Lapp has actually had the Etherline FD P Cat.5e for Industrial Ethernet in its portfolio for some time. It is suitable for patch cable applications as well as for energy supply chains. Now, however, it is also available as a more sustainable version. For this cable, the global market leader for integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology 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.

Sustainability starts with more sustainable products

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 highlight is that the TPU offers the same durability, flexibility and mechanical properties as well as hydrolysis, chemical and UV resistance as conventional Elastollan. Even the processability parameters are 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 more sustainable product," explains Oliver Mühren, Group Head of Sales at BASF Polyurethanes GmbH.

Looking at the life cycle assessment, the bio-based product achieves an improvement in the_{CO2 footprint} of around 15%. And so it is a logical consequence that Elastollan N is part of BASF's circular economy strategy and makes its contribution to saving fossil resources and_{CO2 emissions}. LAPP also intends to gradually expand its portfolio of bio-based jacket materials.