Innov8, a mobile phone accessory company based in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, has launched a groundbreaking smartphone charger made from coconut oil-based bioplastic, developed in collaboration with chemical giant Arkema. This innovative charger, now available in Relay boutiques across French train stations, boasts an impressive 80% reduction in carbon footprint compared to customary petrochemical plastic chargers, while maintaining the same heat resistance and compact design. Stéphane Bohbot, the CEO of Innov8, emphasizes that this eco-friendly charger is a significant advancement in sustainable technology, marking a new era for mobile accessories.
Interview with Stéphane Bohbot,CEO of Innov8: A New Era in Sustainable Mobile Accessories
Editor: Stéphane,thank you for joining us today.Your new smartphone charger made from coconut oil-based bioplastic represents a notable shift in mobile accessory technology. Could you elaborate on what inspired Innov8 to pursue this innovative material?
Stéphane Bohbot: Thank you for having me.At Innov8, we firmly believe in the potential of sustainability in technology. The inspiration came from recognizing the environmental impact of traditional chargers, which are typically made from petrochemical plastics. By collaborating with Arkema, a leader in sustainable materials, we set out to create a charger that not only reduces carbon emissions by an impressive 80% but also performs effectively without compromising on quality or design.
Editor: That’s remarkable! This eco-amiable charger is now available in Relay boutiques across French train stations. What implications do you see this having on consumer behavior and the broader technology market?
stéphane bohbot: This launch marks a step towards mainstream acceptance of sustainable products. By making it accessible in high-traffic areas like train stations,we’re reaching consumers who may not actively seek out eco-friendly options. We expect this to influence purchasing decisions, encouraging consumers to choose sustainable accessories over conventional ones. As awareness grows, we anticipate that other tech companies will follow our lead, fostering a more environmentally conscious technology market overall.
Editor: You mentioned the charger maintains the same heat resistance and compact design as traditional models. How did you ensure that consumers would not sacrifice performance for sustainability?
Stéphane Bohbot: That was a key focus for our development team.We conducted extensive testing to ensure that our coconut oil-based bioplastic could withstand the same conditions as conventional materials. the result is a product that not only meets the performance standards expected from mobile accessories but also aligns with our vision for sustainability. We wanted to show that eco-friendly options can indeed deliver on performance, closing the gap between what consumers expect and what sustainability can offer.
editor: What practical advice would you give to consumers looking to make more sustainable choices in their tech accessories?
Stéphane Bohbot: I would encourage consumers to be mindful of the materials used in the products they purchase. Look for certifications that indicate sustainable sourcing and recycling potential. Additionally, consider the product’s entire life cycle—choosing items that are built to last and can be effectively reused or recycled helps in reducing waste.Investing in products that embrace innovation,like our bioplastic charger,ultimately contributes to a larger movement towards sustainability in technology.
Editor: Thank you, Stéphane, for sharing these insights. It sounds like Innov8 is paving the way for a more sustainable future in mobile accessories.
Stéphane Bohbot: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for the industry,and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this change. We believe that by prioritizing sustainability in technology, we can make a positive impact on our habitat while continuing to meet consumer needs.