegant as they are efficient, while drastically reducing their environmental impact.
What's most remarkable? These power strips are made from 80% bio-sourced materials, mainly sugarcane residues, without the slightest compromise on safety or durability. It's a technical feat that deserves a closer look, all the more so as the price remains perfectly manageable for a product of this quality.
The HBF group and the Zenitech brand: a French success story
The HBF group, a fine French entrepreneurial adventure, began in 1996 when Henri Forest and Jean-Pierre Fichepain founded Inotech. The company, initially specialized in the distribution of electrical equipment, rapidly evolved into a major player in the sector.
In 2000, the Zenitech brand was born, its name derived from the fusion of the words “zenith” (in reference to light) and “Inotech”. A name that perfectly reflects the company's ambitions in lighting, its primary sector of activity.
Over the years, Zenitech has established itself as a key brand in the world of renovation, with a catalog that has expanded considerably to cover electrical, lighting and home automation.
Innovation is part of the company's DNA, as evidenced by its many market firsts: NF ceramic fuses in 2002, innovative programmers in 2003, and the filing of a patent for an automatic winding system in 2013.
Today, under the leadership of Florent Fochesato, the group is pursuing its growth with a clear vision: to offer accessible, value-for-money products, while placing sustainable innovation at the heart of its strategy. This approach is reflected in a commitment to progressive relocation, illustrated by the launch in 2022 of the first products manufactured in Ariège, in partnership with Qapi France 09.
The Natura range: a remarkable technical innovation
The fruit of three years of research and development has enabled Zenitech to create a revolutionary range of power strips, combining technical innovation and respect for the environment. The new Natura collection represents a major breakthrough in the electrical equipment sector.
The secret of this innovation lies in its unique composition: a bioplastic blend of 20% wheat straw from agricultural residues and 40% post-consumer recycled plastic. This formulation makes it possible to reduce the use of plastics from the oil industry by 60%, without compromising product quality or safety.
To further limit environmental impact, Zenitech has made the judicious choice of sourcing raw materials as close as possible to the production sites.
The range comprises two main models: wall-mounted biplites and triplites, available in three natural colors – beige, taupe and black. These organic hues have been specially chosen to blend harmoniously into any interior.
What's most remarkable about this innovation is that Zenitech has managed to maintain affordable prices despite the use of more environmentally-friendly materials. The difference in price is only 50 cents on average compared with standard models, i.e. around 15% more. A feat that demonstrates that innovation and affordability can go hand in hand!
Design and technical features: innovation in the service of aesthetics
When we think of power strips, we rarely think of aesthetics. But Zenitech has risen to the challenge by creating a range that combines functionality and sleek design. Natura power strips come in three natural colors – beige, taupe and black – to blend naturally into any interior.
The design has been thought through down to the last detail, with clean lines and a matte finish that gives the product a premium look. The sockets are perfectly spaced to facilitate the simultaneous connection of several appliances, even with bulky transformers.
These power strips make no compromise on technical quality. Each model, whether biplite or triplite, supports 16A and a maximum power rating of 3500W. Safety is no less important, with built-in child protection and compliance with CE and NF standards.
One of Zenitech's tricks of the trade is to have succeeded in offering this innovation at an affordable price. With an additional cost limited to around 15% compared with standard models, the Natura range remains competitive despite the use of bio-sourced materials.
Environmental impact: a global, coherent approach
Zenitech's ecological approach with its Natura range is not limited to the use of bioplastics. The company has adopted a global approach that covers the entire product life cycle.
The composition of Natura power strips enables a 60% reduction in the use of plastics derived from the petroleum industry. This feat is made possible by an innovative blend of 20% wheat straw and 40% post-consumer recycled plastics.
The choice of raw materials has been carefully considered. The wheat straw used comes from agricultural residues collected close to the production sites. This approach not only recycles agricultural waste, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport.
Packaging has not been forgotten in this ecological approach. Zenitech has opted for minimalist packaging made from FSC-certified paper, guaranteeing sustainable forest management. The total absence of plastic in the packaging bears witness to this desire for environmental consistency.
This initiative is part of a wider strategy for the HBF group, which has joined the United Nations Global Compact program. The company has also embarked on a carbon audit to establish a roadmap to 2030, aimed at reducing the overall environmental footprint of its activities.
Future prospects: towards greener electricity
The success of the Natura range is just the first step in Zenitech's sustainable development strategy. The company has already announced its intention to extend the use of bioplastics to other products in its catalog, proving that this innovation is not just a trial run.
The company's long-term vision is clear: to gradually transform its entire production process towards more environmentally-friendly solutions. A major challenge, given that the electrical equipment sector is traditionally highly dependent on conventional plastic materials.
The HBF Group, Zenitech's parent company, is investing heavily in research and development to explore new avenues of innovation. Studies are underway to develop even more efficient and environmentally-friendly materials, with the aim of keeping prices accessible to as many people as possible.
The relocation of production is also a key concern for the future. Following the success of our collaboration with Qapi France 09 in Ariège, other local production projects are under consideration. This strategy not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport, but also creates local jobs and maintains industrial know-how in France.
The company is also working on optimizing its supply chain, with the ambitious goal of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. This commitment involves modernizing production tools, using renewable energies and training teams in environmental issues.
This vision of the future goes hand in hand with a broader reflection on the role of the electrical industry in the ecological transition. Zenitech aims to become a major player in this transformation, proving that it is possible to reconcile technical innovation, respect for the environment and economic accessibility.
Conclusion: a green revolution in our electrical outlets
Zenitech's Natura range represents much more than a simple product innovation: it is concrete proof that another approach is possible in the electrical equipment sector. By offering power strips combining bio-sourced materials, meticulous design and controlled prices, the French company demonstrates that the ecological transition can be achieved without compromising on quality or accessibility.
This initiative marks a turning point in the electrical industry, traditionally reluctant to embrace environmental innovations. Natura's success could well inspire other manufacturers to follow suit, creating a virtuous ripple effect throughout the sector.
But beyond the technical and environmental aspects, perhaps the real revolution lies in our relationship with everyday objects. These power strips remind us that every little gesture counts in the fight against climate change, even the most insignificant (and frankly, who would have thought that a simple power strip could become a symbol of ecological commitment?)
Time will tell whether this French innovation will inspire other market players. In the meantime, Zenitech proves that it is possible to combine innovation, ecology and local production, paving the way for a new generation of electrical equipment that is more respectful of our planet.
These power strips are available in DIY stores from €2.90 to €3.50.
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