COMPOUNDS | WIRE AND CABLE
Right: Borealis recently launched FR6012, a new halogen-free flame-retardant monolayer sheathing compound
additive systems are enabling consistent flame resistance, low smoke behaviour, and reliable mechanical performance, while supporting high speed processing and tight dimensional control. The result is greater flexibility without unnecessary complexity. At the same time, sustainability considerations are increasingly shaping material selection and new generations of reduced carbon footprint compounds are being engineered in both halogen free and vinyl formulations.”
He continued: “Equally important is scale and supply reliability. As key flame retardant additives become more restricted in the market, we are applying alternative formulation strategies to preserve the balance of fire safety, performance, and processability. 12,000 tonnes/yr of new capability has been installed in the US to strengthen regional supply, improve responsiveness, and support customers. As regulatory expectations rise and cable designs become more demanding, continued collaboration across the value chain will be essential. The next generation of wire and cable materials will be defined not just by compliance, but by their ability to enable performance, efficiency, and confidence at scale.” Albemarle’s Saytex Alero product platform combines the fire safety performance of bromi- nated flame retardants with the advantages of a polymeric structure, and is designed to deliver enhanced material stability with minimal environ- mental impact across a variety of resin systems. Saytex Alero is compatible with both thermoplastic and thermoset wire coating technologies and offers enhanced formulation flexibility, including the option to significantly reduce antimony trioxide (ATO) while maintaining higher throughput and meeting complex compliance requirements. Supply issues have affected the ATO market in the past few years. “The shift toward polymeric flame retardants
reflects more than incremental technical progress; it signals a broader redefinition of fire safety standards in a variety of applications,” said Sunita Singh, Vice President of Specialties Product Management at Albemarle. Borealis recently announced the commercial
launch of FR6012, a new HFFR monolayer sheath- ing compound for medium- to extra-high-voltage cables (Borealis has recently rebranded as part of the Borouge group). Developed in collaboration
34 COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2026
with NKT Portugal (previously Solidal) and other technology partners, FR6012 strengthens fire safety in settings where the risks are most acute. It enables cable designs that meet stringent ST12 performance standards, including the Construction Products Regulation’s Euroclass B2ca s1a, d0, a1 classification, and is aligned with the latest ST12 references in key IEC standards, IEC 60502-2 and Amendment
1, IEC 60840, and IEC 62067, which define the safety and performance requirements from 6 to
500 kV power cables. In addition to its strong safety and compliance performance, FR6012 supports cost efficiency for both cable producers and asset owners. For cable producers, its processability on standard jacketing
lines helps reduce production-related asset risks, while its superior mechanical strength lowers maintenance requirements for asset owners. Together, these advantages contribute to a lower total cost of ownership, even in complex applica- tions, according to Borealis. Flame retardant additive producers have
recently been developing alternatives to ATO due to its supply chain challenges. In April, CAI Perfor- mance Additives launched ST-FR6, a new flame retardant synergist which offers a cost-effective, stable alternative to ATO. Among the benefits of ST-FR6 are lower costs, increased supply reliability, and proven fire resistance. “With ST-FR6, we offer a game-changing solution that helps wire and cable manufacturers stabilise costs and enhance product safety,” said Torey McCleskey, COO of CAI Perfor- mance Additives.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.teknorapex.com �
www.benvic.com �
www.nexans.com �
www.dow.com �
www.cabotcorp.com �
https://orioncarbons.com �
www.sabic.com �
https://graphenest.com �
www.prysmian.com �
www.versalis.eni.com �
www.ampacet.com �
www.alphagary.com �
www.albemarle.com �
www.borealisgroup.com �
www.caiadditives.com
www.compoundingworld.com
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