11 February 2026

Cable materials reimagined: In conversation with Stefan Karis

Why innovative materials such as WANSUPER® polyolefin elastomers (POEs) from Nordmann partner Wanhua are becoming increasingly important for cable manufacturers—and how they improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability at the same time. Nordmann News asked Stefan Karis, Inside Sales & Product Manager Thermoplastics at Nordmann Germany, for his insights.

Stefan, you have been working closely with customers in the cable industry for many years. What challenges do you currently encounter most frequently in this sector—and why are polyolefin elastomers such as WANSUPER® POEs so well suited to these changing requirements?

Stefan: In the cable industry, I repeatedly encounter the same fundamental questions: How can materials improve performance, simplify processes, and become more sustainable at the same time? Many of our customers are under considerable pressure to innovate. They need cables that are lighter, more flexible, more cold-resistant, and more sustainable—but without compromising on performance, quality and safety.

Stefan Karis, Inside Sales & Product Manager | Thermoplastics at Nordmann Germany

In practice, however, “greener” or material-reduced solutions often have weaknesses: more brittle sheathing, uneven extrusion, or significant performance losses at cold temperatures. This is exactly where WANSUPER® POEs from our partner Wanhua offer real added value. They combine high mechanical and thermal stability with excellent processability and are perfectly suited to current market requirements. They also support polyolefin recycling—an aspect that has become an important decision-making criterion for many companies today.

Many innovations start as tests—but for one of NORDMANN's customers, it quickly became a strategic advantage. What made the use of WANSUPER® POEs so special?

Stefan: In this specific case, the focus was on cable filling – and even in the initial tests, the customer's production team praised the excellent processability of WANSUPER ® POEs. However, the real breakthrough came when the team realized that the filler loading could be significantly increased with WANSUPER® POEs. This led to significant cost savings—without compromising performance.

WANSUPER® POEs proved their benefits in cable filling: their soft, non-sticky, and compressible structure eliminates voids and protects the phases. Their stable thermal behavior prevents long-term shrinkage. And even slicing performance is improved—for faster on-site installation. In short, the advantages speak for themselves.

Stefan, sticking with the technical advantages, what about the cable sheathing?

Stefan: When it comes to cable sheathing, WANSUPER® POEs enable extremely abrasion-resistant surfaces that can easily withstand the mechanical stresses of installation. At the same time, they offer excellent UV and chemical resistance. This makes them ideal for use in outdoor areas and industrial environments.

Another important point is cold flexibility: even at low temperatures, the cables remain flexible and crack resistant which is crucial for the long-term reliability of the products.

In summary: WANSUPER ® POEs impress with their high strength and consistent electrical insulation performance. The result is sheathing materials that are not only robust and durable but also deliver reliable performance in demanding environments.

A major advantage of WANSUPER® POEs is their recyclability. What role does this sustainability aspect play in customer dialogue today, and how do POEs help companies achieve both economic and environmental goals?

Stefan: Sustainability has become a key issue—not only for regulatory reasons, but also because cable manufacturers are actively seeking solutions that can be integrated into existing recycling processes. Many elastomers make recycling difficult. WANSUPER® POEs, on the other hand, fit seamlessly into PE and PP recycling.

This brings numerous advantages: simplified sorting, compatibility with mechanical and chemical recycling, lower density, potential for wall thickness reduction, and an overall lower carbon footprint compared to traditional elastomers. Our customers see that they don't have to compromise—neither in processing nor in performance. For many, this is a decisive step toward developing sustainable product lines that remain economically attractive.

My personal conclusion: This is a material that is shaking up and changing the industry.

WANSUPER® POEs demonstrate how modern materials can transform the cable industry: They improve operational efficiency, reduce material usage, enable more sustainable production processes, and meet the rising expectations of utilities, telecommunications providers, and OEMs.

In doing so, they are quietly but effectively paving the way for the next generation of cable innovations.

Thank you very much for the interview, Stefan.