WIRE & CABLE | MATERIALS
Companies are reacting to the electrification megatrend with new compounds and additives for demanding wire and cable applications. Chris Saunders reports on developments
Rethinking wire and cable for global growth markets
According to a recent report, the wire and cable (W&C) plastics market was valued at $11.58bn in 2023 and is expected to reach $17.88bn by 2031 (1). This surge in demand is largely attributed to the development of an advanced energy infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and the modernisa- tion of ageing power systems. The global push towards using more sustainable
materials such as bio-based polymers and recycla- ble plastics has prompted many companies to rethink their approach. PVC is the most prevalent polymer used in cables, accounting for 43% of the plastics share. PVC has traditionally been used for external sheaths, internal cable filling, and single conductor insulation, with a tailored formulation applying to each application. However, with electricity and its transport being a primary source of fire ignition, making cables suitable for fire prevention is an integral part of the manufacturing process. PVC4Cables, the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) platform, recently launched a project with a pool of Italian compounders aimed at optimising PVC formulations for electrical cables. The cable produced in the project was FG16OR16 5G1,5; diameter 12.3 mm, grey colour, made with a
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PVC sheath and filler and G16 insulation (low- smoke ethylene propylene rubber). The cable, manufactured in accordance with the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) and EN 60754-2 standard at temperatures between 935°C and 935°C, achieved the B2ca s1 d0 a3 classification. In March, the platform released a statement reading: “Modern PVC cables offer excellent fire safety, durability, and environmental benefits. These cables meet and often exceed strict fire safety standards, confirming PVC as a trusted choice for cable applications.” US group Albemarle says the W&C market is
growing exponentially in both developed and developing regions, and this is driving demand for flame retardants. “Governments worldwide are increasingly investing in renewable energy pro- jects, particularly solar and wind energy,” said Hideki Ozawa, Vice President of Strategic Market- ing at Albemarle. “Other growth markets include data centres to support AI development, 5G and 6G communication networks, and electric vehicles, which often require specialised, high-performance cables with fire safety solutions.” Albemarle offers two fire safety solution prod- ucts used in the W&C industry: Saytex 8010, which
May 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 21
Main image: Modern PVC cables offer excellent fire safety, durability, and environmental benefits
IMAGE: PVC4CABLES
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