Rethinking Cable Management: Sustainable Cable Ties
Conventional cable ties are typically made from plastics derived from finite fossil fuel resources such as petroleum. To reduce this dependency on depleting resources, HellermannTyton is working to offer alternatives in its cable management product portfolio that are derived from more sustainable sources and contribute to the reduction of equivalent carbon emissions (eCO2). Learn more in our article.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: Rethinking with HellermannTyton
HellermannTyton focuses on various aspects to achieve a positive impact on the environment:
- Raw materials: alternative plastics with low eCO2 emissions, non-fossil based bio-plastics or those recycled from waste.
- Waste minimisation: product solutions designed to be waste-free or to optimise the amount of material required.
- Reusability: Removable, re-openable and reusable parts.
- Recycling: supporting the easy return of raw materials to the circular economy.
- Packaging: replacing packaging materials with more sustainable alternatives.
Materials for production of sustainable cable ties
Different polymers and their carbon footprints
The production of plastic raw materials requires energy and generates CO2 emissions. Thermoplastics such as polyamide 6.6 (PA66), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polymethylene (POM) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) have different CO2 equivalents due to their manufacturing processes.
For example, polypropylene (PP) has lower CO2 emissions per kg compared to nylon (PA66). Reducing the overall Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) means, among other things, rethinking the materials we use to make our products from. Substitution of materials can go a long way to reducing the PCF, as each material brings a different equivalent carbon footprint to the equation. However, in practice, replacing one thermoplastic with another, or even increasing the recycled content in the mix, is never quite as simple as it sounds.
Bio-based materials from renewable sources
HellermannTyton already offers products made from bio-based raw materials such as castor oil. These materials, such as PA11, are strong, lightweight, flexible and particularly suitable for long-term outdoor applications.
Bio-based plastics are considered CO2-neutral, as plants absorb CO2 during their growth and release it again at the end of their life cycle. A great deal of technical expertise and testing is required to find the right balance between the chemistry, physics, engineering, application expectations and the economic cost of the final part. Together with our supplier partners, HellermannTyton is actively exploring the most sustainable material options for our cable management solutions.
Creating sustainable cable management with HellermannTyton
Cable ties made from environmentally friendly materials from HellermannTyton not only ensure efficient cable management, but also reliable performance in various applications.
Premium cable ties made from PA11: T and Robusto series
The cable ties offer impressive holding power and performance, ensuring secure cable management even under extremely high UV radiation.
Made from renewable polyamide 11 (PA 11), derived from the oil of the castor oil plant, these cable ties combine high tensile strength with environmental friendliness.
PA 11 is known for its robustness and resistance to UV and chemicals, and is therefore ideal for use in solar installations, especially where temperature fluctuations need to be taken into account and metallic solutions are not suitable.
Robusto cable ties are also made from polyamide 11. With external serration and flat head geometry, they offer a low insertion force for easy manual processing.
They are also characterised by high UV resistance and retain their properties even at low temperatures.
They are conditionally resistant to acids, bases and oxidising agents and have low water absorption, which ensures their long-term technical performance. An integrated pre-locking function on the rear, upper head area rounds off their functionality.
100% recycled: T and OS Series cable ties
Tried and trusted T and OS Series cable ties are now also available made from 100% post-industrial recycled (PIR) PA66. These cable ties support a circular economy and have a reduced carbon footprint. These durable ties make a sustainable difference in your cable management without compromising on performance. They are available in different sizes with tensile strengths ranging from 80N to 535N.
Harnessing the versatility of PP: S50ROS cable ties
On an industrial scale, the material of choice can make a real sustainability difference. Polypropylene (PP), for example, requires less energy to produce than many other thermoplastics, helping to reduce the CO2 emissions of cable management products. It is also highly recyclable after use.
HellermannTyton’s PP cable tie optimised for industrial use is the outside-serrated S50ROS. It has a CO2 footprint that is up to 70% lower than comparable cable ties made from other materials.
Reusable cable ties
Plastics have become a cheap and versatile commodity. However, this does not mean it hast to only be used once and then disposed of. That’s why HellermannTyton offers over 30 different types of cable tie for temporary bundling. This variety reflects the wide range of reuse scenarios across all industries. Take a look if you are not familiar with these reusable, sustainable heroes. Here are two highlights:
Reusable cable strap made of flexible TPU: Softfix series
The elastic cable tie with rounded edges is a sustainable choice for temporary cable management. Even at low temperatures down to -20 °C, it remains flexible and can be opened and reused. The double locking head enables easy parallel bundling.
Even pressure distribution on the bundle ensures secure fixing, even in a vertical position, and prevents slipping.
Cable tie with unique wing lock: REZ series
The REZ series cable tie is not only easily detachable and reusable, but also offers a unique head design for quick and easy application. With its wing lock, it can be opened effortlessly with just one hand, even under tension. It is also quick and easy to apply when wearing gloves.
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