HFFR compound, which is becoming increasingly important for cable manufacturers, has become a factor that enables companies to gain a competitive edge. The importance of insulation and sheathing materials in terms of cost, fire safety, sustainability, and mechanical strength has increased the demand for halogen-free flame-retardant plastic compounds. As a manufacturing company, you can gain many advantages by using HFFR compound in cable production.

Understanding the Link Between Fire Safety, Halogens, and Cables

Halogen-containing systems, which have been used in cable production for years, are now at a disadvantage. The dense smoke and corrosive gases such as hydrogen halides released during a fire with these systems have become harmful to health and sustainability. Therefore, influenced by regulatory regimes, the use of halogen-free flame-retardant plastics is rapidly increasing worldwide to achieve low smoke, minimal halogen, and improved char formation.

The use of HFFR has become widespread in:

• Buildings
  
  

• Data centers
  
  

• Public spaces
  
  

• Transportation
  
  

This enables cable manufacturers to target higher growth segments.

How Do HFFR Compounds Work in Cable Production?

Also known as halogen-free flame retardants, HFFR compounds are polymer formulations with flame-retardant properties used in the cable industry. Commonly used in LSZH or LS0H cable systems, HFFR consists of:

• Polymer matrix
  
  

• Ethylene/vinyl acetate
  
  

• Polyolefin elastomers
  
  

• (Optionally) Intumescent additives and nano-fillers
  
  

Operating as part of a multi-stage defense system, HFFR compound works in three different ways:

1. Endothermic cooling: Metal hydroxide fillers decompose when exposed to heat, absorb energy, and release vapor—lowering surface temperature and delaying ignition.
   
   

2. Charring or physical barrier: Metal oxide residue and carbonized layers act as a barrier between flames and polymers, delaying oxygen ingress and smoke formation.
   
   

3. Vapor dilution of pyrolysis gases: The compound prevents combustion reactions and formation of harmful gases containing hydrogen halides, reducing corrosion risk.
   
   

Advantages of HFFR Compound for Cable Manufacturers

With increasingly stringent fire safety standards, the HFFR market has experienced significant growth on a global scale. The use of HFFR enables manufacturers to gain a competitive edge by participating in high-end projects, allowing cables to be marketed in various fields such as:

• High-rise construction
  
  

• Underground stations
  
  

• Offshore locations
  
  

Companies can market their cables as halogen-free, low-smoke, and safe.

Systems such as halogen-free flame-retardant plastics also offer the following advantages:

• Reduce personnel, maintenance, equipment, and installation cost risks
  
  

• Help implement health and sustainability measures
  
  

• Prevent toxic and corrosive gases during fire incidents
  
  

• Differentiate manufacturers in competitive markets
  
  

• Attract potential customers with high safety requirements
  
  

HFFR compound, optimized for processability, ensures continuous extrusion. In addition, the thermal stability of MDH-based systems provides long-term reliability for good aging and less risk of corrosive by-product damage.

By investing in HFFR compounds, cable manufacturers gain important advantages such as protection against future restrictions and flexibility in new application projects.

By using the right HFFR compound, you can gain technical and commercial advantages in production and offer your customers cables that comply with changing standards. In this regard, HFFR compound will enhance your market position by ensuring your products are highly secure.

You can use HFFR as a strategic element to be in a strong position in projects such as high-rise buildings, infrastructure, transportation, or industrial facilities. By using HFFR compound in cable insulation or sheathing, you can differentiate your products and share with your distinguished customers that you manufacture in compliance with fire safety regulations.