LAPP introduces its first bio-cable in series production, the ETHERLINE FD bioP Cat.5e. As per ASTM D6866, this sustainable version of bio-base Cat.5e Ethernet cable has an outer sheath made of bio-based materials and contains 43% renewable raw resources. A partly bio-based sheath material makes up the data cable.
The product’s characteristics are the same as those of the conventional version manufactured entirely of fossil fuels. This lowers the carbon footprint by 24% in comparison to the TPU sheath made of fossil fuels.
“At LAPP India, we’re committed to continuous innovation and environmental responsibility. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the ETHERLINE® FD bioP Cat.5e, our first bio-base Cat.5e Ethernet cable in series production. This innovative cable utilizes partially bio-based materials, reducing our carbon footprint and offering customers a sustainable choice without compromising performance. It’s a testament to LAPP’s dedication to advancing technology while minimizing our environmental impact.” says Marc Jarrault, Managing Director, LAPP India.
Currently, the company is putting a lot of effort into optimizing sheath materials sustainably and is pushing the usage of bio-based plastics even more.
Last year, LAPP already presented the first prototypes of cables with bio-based sheathing. “Thanks to the complex manufacturing process, sustainable materials are currently considerably more expensive. It was therefore important to us to find out whether our customers are also willing to invest in sustainable products”, says Christian Illenseer, Product Manager Automation at LAPP. There was a great deal of interest. LAPP is now going into series production with the ETHERLINE® FD bioP Cat.5e.
Bio-TPU outer sheath for demanding applications
In extremely demanding applications, such as continuously moving machine parts, cable chains, EtherCAT and EtherNET/IP applications, or constantly moving machine components, both the fossil and bio-based versions are appropriate for patch cable assembly up to a cable length of 60 m.
The ETHERLINE FD bioP Cat.5e is used to transmit analogue and digital signals in the frequency range up to 100 MHz and provides lightning-fast information exchange thanks to its Cat.5e performance up to 1000 Mbit/s.
Furthermore, the high-coverage copper braiding ensures the best possible defense against electromagnetic interference. Materials that are flame-retardant and devoid of halogens lessen the likelihood of potential fire dangers.
Furthermore, the outer coating of Bio-TPU is often chemically resistant and insensitive to lubricants based on mineral oil. It’s own test facility, the very flexible Cat.5e Ethernet cable has undergone more than a million cable chain bending cycles with great success.
The technical data’s UL/CSA certification permits the product’s usage in North America as well.
