WIRE AND CABLE | COMPOUNDS
Compounders are moving quickly to help
the wire and cable industry meet challenges from the proliferation of AI data
centres, electrification and other global trends. Chris Saunders reports on new products
Polymers help reshape the energy market
The wire and cable industry is continuing to evolve in response to accelerating infrastructure demands, particularly those tied to data centres, electrifica- tion, and global decarbonisation goals. While much of the attention has focused on system-level innovation, an equally important shift is taking place at the materials level where compounds are no longer passive inputs. The rapid growth of AI and cloud computing is driving higher fibre density and increased cable volume within confined spaces, which raises material performance require- ments. Consequently, material selection has become a critical design decision. “Materials are no longer selected just to meet a
standard, they’re being engineered to solve system-level challenges,” said Jon Mello, Global Wire & Cable Market Manager at Teknor Apex. “In high-density environments like data centres, the compound plays a direct role in enabling performance, safety, and even installation efficiency. That’s a significant shift from where the
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industry was a few years ago.” While halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) polyolefin systems such as Teknor Apex’s Halguard formulations continue to gain traction, cable produc- ers are also under pressure to increase line speeds and reduce downtime. This has prompted huge interest in compounds that offer improved process- ability without sacrificing end-use performance. Sustainability is yet another factor reshaping
material innovation. Historically, there has been a trade-off between environmental impact and performance. However, recent developments are challenging that assumption and new formulations demonstrate the ability to reduce carbon footprint while maintaining, or even enhancing, key perfor- mance attributes. “Customers are asking for more than compli-
ance, they want materials that help them move faster, reduce risk, and meet their own sustainabil- ity targets,” said Mello. “That’s pushing compound- ers to innovate in ways that deliver measurable
May 2026 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 27
Main image: Ampacet says its PBT-based masterbatches for optical fibre tubing applications provide excellent
opacity while maintaining signal transmission performance at low wall thicknesses
IMAGE: AMPACET
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