UK-based OPT Services has unveiled SlimLine™ Capping, a groundbreaking fibre cable protection solution that promises to deliver significant environmental and installation advantages to the fibre optic industry. This launch marks the first significant innovation in fibre cable capping in four decades, offering full compatibility with existing Capping 25 products.

“We’re not just capping cables; we’re capping carbon footprints,” says Calum Barker, Managing Director at OPT Services. “Our SlimLine™ Capping embodies our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the fibre optic sector.”

The environmental impact of SlimLine™ Capping is substantial. Manufactured in the UK using Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), it reduces plastic usage by over 50% compared to traditional capping. For every 1,000 installations, approximately 165 kg of plastic is saved – the equivalent of 990 kg of CO₂.

OPT Services’ R&D team has engineered SlimLine™ Capping to address evolving industry needs. The capping is designed for modern, smaller optical fibre cables and features built-in cable separation for multiple operators. It also includes moulded knockouts for controlled cable exit, and its sectional build allows installation flexibility and complements OPT’s, and other, demarcation boxes to enhance the customer experience.

“We’ve created a future-fit solution that aligns with the evolution of fibre optic technology,” said Paul Jessop, Product Design and Development Specialist – OPT R&D. “With demarcation boxes and cables becoming smaller, it’s imperative that capping follows suit, especially considering the scale of installations nationwide.”

The choice of ASA over traditional PVC offers multiple advantages. ASA has a 29% lower density than PVC, resulting in lighter components. It also provides improved durability and UV stability. The manufacturing process for ASA is cleaner, avoiding the toxic emissions associated with PVC production, and it allows for easier recycling of offcuts and end-of-life products.

“ASA isn’t just lighter; it’s cleaner and more durable,” adds Paul. “Unlike PVC, which can damage tools and release harmful vapours, ASA allows for a safer manufacturing process and easier recycling.”

The launch comes as the UK’s fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) market is poised for significant growth through to 2030, playing a crucial role in achieving the government’s ambitious target of 99% Gigabit-capable coverage by 2030. The FTTH Council Europe’s 2024 report indicates rapid growth in full fibre (FTTP/B) broadband deployment. This means there is a huge potential for the reduction of more than 50% in plastic use in every piece of capping, indicating that OPT Services’ innovation promises a step-change in the sector’s environmental impact.

OPT Services Managing Director Calum Barker concludes,
“SlimLine Capping isn’t just a product; it’s a commitment to a more sustainable future in construction. We’re proud to offer a solution that delivers a fifty percent reduction in plastic use and enhanced capability to the industry.”