After more than three years of research, HBF, an industrial group from Ariège (Mazères) distributor of electrical solutions and equipment, is launching a new range of wall-mounted power strips made from bioplastics.
Reduce the use of carbon plastic
These products are composed of 20% wheat straw from the recovery of agricultural residues and 40% post-consumer recycled plastics. A first on the market. The use of these biomaterials makes it possible to reduce the use of plastic from the carbon industry by 60%.
“We have a firm desire to bring more responsible and sustainable products to the market. As part of this launch, our teams investigated several types of raw materials, ensuring that these bioproducts were sourced as close as possible to the production lines, to limit the carbon footprint.”explains Florent Fochesato, general director of the HBF group.
Marketed under the Zenitech brand from 2.90 euros, the power strips are sold at an average of 50 cents more than standard plastic ranges, representing a price premium of around 15%.
A pioneer in the eco-design of electrical products, the group founded in 1996 is committed to a responsible R&D approach and works in three directions: the reduction of plastic materials from the oil industry, the use of recycled plastics and the employment alternative materials to standard plastic. “In 2020, we set ourselves the goal of removing 100% of plastic from our packaging. Four years later, it’s done”welcomes Jean Chauve, marketing director.
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Two buyouts
Today, HBF continues its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its activities. The company is working on the gradual relocation of some of its production lines in Europe and North Africa. With this in mind, the group has just announced, on November 15, the integration of the French companies Orium (Nantes), specialist in energy storage solutions and measurement equipment, and Watt&Co (Avignon), designer of accessories. in the world of charging, energy and mobility.
In a difficult market context dominated by large manufacturers such as Schneider Electric or Legrand, these external growth operations guarantee the continuity and sustainability of the activities of the two companies while consolidating HBF's teams and skills.
“The integrations of Orium and Watt&Co allow us to strengthen our positions in strategic and emerging market segments, such as energy management, climate transition and demographic shock. They bring to the group part of the growth in turnover expected in the coming years,” explains Florent Fochesato.
With 220 employees and a turnover of 100 million euros for the 2024 financial year, the group is targeting 150 million within six years.
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