The evolution of the global landscape, spurred by urbanization and a pressing need for sustainable development, mandates a paradigm shift in infrastructure design and execution. This necessitates a concerted effort across the entire value chain — from material manufacturers like Dow to end-users — to support the creation of infrastructure that addresses the demands of the future while mitigating environmental impact.

Fortunately, the field of material science offers a robust foundation for achieving these goals through innovation and collaboration.

Wire & Cable

At the heart of modern civilization lies the wire and cable industry, essential to powering and connecting our contemporary world. By leveraging advanced polymers and materials, this industry can produce cables with reduced environmental impact, enhanced durability, and improved energy efficiency. ENDURANCE™ HFDD-4201 Compound for Cable Systems from Dow exemplifies this innovation by offering a novel option for high voltage transmission cables. This cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) product can help reduce degassing times, thereby curbing CO2 emissions during production while maintaining uncompromised quality standards.

Furthermore, adopting post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into wire and cable products helps divert plastic waste from landfills and the natural environment by introducing it to the circular ecosystem. REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins from Dow incorporate PCR material into cable jacketing without compromising high quality and performance. By combining its vast industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology and reliability, Dow is contributing to a transformation in the processing and application of PCR ingredients.

While the options are here, it will take collaboration between material manufacturers like Dow and cable producers to support the seamless integration of these innovations, balancing quality standards with environmental concerns.

Renewable Energy

With the journey toward renewable energy sources, there is a growing demand for reliable high-voltage cables with efficient insulation and sustainability benefits. Conventional grids rely on coal-fired or nuclear power stations located near areas of high electricity demand. In contrast, renewable energy generation systems like solar panels and wind turbines are often located in remote areas, thus creating a need for more storage and transmission capability.

Renewable energy sources — especially wind and solar power — fluctuate more than conventional sources, which can create an imbalance between the supply and demand of electricity available on the grid. This shift underscores the critical need for innovative cable material options like ENDURANCE™ HFDD-4201 Compound—which not only enhance the efficiency and reliability of electrical grids but also support the decarbonization of the energy sector.

Furthermore, in the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy, the durability and efficiency of photovoltaic modules are paramount to supporting sustained success in solar power generation. Enhanced encapsulants, the materials that encapsulate and protect solar cells, play a crucial role in supporting the longevity and performance of photovoltaic modules over their extended service life.

Collaboration fosters advancements in photovoltaic module technology, exemplified by ENGAGE™ PV Polyolefin Elastomers (POE), supporting the creation of more efficient solar panels and driving long-term success in renewable energy.

Pipes

The reliable transportation of clean energy sources to points of consumption and distribution is key to a reliable energy infrastructure. The increasing demand for pipes in various sectors underscores the importance of innovative materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in replacing conventional options. Collaborative efforts help to address stringent industry standards for these materials while offering durability and longevity. For instance, CONTINUUM™ Bimodal Polyethylene Resin — the result of collaboration between material suppliers, pipe manufacturers, and industry stakeholders — offers longer-lasting pipes with lower installation costs, reduced maintenance requirements and enhanced resistance to stressors.

Paving

As society continues to prioritize reducing its carbon footprint, industries are finding more value in utilizing PCR plastics in asphalt. The benefits of incorporating plastic waste in asphalt roads and giving plastic waste a second life include reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Collaboration across the value chain is essential for realizing the benefits of using recycled materials in paving applications. Material suppliers like Dow work with asphalt producers and infrastructure developers to develop innovative paving materials like ELVALOY™ Reactive Elastomeric Terpolymer (RET). By blending ELVALOY™ RET and polyethylene-rich PCR plastic with asphalt, robust and circular roads can be constructed, completing the cycle by transforming plastic waste into long-lasting infrastructure.

In conclusion, the realization of pioneering infrastructure demands seamless collaboration across the value chain. By leveraging innovative materials and technologies through collaborative endeavors, we can forge sustainable, resilient systems that shape our legacy and pave the way toward a more sustainable future.

Written by: David Lopez Piquer, Associate Technical Service and Development Director, Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics business unit

Juliana Serafim Francisco, Senior Technical Service and Development Leader, Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics business unit