– our answer to the
global trend towards environmental awareness
The recent environmental disasters
For the cable industry the decision not
approved and have properties similar to
and the proactive communication from
to use PVC as an insulation material also
those of PVC cables.
environmental organisations are mov-
means a huge challenge: alternatives
ing the topic of ecological responsibil-
such as TPE, PUR or silicon do not have
The most important European
ity back into the forefront of people’s
the desired flexibility or necessary abra-
and UK plugs and sockets including
minds. Since 2006, Greenpeace has
sion resistance to simply replace PVC.
a halogen-free insert have already
been publishing a guidebook rating
The use of the right alternative must,
been approved to the relevant
the producers of electronic appliances
however, be tested specifically for the
standard:
by the contribution they make to the
application.
■■
producers have had to accept harsh
The focus is on the sensitive and
■■
European flat plug
criticism and have since been work-
meaningful handling of input materials
■■
UK plug
ing at improving their environmental
during cable production. LEONI EcoSense
■■
2.5 A socket
specifications substantially.
products therefore do not contain any
protection of the environment. Some
straight and angled versions
Group 7A substances (17) – chlorine (CI),
Production start-up and development
The focus of criticism concerning the pro-
bromine (Br), fluorine (F), iodine (I) and
took place in Slovakia; there are plans to
duction of the appliances is particularly
astatine (At).
extend this to our facilities in Changzhou
on phthalates (plasticisers in PVC) and
and Xiamen in China soon.
PAHs (used in colour batches). They may
With its LEONI EcoSense product line,
contain halogens that release toxic fumes
LEONI offers appliance manufacturers
when burned. It is not only the Europe-
a comprehensive range of cordsets
ans who discussed to add them to their
compliant with HD 21.14 S2:
list of banned substances under RoHS II
The cables H03Z1Z1H2-F 2x0.5 mm2
as of 2014; the United States and Japan
through to H05Z1Z1-F 3x1.5 mm2 are VDE
are also tightening their regulations.
2
Euro plug with earthing contact in
LEONI insider
LEONI EcoSense –
treating nature sensitively!
Interview with our Material Specialist,
Dr. Henrich Krump
Dr. Henrich Krump is responsible for
projects in the field of material research,
product management processes and advising customers on R&D specific topics.
Dr. Krump: With its LEONI EcoSense
develops dark, heavy smoke with toxic
power during processing, which leads to
brand the company offers a range of
and corrosive emissions, dangerous for
a rapid increase in melt temperature as
halogen-free power cord products.
human beings. Therefore, in recent years
the screw speed increases.
Please could you explain the differ-
the use of so called halogen-free, flame
ence between PVC and FRNC?
retardant (HFFR), fire-resistance, no cor-
What significance does this have for
rosive (FRNC), or low-smoke, zero halo-
the customer?
Dr. Henrich Krump: First of all the differ-
gen (LS0H) materials has been stepped
ence involves their chemical structure.
up due to several major incidents caused
Dr. Henrich Krump: The HFFR materials
Halogen-free means it does not contain
by PVC.
have, compared with traditional ones,
any of the elements in Group 7A (17)
successfully addressed these concerns
(F, Cl, Br, I, At) of the periodic table. Then
Could you please briefly describe the
especially in regard to smoke density,
we are talking about thermoplastic
processing of FRNC?
smoke toxicity and acidity with safer
and thermoplastic elastomer materials
and ecologically acceptable compounds.
respectively. As PVC inherently presents
Dr. Henrich Krump: As FRNC materials
Another benefit lies in the composition
flame-resistant properties due to the ex-
involve different material classes their
of these materials because, unlike PVC,
istence of chlorine in its molecule when
processability differs. In general, FRNC
HFFR materials do not require additives
used as a cable sheath it provides the
materials have a melt viscosity higher
like plasticizers that can migrate to the
same sufficient fire-resistance for most
than PVC. Such compounds require more
soil or stabilizers based on heavy metals.
applications. However, in case of PVC fire
LEONI insider
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