Sustainability: The Need of the Hour

It is no secret that the world is facing an environmental threat. Various industries are trying to control the carbon emission generated by them. The electronic sector also rose to the cause. Particularly the wire and cable industry is taking numerous initiatives. They are trying to use biocomposite plastic. They also increased the focus on the recycling of non-renewable resources. But, there are merits and demerits attached to every effort towards sustainability. Let’s look at the initiatives taken by the industry and the challenges they are facing.

Green Cables

Modern manufacturing techniques enabled the production of “Green Cables” and wires. So how can we transform regular electric cables into green cables? There are two ways to do it. One is to focus on its material, and the other one is its manufacturing process. The demand for green manufacturing materials is increased due to the increase in the number of green buildings. Thus, the green cable is the rising trend in the electronic manufacturing industry.

Eco-friendly Material

The materials which are used for manufacturing are usually climate-friendly materials. They are biodegradable and modern materials such as halogen-free jacketing. They are not made up of the ingredients labeled as hazardous towards the authorities’ environment. The European Commission for the Environment and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is generally referred to as identifying its sustainability.

Are they helpful?

These materials also help in getting the U.S. listing of LHSF. As they create minimum smoke being halogen-free. However, it affects the life span and quality of the cables. This ultimately increases the need for more replacement and reinstallation in comparison to the traditional PVC cable. So is ita completely sustainable option? Well, not really!

Manufacturing Process

Another way in which you can identify a green cable is through its manufacturing process. It is energy efficient and environmental friendly. Such manufacturing prioritizes the least carbon emission, maximum recycling, and harmless disposal of waste materials.

Is it Green?

Although the process seems sustainable, it doesn’t have much control over the materials being used. Secondly, the manufacturing process cannot control carbon emission completely. It requires a lot of planning, proper implementation, and investments. If anything amongst these factors is misplaced, the process automatically becomes less effective.

Something Is Better Than Nothing

The above information states that we cannot call a cable completely environment friendly. Yet, it makes a lot of difference. These efforts make a cable more or less sustainable or green, as we may call them.

Another Key to Be Environment Friendly: Insulation Material

The insulation material is one more factor that helps in producing more sustainable electric wires. Insulation materials separate the electrical conductors from the conductive materials. It is vital to protect the sparks and short circuits. The most common type of insulation is PVC. It is low cost and durable. But it presents a lot of environmental and health hazards because it emits toxic gas and acid in large quantities.

Many companies are now involved in producing eco-friendly insulation and jacketing material. Some of them are entirely recyclable. Phthalate-free plasticizers and bio-based plasticizers are known to omit 40% less greenhouse gas.

Every Act Counts!

The electronic industry can altogether avoid environmental hazards. Therefore, it must be appreciated that they are at least trying to contribute to sustainability. Every little effort matters! Every alteration that can do some damage control is precious. It’s high time for all the industrial sectors to work towards climate change seriously.

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Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.