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Avoiding oil, toil and trouble
Because oil prices are unlikely to fall in the future, bio-based polymers will make us less oil-dependent, and probably help cut manufacturing costs for wires and cables. Our new patent on bio-based polymers can be used for insulations, jacketing and bedding, and allows us to add plasticizers, fillers or other polymers.
Meeting sustainable expectations
Our customers have grown to expect sustainable products with low environmental impact. That is why Nexans’ eco-design process is already exploring ways of using recycled or grown bio-materials in cables. This patent prepares us for next generation “natural” polymers that may increasingly replace traditional materials.
Ersatz with equal performance
Until now, bio-based materials were used in packaging rather than for cables. So we examined renewables for performance, cost, and production capacity worldwide. Meanwhile, we evaluated compounds with good fire properties, and added natural fire-retardant fillers. The materials were then tested for tensile strength, elongation at break, heat of combustion, heat release peak and insulation constant. Having concluded that bio-based materials could partially replace standard plastics, we patented it for various cable applications.
An ace in the hole
Although we do not currently produce bio-based cables, the patent is an important card up our sleeve when the day comes that we have to replace synthetic polymers with renewable resources. Already raw materials suppliers are focusing on bio-based materials. PVC plasticizers based on renewables are now on the market, as well as polyethylene manufactured in Brazil from sugarcane. Compared to traditional plastics, they produce less carbon dioxide since plant photosynthesis uses up carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere.
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