This eco-friendly alternative, featuring a sheath made from bio-based materials, includes 43 percent renewable components. It cuts carbon emissions by 24 percent when compared to the traditional TPU sheath.

Jun 24, 2024

The leading worldwide provider of cable and connection technology, LAPP, has initiated the production of its initial bio-cable, Etherline FD bioP Cat.5e. This sustainable option, with a sheath made from bio-based materials, contains 43 percent renewable content. The data cable includes a sheath made from a mix of bio-based materials, and its performance matches that of the standard version, which is made from fossil-based materials. This, it claims, reduces carbon emissions by 24 percent compared to the TPU sheath.

The company emphasizes that environmental sustainability has always been a core value, and it is continuously striving to enhance the eco-friendliness of its products and processes, particularly for copper and plastics. Given that copper requires significant amounts of secondary raw materials, LAPP is now focusing on improving the sustainability of sheath materials and is also promoting the use of bio-based plastics.

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“This innovative cable uses a mix of bio-based materials, which lowers our carbon footprint and provides customers with a sustainable option without sacrificing performance. It showcases LAPP’s commitment to technological advancement while reducing our environmental impact,” stated Mr. Marc Jarrault, Managing Director of LAPP India.

Last year, the company unveiled the first prototypes of cables with sheaths made from bio-based materials. “The use of sustainable materials, however, is currently more costly due to the intricate manufacturing process. It was crucial for us to determine if our customers were willing to invest in sustainable products,” Christian Illenseer, Product Manager for Automation at LAPP, explained. There was a strong interest in these products. As a result, LAPP is moving forward with the production of the Etherline FD bioP Cat.5e.

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Both the traditional and bio-based versions of the cable are suitable for patch cable assembly up to a length of 60 meters in applications that demand high performance, such as in cable chains, moving machinery, and also for EtherCAT and EtherNET/IP systems. Equipped with Cat.5e performance up to 1000 Mbit/s, the Etherline FD bioP Cat.5e facilitates rapid data transfer, and is used for both analogue and digital signal transmission in the frequency range up to 100 MHz.

Furthermore, the copper braiding provides maximum protection against electromagnetic interference. The use of halogen-free and flame-retardant materials reduces the risk of fire hazards. Additionally, the Bio-TPU outer sheath is resistant to mineral oil-based lubricants and is chemically resistant in many situations.