Powering Responsibility: Steffen Launches First Power Strip Made From Ocean-Bound Plastic

It’s the things we use every day that shape our lives: a smartphone we touch a hundred times, a keyring that opens our doors, or a power strip that keeps our homes and workplaces connected to energy.

Often it’s these seemingly simple helpers that can make the biggest difference – when reimagined. That’s exactly what A. Steffen AG demonstrates today: the Swiss heritage company has launched the first multi-socket power strip made from ocean-bound plastic. Its casing is produced with #tide ocean material®, a high-quality recycled polypropylenecollected in Southeast Asia and transformed into durable recycled plastic.

With this innovation, Steffen takes a bold step towards the circular economy, proving that responsibility starts in the everyday – right at the socket.

A heritage brand embracing responsible electronics

For over 60 years, A. Steffen AG in Spreitenbach has stood for reliability and Swiss Quality. In Switzerland, anyone holding a power strip or extension cable likely knows the brand: robust, durable, functional.

But even market leaders must evolve. Resources are becoming scarcer, consumers more conscious, and regulations stricter. For Steffen, the future clearly belongs to products that combine responsibility with Swiss engineering excellence.

That’s why the partnership with #tide® is a natural fit. With Swiss technology and know-how, #tide® tackles a global problem: plastic waste polluting our oceans. Together with local partners, plastic is collected in coastal regions, sorted, cleaned, and mechanically upcycled into high-grade granules that rival virgin plastic. Steffen processes this recycled plastic into a power strip that meets the highest safety and quality standards.

The result: an everyday product that doesn’t just distribute power reliably but also carries a strong message – plastic doesn’t belong in the ocean, but in long-lasting products.

With this launch, A. Steffen AG positions itself as a pioneer of responsible electronics in Switzerland. It shows that responsibility and innovation can go hand in hand.

Functionality with smart details

The new power strip made from recycled polypropylene impresses not only with its responsible casing but also with practical design features:

• Integrated magnets: Two strong magnets on the back allow the strip – available with 4, 6, or 8 outlets – to be easily attached to metal surfaces, from office table legs to garage workbenches. No more cable clutter or loose strips on the floor.

• On/off switch: Resettable switch with overload protection.

• Swiss three-pole standard (Type 12/13): Unlike many cheap imports, this strip is tailored to Swiss plugs, ensuring safety and compatibility.

• Durability: The casing made from ocean-bound plastic is shock-resistant, long-lasting, and designed for daily use.

In short: responsibility meets Swiss engineering.

Voices from the partnership

Ilija Jelec, R&D lead at A. Steffen AG:

“Our products have always stood for reliability. With this responsible power strip, we show that quality and responsibility can be combined. The integrated magnets and Swiss plug compatibility make the VARIABL-Tide line a practical everyday companion – with a casing that truly makes a difference for the environment.”

Thomas Schori, CEO of #tide®:

“The fact that the power we use daily now flows through our recycled material makes us proud. From day one, our mission has been to integrate ocean-bound plastic into essential, everyday products. Now every power strip is a reminder that plastic waste doesn’t have to be accepted – it can be transformed into a valuable resource.”

Responsibility in every detail

Steffen’s commitment to responsibility shows in both big and small design choices. For example, instead of including a disposable plastic cable tie that would end up as waste, the company supplies a reusable Velcro strap. It can be used again and again – to bundle cables or even for other purposes like supporting plants in the garden.

Impact beyond the product

Buying a power strip with #tide ocean material® means more than reducing plastic waste. Every unit sold supports coastal communities most affected by marine pollution. The casing is made from ocean-bound recycled plastic, and in addition, Steffen has joined #tide’s program “The Road to 1 Billion Bottles.” For each power strip sold, a fixed contribution flows directly into local collection projects, infrastructure, and training.

Because responsibility should not be a luxury – it can and should be part of our daily essentials.

Signal effect for the industry

The electronics sector still relies heavily on virgin plastic. With this launch, Steffen proves that responsible electronicsand responsible power distribution are possible at scale.

If something as standard as a power strip can be made from ocean-bound plastic, then why not other products too? From multi-socket strips to casings for electronic devices – the potential of recycled polypropylene is enormous.

This launch shows that even a classic product like the power strip can enter a new era: towards responsibility, circularity, and resource efficiency.

Shared responsibility

Of course, responsibility doesn’t lie solely with manufacturers. As consumers, we also shape the future with every purchase. Choosing this power strip means choosing:

• Swiss engineering and circular economy

• Ocean-bound plastic in durable everyday products

• A contribution against plastic pollution

With this small decision, plugging in a device becomes an everyday act of responsibility.

Conclusion

With its new power strip made from ocean-bound plastic, A. Steffen AG sets a powerful example: responsibility, quality, and functionality belong together.

For #tide, this launch is further proof that recycled plastic not only matches virgin materials but can set new standards. For Steffen, it’s a commitment to responsible innovation. And for all of us, it’s an invitation to consume more consciously – and make the world a little cleaner, one socket at a time.