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July 09, 2025

Connectivity as the 4th Utility: Why Data Infrastructure is Booming

Today’s world runs on data. From smart homes to AI-powered logistics to remote work, the explosion in global bandwidth demand is driving a historic buildout of fiber optic networks, data centers, and 5G infrastructure.

As this transformation unfolds, connectivity has become the Fourth Utility—essential to buildings, cities, and economies alike. And while most attention focuses on networks and servers, there's an unsung hero in this story: the materials that protect and sustain the cables behind it all.

📈 Data Centers: Where Growth Meets Pressure

By 2030, global data usage is expected to triple. Data centers—the physical backbone of the digital world—are scaling rapidly to meet demand. But this growth brings significant challenges:

High cable density increases performance demand on cable materials
24/7 uptime puts pressure on thermal and mechanical durability
Sustainability goals demand low-smoke, recyclable materials

As cabling volumes soar inside hyperscale and edge facilities, choosing the right compounds becomes critical. Teknor Apex helps address these needs with compounds that pass stringent UL 94 and UL 1685 fire tests—like Halguard® 58300 series, which delivers high flame resistance (LOI 53–56%) without sacrificing flexibility or strength.

🌿 Sustainability Isn’t Optional—It’s Expected

Across telecom, cloud, and smart infrastructure, sustainability is becoming a procurement mandate. Customers now evaluate materials based on their halogen content, recyclability, and lifecycle impact.

At Teknor Apex, we support these evolving standards with:

Halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) compounds like Halguard®
Bio-based and recycled-content materials through BioVinyl® and Cycle-Tek®
Design-for-recyclability strategies, using single-polymer systems or thermoplastics over thermosets

For data center operators and cable OEMs alike, this helps reduce waste and improve ESG reporting—without compromising performance.

🧪 Materials Built for the 4th Utility

As broadband becomes foundational infrastructure, the cables supporting it must do more than transmit data—they must endure harsh environments, comply with safety standards, and align with green building goals.

That’s why leading cable manufacturers turn to Teknor Apex. Our portfolio includes:

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Low-shrink jacketing for fiber optics (ideal for micro-module cables)

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Flexible, fire-safe compounds for high-density installations

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UV- and oil-resistant blends for hybrid 5G power/data cables

In the Fourth Utility era, the right material compounds are as critical as the cables themselves.

Ready to connect with a materials expert?

Featured Resources

HFFR Breakthrough: The 58300 Series

Halguard vinyl compounds have excellent fire retardant properties, while delivering uncompromising performance.

HFFR on a Budget: The Expanding 58600 Series

For nearly 65 years, our customers have turned to us for high-grade wire and cable compounds that perform in demanding applications. Our lab creates economical formulations, too.

Flexalloy Cable Jacketing for Harsh Industrial Environments

When cables are going to be exposed to harsh elements, you need a tough material that will protect them, but will also remain flexible and not crack due to cold or melt due to hot weather. Flexalloy jacketing compounds stand-up to extreme weather in industrial environments.

data and electrical communication cables in a cableway on the roof

A Diversified Wire, Cable and Electrical Vinyl Compound Portfolio

At Teknor Apex, vinyl research and development teams focus on formulating new wire, cable and electrical compounds that meet today's jacketing, plenum and riser application challenges. Power over Ethernet, fiber optics, data center and alternative energy applications are just a few of the cutting-edge markets R&D engineers continue to formulate compounds for. Many compounds in the wire, cable and electrical compound portfolio are already UL recognized, thanks to on-site testing facilities. Rounding out their expertise in the vinyl custom compounding industry is their global regulatory knowledge. All of these factors, along with over 6 decades in the industry, make Teknor Apex an industry leader and the best partner for all your custom compound needs.

Plastic beads and fiber optic wire

The New EU CPR Requirements for Building Cable - An Overview

The goal of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is to enable European Union countries to regulate building materials for fire resistance and characterize fire byproducts with a single EU-wide set of standards and test methods. Specific to cables in fixed installations, the Construction Products Regulation, EN 50575, was implemented July 1, 2017. All permanently installed power, telecommunications, data and control cables manufactured for or imported into the EU are subject to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). This regulation applies to cable installed in buildings as well as civil engineering works such as bridges and tunnels.

Gold brass balance scale on wooden table with black background

Ask an Expert: Flexalloy® PVC Elastomer Compounds

Flexalloy PVC elastomers are flexible compounds that have a broad operating temperature range and enhanced performance in harsh environments. In this interview, we get some insights into these unique compounds from our in-house technical expert, Chuck Hoover, who has been very involved in the development of Flexalloy compounds at Teknor Apex.

Medical PVC Flexalloy Light Purple

FireGUARD® Low-Smoke, Flame Retardant PVC Compounds - Product Guide

Teknor Apex has added newly developed FireGUARD® PVC compounds for a variety of cable types from copper data cable jackets to fiber optic cables, to specialty and security cables to their product portfolio.

Close up of fiber optic cable full frame.

Special Requirements for Low-Smoke, Halogen-Free, Flame-Retardant Compounds

While there is increasing demand for low-smoke, halogen-free, flame-retardant (LS HFFR) compounds in many cable applications, fiber optics present special requirements for these types of materials. Tight buffer compounds must be tough yet elastic to protect the optical fiber from mechanical damage and the signal losses caused by micro-bends. Jacket compounds must exhibit a low degree of post-extrusion shrinkage, which can impose stress on the sensitive fibers during post-extrusion temperature cycling and over time during end use.

Hands testing strech of a TPE extruded material in a lab

Innovative Material Compounds: The Key to Next-Generation Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is constantly evolving, and innovative material compounds for cables play a key role in this evolution. These compounds require greater operating properties than before including improved processability, improved durability, flammability up to FT4, low temperature properties (cold impact to -40 °C and cold bend to -60 °C.)

Webinars Hero Abstract Image

Reimagining Fiber Optic Cables with Material Innovation

Industry Trends Webinar featuring Teknor Apex to explore the current trends and challenges shaping this dynamic market and unlock the transformative power of material innovation.

Plastic beads and fiber optic wire

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