New solution aims to safeguard cables, wires and marine life

For nearly half a century, ABB’s PMA cable protection solutions have been used to protect data and electrical cables and wires from damage caused by strain, stress and extreme conditions in commercial and industrial applications.

Now, the company has released a new line of cable protection systems made from recycled fishing nets, designed to safeguard electrical cables, wires and marine life.

Meeting key performance indicators defined in ABB’s circularity framework, PMA EcoGuard PA6 delivers the strength required for demanding industrial applications, the company says. This conduit is part of PMA’s EcoSolutions line of innovative, sustainable solutions, and carries an external, third-party-verified Lifecycle Assessment (LCA, Type III).

Engineered for strength, durability, compatibility and recyclability, PMA EcoGuard solutions help protect critical power and data cables in a range of applications, including machine building, renewable energy, telecommunications and infrastructure.

Reduced environmental impact

A more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic-based systems, the conduit requires less energy and water to produce, reducing 30% of upstream Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and 50% of net freshwater use, according to ABB.

The post-consumer, recycle-based nylon cable protection solution is designed to easily integrate with users’ existing machinery and systems, helping reduce risk, waste and negative environmental impact.

Transforming discarded ocean fishing nets into advanced cable protection

To lower Scope 3 emissions and make this innovation possible, PMA partnered with Envalior, a specialist in sustainable and high-performance engineering materials.

PMA EcoGuard cable protection products contain Envalior’s Akulon RePurposed, a 100% recycled-based polyamide from fishing nets recovered from coastlines. In addition to benefiting local economies and the environment, the companies report that the Akulon RePurposed compound is UL2809 ECVP-certified for OceanBound Plastic (OBP) content and employs production processes that result in a 70% lower carbon footprint than similar fossil-based nylon 6 materials.

Additionally, the companies have stated that the PMA EcoGuard PA6 cable protection system meets the European Union’s environmental REACH regulations and RoHS standards for hazardous waste restrictions.

Alongside the PMA EcoGuard PA6 RPPA conduit, the new line includes IP66-rated BRND fittings and a compact, one-piece BFHRP conduit holder that lends support and adjusts for easy installation and maintenance.

Top image credit: iStock.com/ifish