New branding for optical cables is intended to support broadband network operators in strengthening their green supply chain and value proposition.
Global energy and telecom cable systems giant Prysmian Group this week announced its launch of optical communications cables certified as environmentally green; those cables are marked with the manufacturer's new, proprietary ECO CABLE green product label (shown on this page).
Prsymian presented its range of proprietary ECO CABLE labeled green products, which the company maintains is unique to the cable industry, at the FTTH Conference 2023 (April 18-20) in Madrid.
Philippe Vanhille, EVP of the Prysmian Group Telecom Division, explained:
“The ECO CABLE products are aimed at proactively addressing the greener and greener expectations of the telecom market and of all stakeholders. We are now ready to present our range of telecom products where the measurable and recognized sustainable criteria can be applied, to support the decarbonisation of operators and broadband infrastructure providers and strengthen their green supply chain and value proposition.“
ECO CABLE criteria
In a press release, the manufacturer rightfully contends that fiber is an intrinsically green technology, as full-fiber networks consume significantly less electricity than copper-based broadband networks, and enable energy savings.
In its effort to help its markets achieve the twin transitions of Digital Europe and European Green Deal, as well as global net zero and sustainability initiatives, Prysmian says it has taken a step further by introducing the ECO CABLE for its telecom products.
As directly stated by the manufacturer, the ECO CABLE label assignment "is based on an automatic calculation system using recognized and measurable criteria in line with the main regulatory frameworks and requirements," with a "very specific focus" on cable products conforming to green standards for:
- Carbon Footprint.
- Absence of Substances of Very High Concern.
- Recyclability/Circularity.
- Recycling Input Rate.
- Environmental Benefits.
- Cable Transmission Efficiency (which for optical cables means an increase in fiber density).
The manufacturer reports that currently all Prysmian Group telecom cables have been assessed, and that approximately 30% of them are now ECO CABLE compliant.
The road to net zero goes through FTTH
At the FTTH Conference 2023 in Madrid, the company said the roll out of its ECO CABLE labeled telecom products will start in May in Europe, with the rest to follow starting later in the year. The company said the ECO CABLE initiative aims at strengthening Prysmian Group's sustainability strategy and active role as a promoter of a sustainable development, as well as accelerating the company's race to net-zero CO2 emissions.
As an FTTH Conference 2023 Platinum Sponsor, the company’s focus on innovation and on added value cabling products was on display. Prysmian showcased its complete FTTx portfolio for cables and connectivity to meet present and future market demands, including its latest technology solutions for internal and external distribution, cabinets, and its CasaLink platform.
Specific focus was given to the evolution in cable density embodied by Prysmian's Sirocco HD and Extreme, FlexTube and FlexRibbon product lines, and to sustainability, with the ECO CABLE label and the company's Ecoslim system of ducts and microducts, which is billed as slimmer, more sustainable and easier-to-install than competitive products.
Prysmian was also an active player also at FTTH Conference 2023 workshop and conference sessions. In a best practices sharing workshop docused on attracting talent to the FTTH industry, Coralia Caravello discussed Prysmian Group’s commitment to global and local D&I policies and initiatives. Another workshop entitled, Expand your network, not your footprint, was held in partnership with Dura-line and Plumettaz.
Other Prysmian Group workshops at FTTH Conference 2023 included talks entitled:
- Collaboration to engage further decarbonisation of the fibre sector, organized by the FTTH Council Europe Sustainability Committee.
- How can technology help address the next FTTH roll out challenges? Moderated by Jan Schindler
- Reduce the carbon footprint of your FTTH roll out, a keynote by Alessandro Pirri unpacking the sustainable green approach for the optical cable Industry.
In the following video from Prysmian Group's Sustainability Week 2022 event, the company's chief sustainability officer and investor relations director, Maria Cristina Bifulco, talks about its sustainability programs and initiatives.
Download a PDF describing Prysmian's ECO CABLE telecom products.
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