Combining bicycle maintenance with environmental awareness. This is one of the mantras that underpins the philosophy of Mariposa effect. With the new products launched for the 2022 catalogThe Lugano-based company is once again leading the way in innovation in bicycle cleaning and lubrication. In a time when even the world's leading nations are hesitant to take a stand on environmental commitment, Effetto Mariposa does exactly what its name suggests. “a small gesture that causes a disproportionate effect.” In fact, when even companies struggle to take the ecological path decisively, the Swiss company also takes inspiration from its own logo (Lorenz attractor) and determines the flow within a chaotic market.
With Alberto De Gioannini, president of Effetto Mariposa, let's understand the genesis and the underlying reasoning of the new products presented today: Flowerpower Wax (chain lubricant with sunflower wax), Allpine Extra (degreaser with pine oil), Chain Eater (chain washer device), Cog Brush (sprocket brush), Allpine Light (biodegradable bicycle cleaner).
What is behind the design of these new products?
Our goal is reduce the environmental impactFor example, we try to keep packaging as minimal as possible, so we use paper or easily recyclable and biodegradable elements. Another aspect we have explored in depth, and which is dear to us, concerns chemical products. We asked ourselves how to make them as eco-friendly as possible. We started the recession three years ago. When we started a development path to complement the Caffélatex sealant with a second product called Végétalex which then paved the way for products derived from plants.
It was an unexplored path for you too…
Exactly. During this journey, we came into contact with a world of alternative products to traditional chemical-based ones. Extracts from plants, recycled products, or products derived from plant processingFor example, Vegetalex is made with olive seeds that were waste material from oil production. We asked ourselves about thelubricants and bicycle cleaning products, where the substances that are used end up in the environment.
Is product performance important?
Sure. I'll give you an example. In lubricants, there are many high-performance reference products. The direction we have taken is that of wax lubricants. With Flowerpower Wax We've worked on streamlining the composition. The idea was to see how we could obtain a lubricant product with excellent performance, while also having a reduced environmental impact. It was PTFE and fluorinated compounds in general, graphene, sulphides, etc. removed. We focused on working with a mix of natural waxes, including obtained from seeds of sunflower. The formula obtained boasts ahigh percentage of wax. While many competing products have percentages of total dry residue of wax within the aqueous emulsion which are around 30%. Flowerpower Wax exceeds 50%, obtaining benefits that translate into terms of transmission durability and efficiency. In fact, its application allows you to travel approximately 300 km in every season, both on and off-road.
Was it difficult to set it up?
It wasn't a walk in the park. We bought some machinery suitable for carrying out specific tests. Then there was a big field workBecause it's when you ride a bike that the product must work beyond laboratory tests.
Flowerpower Wax is the sunflower wax based lubricant Allpine Light is a biodegradable cleaner also ideal for e-bikes. Allpine Extra is a powerful yet biodegradable, non-aggressive degreaser
Flowerpower Wax is the sunflower wax based lubricant Allpine Light is a biodegradable cleaner also ideal for e-bikes. Allpine Extra is a powerful yet biodegradable, non-aggressive degreaser
Let's talk about the other new products you've introduced. Beyond the ecological aspect, some products also allow the perception of nature to be experienced through other senses. With Allpine Extra and Allpine Light, you transport the wearer to the Alpine forests...
Once the product is opened, the pine smell is enveloping. Even at olfactory level it gives a satisfying sensation. Same goes for the detergent Allpine Light that has this scent. Its formula is very effective against dirt and does not require rinsing, making it ideal for e-bikes too. It doesn't contain pine oil because it would be too harsh, but we still wanted to give it a hint of scent for this reason. A 360-degree natural experience.
Why did you choose pine oil?
Because it is a solvent of natural origin, and has proven to be valuable for these purposes. Applied to Allpine Extra makes it rapidly biodegradable and does not require any special precautions for disposal. It is ideal for preparing the chain for wax-based lubricants. It is not harmful to the paintwork of the frame or the carbon fiber of the wheels. Thanks to its effective but non-aggressive formula, It can be applied to brake discs to degrease them.
Is the chain eater new to you?
There are many of them on the market. This is a new design, equipped with lamellar elements at both ends that keep the degreaser inside. Chain eater also allows you to wash the chain in both directions. This came to mind when referring to e-bikes. A solution for this type of bike that doesn't move the chain when pedaling backwards. Furthermore, to remain environmentally friendly and ensure product durability, We also supply replacement brushes to ensure product longevity. Used together with the brush Cog Brush you get a perfectly clean transmission
Chain eater allows for cleaning of the transmission in both directions Cog Brush is the brush for cleaning the transmission from the most stubborn dirt
Chain eater allows for cleaning of the transmission in both directions Cog Brush is the brush for cleaning the transmission from the most stubborn dirt
Nowadays, we're used to seeing eco-friendly products. Often, however, these are just marketing techniques or timid offers from companies...
Il greenwashing phenomenon Unfortunately, this is common. These products have very little to do with the environment. Some companies rely on marketing as their strength and have little substance in this area. This isn't what we're interested in. Also because our customers choose us for a reason. They're aware and attentive, and they have expectations regarding products and performance. For example, who buys it Giustaforza torque wrench, he knows that he will hypothetically have it all his life. It just needs to be recalibrated. The same goes for the effectiveness of the puncture-proof liquid. Users have expectations for all our products and our beliefs.
Is it a costly sector in terms of research and development?
Yes, let's say that many of these organic ingredients are expensive Also because we're talking about small productions. There's always the risk that a product being tested might work, but once approved, the market won't accept it. So you have to find a a difficult-to-achieve balance between operation, cost, and ecological impact.
