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Prysmian Group – 2015 Sustainability Report
Sustainable Innovation
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Prysmian also demonstrates its commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of products by setting an
additional objective: reduce energy consumption during the cable production process. This objective is
evidenced in particular by the use of P-Laser technology in HV cables and, especially, in HVDC cables.
The P-Laser production process does not require continuous vulcanisation (a process that consumes
considerable energy) and, in general, requires less materials for the same voltage level. Furthermore, no
degassing time is needed, which again reduces the consumption of energy at the production stage.
Lastly, with regard to the new generation of Afumex LS0H cables, energy consumption during processing
has been reduced significantly and better surface finishing has been achieved by the development and
industrialisation of new formulas. The reduction of energy consumption is partly assured by the development
of specific materials, such as:
In the PVC field, a study of alternative plastifiers has been completed, in case those currently used are
banned for being potentially carcinogenic.
Gas Getters: further industrial experimentation has identified the possibilities and limitations of the
system, finding new compositions that eliminate the latter. Initial studies of materials capable of
absorbing water and gas vapour have produced interesting results.
Constant improvements are being made to a large number of cables made using PVC-based mixes and
formulations without halogens, with reductions in the quantity of materials used.
Eco-sustainable solutions
Afumex
Prysmian technology has perfected a generation of cables under the Afumex™ name using jacketing that is
low smoke, zero halogen (LSOH) . On contact with flames, this type of jacketing greatly limits the emissions
of acidic gases, toxic gases and smoke that often cause panic and physical injury while also, from an
ecological standpoint, corroding surfaces and polluting the water table. Prysmian's Afumex cables have been
used in some of the world's most prestigious buildings, where safety is paramount. The successful
introduction of a new mixing line with reduced viscosity has decreased the energy used to manufacture
these cables.
AFUMEX EASY. “PRYSMIAN MARCA LA DIFERENCIA”
Prysmian Spain has launched a new on-line campaign entitled “Prysmian marca la diferencia” (Prysmian makes the
difference) to explain in detail the qualities of Prysmian products for T&I (Trade and Installers) applications. The
campaign coincides with the second wave of promotions for the new Afumex EASY 1kV cables, which are easier and
quicker to install. The main objective of the campaign is to combat the “Commoditisation” of the Spanish market, by
focusing on the main advantages of the solutions afforded by low voltage cables that are quick and easy to install, thus
guaranteeing lower installation costs.