PB Swiss Tools uses #tide's ocean-bound plastic for its iconic screwdrivers

After 24 years of SwissGrip success, PB Swiss Tools is unveiling the next stage of evolution: the SwissGrip Evo. In close collaboration with #tide®, the Swiss heritage company has, for the first time, incorporated ocean-bound plastic into its iconic screwdrivers—exceeding expectations in the process.

A new era for a proven classic

For more than two decades, the SwissGrip has been recognized as one of the best screwdriver handles on the global market. Yet even top products gather valuable lessons over the years. With the Evo, PB Swiss Tools has refined the grip of its classic model even further:

• Higher resistance to dirt—even in demanding workshop environments

• Improved chemical resistance

• Increased torque for more power transfer

• Enhanced grip thanks to a targeted material combination and improved ergonomics

Triple strength: precision 3K design

The SwissGrip Evo is a so-called 3K handle—made of three carefully selected material components:

1. Inner core – now made of #tide ocean material®, recycled polypropylene collected in coastal regions

2. Second component – particularly impact-resistant polyamide, partly recycled as well

3. Outer shell – providing maximum durability

This construction enables PB Swiss Tools to fine-tune the properties of each zone to meet the needs of professional users with absolute precision.

Recycled material that delivers more

When it comes to the core of a premium quality tool, skepticism toward recycled materials is common. But in PB Swiss Tools’ internal tests, #tide ocean material® delivered impressive results:

• At least equivalent in mechanical stress tests

• In some cases, even higher torque values than conventional virgin material

• High impact strength without compromise

“We didn’t want to use recycled material just for marketing reasons—it had to perform as well as new material. To our own surprise and delight, the #tide material actually performed even better.”
– Marc Zingg, Product Developer, PB Swiss Tools

Sustainability as a strategic pillar

Since July 2025, the SwissGrip Evo has been shipping—not only in Switzerland but worldwide. Already in the first production wave, more than 160,000 screwdrivers were manufactured, each with #tide ocean material® at its core. “We are very proud to supply a heritage company that ranks among global innovators", states Marc Krebs from #tide®. It’s pioneers like PB Swiss Tools who prove that our recyclates can be used in precision instruments without any loss of quality.”

It’s pioneers like PB Swiss Tools who prove that our recyclates can be used in precision instruments without any loss of quality.”
– Marc Krebs, Co-Founder, Tide Ocean SA

The switch to #tide recycled plastic marks the second collaboration between the two companies. A year ago, PB Swiss Tools launched their BitBlocks—the small holders for screwdriver bits—made of recycled polypropylene from #tide®. According to Marc Zingg, the partnership has triggered more than just a material shift: “Sustainability is now firmly anchored in our product development—from packaging to material innovations. And all this without sacrificing quality—in fact, we’re even achieving better performance.”

“We were ourselves surprised that the recyclate outperformed our previous polypropylene in some respects—better even than virgin material.”
– Marc Zingg, Head of Innovation & Quality

More than an update

The SwissGrip Evo is more than just a product upgrade. It is proof that top-tier Swiss toolmaking and sustainable material innovation can go hand in hand. Together, PB Swiss Tools and #tide® demonstrate how tradition and environmental responsibility can be combined—without compromise on performance or durability.