Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord: Reducing virgin polyester use in Telecom cables
The Telecom industry has a plastic problem
The telecom industry is built on performance, from fibre optics to copper cables. However, much of that performance still depends on oil-based virgin plastics. While network speed and infrastructure innovations continue to progress, sustainability in cable components has often lagged.
One overlooked contributor? The humble cable ripcord—a small but essential tool used to access internal cable layers during installation. Traditionally made from virgin polyester, ripcords are yet another piece of the growing raw material footprint that telecom manufacturers leave behind.
As global demand for broadband surges and ESG standards tighten, the question becomes unavoidable:
How can we reduce telecom’s reliance on virgin materials, without compromising cable performance?
The Answer: Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord
Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord is a 100% recycled polyester ripcord designed for cable manufacturers ready to align performance with sustainability. Developed in response to industry demand, it offers a direct replacement for traditional ripcords without compromising mechanical performance.
How Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord reduces environmental impact
By switching to Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord, cable makers can reduce their use of virgin, oil-derived polyester. Here’s how the solution supports both environmental and operational goals:
- 100% recycled polyester: Made from post-consumer waste and pre-stabilised for consistent, high-tenacity performance
- Proven technical performance: Tensile strength: up to 460 N, Shrinkage: <4%, high cutting modulus ensures clean, easy operation
- Drop-in replacement: Compatible with existing cable designs—no reengineering needed
- Optional PF coating: Enhances abrasion resistance and reduces water wicking
Engineered for today’s cable challenges
Developing Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord required rigorous technical collaboration across our sustainability, engineering, and quality teams:
- Material scientists tested fibre behaviour under industrial tension
- R&D teams fine-tuned twist, tex, and diameter
- Field engineers validated performance in live cable assembly conditions
Supporting the Telecom sector’s sustainability goals
Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord is part of the broader Coats EcoVerde platform—our commitment to using recycled or renewable materials across the product portfolio.
It also helps our customers meet rising ESG expectations and supports our 2026 goal:
60% of raw materials sourced from recycled or renewable origins.
This ripcord is more than a component for cable manufacturers—it’s a tangible step toward a lower-impact network infrastructure.
Preguntas frecuentes
Why does switching from virgin polyester matter in telecom?
Virgin polyester is derived from petroleum and contributes to plastic pollution. Replacing it with recycled alternatives like Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers environmental impact.
Is Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord compatible with my existing cable designs?
Yes. It’s engineered as a drop-in replacement, matching traditional ripcords’ physical and mechanical properties.
How is Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord tested for performance?
It undergoes rigorous lab and field testing to meet industry standards for tensile strength, shrinkage, cutting, and abrasion.
Can I request specific finishes or coatings?
Absolutely. Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord is available in multiple tex counts, colours, and optional PF coatings depending on your application needs.
Let’s build cleaner, stronger networks together
Sustentabilidad isn’t a trend—it’s a requirement for tomorrow’s telecom infrastructure. Coats EcoVerde Gral Ripcord helps reduce your material footprint while maintaining peak cable performance.