Assessors started with the 192 fibre solutions, a capacity suitable for metro and core networks. They compared a 20/16 mm Microduct of virgin material coupled with a 192 fibre loose tube cable to a 12/8 mm Microduct of recycled material with a 192f Viper Slim. The result showed a reduction in the carbon footprint of the more sustainable solution of 42%.

The assessors made the same comparison for distribution network solutions with a capacity of 24 fibres. They compared a 14/12 mm Microduct of virgin material coupled with a 24 fibre micro cable to a 7/4 mm Microduct of recycled material with a 24f Stingray. The carbon footprint of the more sustainable solution decreased by 72% in comparison.

In the third study, Hexatronic compared drop network solutions, used to connect each subscriber to the FTTH network. Assessors compared a 14/10 mm Microduct of virgin material coupled with a 12 fibre drop cable to a 5/2.5 mm Microduct of recycled material with a 12f Stingray. Reducing the size and using recycled materials resulted in a carbon footprint reduction of 78%. Drop connections are usually the largest part of an FTTH network, which gives significant potential to impact the total carbon footprint of the project.

By replacing oil-based polymers with bio-based plastic, Hexatronic finds further sustainable solutions. Bio-based plastics are made from crops, a renewable resource. The production of bio-based plastics results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than oil-based plastics by using less energy during production, and the feedstocks absorb carbon dioxide during growth. The products can store carbon dioxide, creating a negative carbon footprint.

All three of Hexatronic’s European production sites run on renewable energy: Hexatronic in Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands exclusively use hydropower, wind energy, solar energy and bioenergy.

OSA is proud to partner with companies such as Hexatronic, which continually challenge the status quo for renewable, sustainable and environmental solutions that reduce carbon emissions through minimisation, recycling and using renewable energy. Through thoughtful collaborations with customers and suppliers, OSA strives for a better digital world where everybody and everything has a brighter, more connected and sustainable future.