Tik Tech: We tested the "organic" accessories for Xoopar's smartphone - 20 Minutes

  • The Xoopar brand launched on March 1 a series of accessories for smartphones advertised as "eco-responsible": computer mouse, booster battery, Bluetooth speaker and charging cable.
  • Including in particular up to 20% of amalgamated wheat in their composition, some of these products prefigure a new policy of the manufacturer who wants to reduce the use of plastic.
  • If we regret that the use of the word "organic" is part of Xoopar's communication, its overall approach is encouraging.

"Beautiful and organic for your readers"! The latest press release from high-tech accessories firm Xoopar put us in the ear. The Franco-Hong Kong company founded in 2008 announces the release on March 1 of new products incorporating "biodegradable plastic and eco-friendly materials". Or a wireless mouse, a powerbank and its adapters, a power strip for smartphones, as well as a Bluetooth speaker.

First reflex: suspect the greenwashing operation, an exercise that many manufacturers have engaged in recent years. During the Kyoto Protocol in 2005, most brands were suddenly dressed in green ... Second reflex: ask for the loan of products that reach us within 24 hours in a beautiful cardboard packaging. The whole looks great and we can already see that the shells of the different accessories have a speckled, even slightly grainy finish, testifying to the use of unusual materials. Third reflex: call the director.

20% less plastic, 30% targeted

In fact, it is Olivier Vernet, the manager of Xoopar, who accepts to answer our questions. "We tend to produce eco-responsible products, but if we say" biodegradable ", this is false", immediately reassures Olivier Vernet. Xoopar's approach is therefore to reduce its consumption of plastic, but "we don't have the ideal recipe," says Olivier Vernet.

Thus, the small Bluetooth Mini Xboy Eco speaker (sold for 29.90 euros) sees the composition of its hull incorporate 20% of amalgamated wheat fibers. It's always 20% less plastic. Last year, its big sister with the 100% plastic shell had been sold for 400,000 pieces in Europe. “Technically, we cannot go beyond this 20% yet, the molds do not resist. But we hope to reach 30% wheat fiber by May, "said the manager of Xoopar.

The small Xboy speaker is 100% recycled according to Xoopar. - XOOPAR

Of course, this enclosure will not end its career in the composter at the bottom of the garden. At the end of its life, it will have to follow the classic path of electronic waste (WEEE): be deposited in a recycling center to be dismantled, recycled, and have its materials recovered. "The product unclips and is 100% recyclable," says Olivier Vernet. For their part, the shells of the Powerbank (24.90 euros) and the wireless mouse (29.90 euros) also incorporate 20% amalgamated wheat. However, the Powerbank cable (11.90 euros, sold alone) is compostable. Well almost. "It is made with Tyvek, a biodegradable material over 5 years in an industrial composter", decrypts the manager of Xoopar. Electronic parts and connectors will remain waste.

Organic is too much

So, "beautiful and organic" Xoopar accessories? As for the "beautiful", we will leave that to the free appreciation of each. Tastes and colors… As for the use of the word "organic", also used in the name "Powerpack Bio" of Powerbank, or that of its cable "Mr Bio", impossible not to deplore it.

The organic Powerpack whose shell contains 20% wheat. - XOOPAR

The misuse of the three small letters carrying so many values ​​should be absolutely prohibited and remains de facto unnatural with everything related to tech.

No reverse

Although Xoopar's approach smacks of up-to-date marketing operations, we can only encourage the brand in its desire to change the situation. As much as possible ... In 2019, its collection of accessories consisted of 70 references; there will be only 28 products this year. And all done in a more responsible way. In addition, if they remain made in China, these accessories are now shipped to Europe by boat and no longer by plane.

The Buddy Cable to charge your smartphone. - XOOPAR

And their packaging is now 100% cardboard, without plastic window. "We will not back down," promises the manager of Xoopar. Chick? We will verify it. In the meantime, the brand already has a new hot iron: bulk sales. For Olivier Vernet, "it will be a challenge: finding a distributor who will be ready to play the game".

  • smartphone
  • Video
  • High-Tech
  • Organic