Borealis (Vienna / Austria; www.borealisgroup.com) has launched a grade of HDPE that is free from blowing agent azodicarbonamide (ADCA), which the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA, Helsinki / Finland; www.echa.europa.eu) has classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). The “HE1355” grade is the world’s first chemically foamed, ADCA-free material for producing telecommunications cables, Borealis said, enabling cable customers to bypass any problems arising from the proposed inclusion of ADCA on the REACH authorisation list – or Annex XIV.

The Austrian group explained that inclusion on the list would require producers, converters and other downstream users to seek special temporary permission to use ADCA in production. Consequently, said Borealis, and given the continued growth of the cable sector because of digitalisation, this action could have adverse effects on the global supply chain. “Going ADCA-free with HE1355 is a win-win all around. It not only future-proofs cable producers from the effects of a potential ADCA ban, but also allows us to help them bring energy all around,” said Bart Verheule, head of marketing, energy at Borealis.

HE1355’s cell structure makes it suitable for applications such as foam or foam-skin insulation for telephone singles and data cables with a typical expansion of 35-40% as well as for dry core and petroleum jelly-filled cables.