U.I. Lapp
Lapp uses bio-based plastic from BASF
Lapp presented the first Ethernet cable with a bio-based sheathing at the Hannover Messe. The compound was developed by the chemical company BASF.
Lapp has had the 'Etherline FD P Cat.5e' for Industrial Ethernet in its portfolio for some time. It is suitable for patch cable applications and for energy supply chains. Now it is also available as a sustainable version: Lapp has replaced the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) jacket material from BASF, which was previously based on fossil raw materials, with a TPU from BASF that is based on renewable raw materials. "Using bio-based plastics made from rapidly renewable raw materials is a good way for us to reduce the need for plastics made from fossil raw materials and at the same time reduce the carbon footprint of our products," says Alexander Terpe, Head of Product Development Cables at Lapp.
Specifically, the bio-based plastic is 'Elastollan N', BASF's thermoplastic polyurethane. It is a biopolymer based on corn. Depending on the type of TPU, the proportion of renewable raw material is between 45 and 60%. The TPU offers the same durability, flexibility and mechanical properties as well as hydrolysis, chemical and UV resistance as conventional Elastollan. The processability parameters are also retained. What is special is that the proportion of biomaterial in the finished product can not only be verified, but also precisely measured (in accordance with ASTM D 6866).
"BASF's bio-based TPU is a real high performer and is in no way inferior to conventional fossil-based materials. A quick changeover in production is possible and the right step to bring real added value to our customers with a sustainable product," explains Oliver Mühren, Group Head of Sales at BASF Polyurethanes.
Looking at the life cycle assessment, the bio-based product achieves an improvement in the CO2 footprint of around 15%. Lapp intends to gradually expand its portfolio of bio-based jacket materials.
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