Prysmian recently introduced the Draka Green Connect product line of twisted-pair copper and fiber-optic cables that the company says “not only delivers outstanding performance but also makes a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.”
Among the product line’s sustainable characteristics are the use of 100% recycled copper in unshielded twisted-pair cables and the use of recycled compounds in fiber-optic cables. Prysmian takes additional eco-friendly measures in copper and fiber-optic cable construction including sustainable cable-manufacturing processes, and energy efficiency in the fiber-draw process.
“The Cat 6A U/FTP outdoor cable from the UC 500 Copper range achieves a remarkable 70% reduction in carbon footprint on metal, thanks to the use of recycled copper material,” Prysmian said when announcing this achievement. “The overall manufacturing process in copper cable production sees a 55% reduction in carbon footprint, encompassing the usage of recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. This new product line is the result of the strong focus of Prysmian on circular economy and innovation, and the increase of recycled content in the company’s products is one of the targets … reported in the 2023-2025 sustainability scorecard.”
The manufacturer also pointed out that the recycled-content objective is included in its remuneration plan “to strengthen the commitment of management and employees toward the objective of minimizing the environmental impact of our cables.”
Prysmian commented on the production of its fiber-optic cables, “The carbon footprint is actively minimized … through enhanced energy efficiency in the fiber drawing process and the incorporation of recycled compounds in the finalized cables. These measures are expected to result in a minimum 20% reduction in the carbon footprint of the dedicated Green Connect solutions. Green Connect is just the beginning of Prysmian’s commitment to higher carbon footprint reductions across three pillars—metal, other cable material, and sustainable processes. This journey toward a more-sustainable world ensures that stringent quality standards are always met while incorporating recycled materials.”
The cables’ packaging also contributes to its sustainability, Prysmian stated, adding, “Draka Green Connect features local production availability in Germany and Europe, reducing traveled miles and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.”
The company concluded by pointing out its copper-cable product portfolio can be installed in applications beyond buildings and homes, because it is “adaptable to industrial applications and smart energy grids. Designed for real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of sustainable power grids, Green Connect contributes to the crucial communication infrastructure required for a greener future.”