Manufacture in France, but sell at the same price as if we subcontracted in Asia. This is the promise of the designer and distributor of telephone accessories Innov8, whose headquarters is based in Asnières-sur-Seine (Hauts-de-Seine) and the logistics warehouse in Décines-Charpieu (Rhône). In December 2024, the company with 200 employees launched on the market a universal smartphone charger made in France, with 30W fast charging and sold at a price of 29.90 euros. For now, it is sold in some 600 Relay boutiques in French stations.
A carbon footprint reduced by 80%
The result of a collaboration initiated two years ago with the French chemist Arkema to develop a 100% biosourced material, designed from castor oil, intended for electronics. Arkema started with its polyamide 11 from the Rilsan brand, already used for shoe soles or eyeglass frames, adapted for use in electronics. Enough to create the BIOOFnix material, used in the charger: a biosourced polymer whose carbon footprint is 80% lower than that of polyamides of fossil origin, according to Arkema.
For plastic injection, Innov8 has formed a partnership with the company Data Plastique, based in Oise. The final assembly is entrusted to an establishment and work support service (Ésat) based in Annecy (Haute-Savoie). French manufacturing which allowed Innov8 to obtain French Origin certification from Afnor.
However, relocating the production of accessories currently imported from Asia is not always easy. “It has been twenty years since French plastics manufacturers had last worked on this type of product, for which it is a real challenge. confirms Stéphane Bohbot, founder of Innov8, who says he has established a “true partnership” with its suppliers, “in order to take into account their industrial issues».
-Another major issue is the price of the material, around 50% higher than that of plastic made in Asia according to the entrepreneur, who is already on his third company. The Lyonnais ensures that it is catching up on transport savings and productivity. “We have innovated in assembly by avoiding cable soldering, which allows us to save time in manufacturing and facilitate product recycling.», assures the founder of Innov8, who invested 500,000 euros in equity in the project.
PC chargers and headsets in sight
Behind this innovation is Stéphane Bohbot's desire to develop his company, created in 2012 and which achieved a turnover of 240 million euros in 2024. Specializing in distribution to major French electronics brands of connected products sourced in Asia, Innov8 is also the French partner of the world leader in drone manufacturing, the Chinese DJI.
In 2015, Stéphane Bohbot bought the electronic accessories design company Muvit, before deciding, in 2019, to relocate a small part of his activity to France. It can boast of a first successful bet, with its made in France MagSafe phone case, made from “100% recycled and 100% recyclable” material, already produced in one million copies. Made in France, it is sold for 19.90 euros. The CEO, who wishes to continue his relocation effort, says he is looking at PC chargers, headsets and even headsets.
