Ahead of the event, Premix and LYB collaborated on a PP medium-voltage cable guide to support technical discussions around next-generation cable materials, processing performance, sustainability, and long-term supply reliability. During the exhibition, the guide attracted strong attention and sparked many valuable conversations across the industry.
What were your main takeaways from Wire 2026?
Minna Grönholm, Premix:
We were very pleased to see how much interest there is around polypropylene-based cable materials, especially in medium-voltage applications. The discussions confirmed that the industry is actively exploring future-ready alternatives and looking for partners that can support both material performance and long-term reliability.
Murielle Chuzeville, LYB:
There was a strong focus on how material innovations can support the evolving needs of cable manufacturers. Many visitors were interested in the combination of solutions for a specify cable design and application including material performance, processing stability, and supply reliability.
Supply security was also a major discussion topic. Why is this becoming increasingly important?
Minna Grönholm, Premix:
In the current global situation, especially with the uncertainties in the Middle East and ongoing logistics challenges, supply security has become a critical topic for cable manufacturers.
We are in a strong position because we have now manufacturing both in Finland and in the USA. This allows us to support customers with more reliable deliveries and regional supply flexibility. It also helps reduce risks related to global supply chain disruptions.
Murielle Chuzeville, LYB:
Supply resilience is also a key focus for LYB. With manufacturing operations across multiple regions globally, LYB is well positioned to support customers with reliable material availability and supply continuity in changing market conditions. A broad global manufacturing footprint helps increase flexibility and reduce risks related to regional supply chain disruptions.
How does collaboration support the development of next-generation cable materials?
Murielle Chuzeville, LYB:
Partnerships are essential. Developing next-generation cable solutions requires close collaboration across the value chain from polymer producers and compounders to equipment manufacturers and cable producers.
Minna Grönholm, Premix:
We are also actively looking to strengthen collaboration with machine producers and other technology partners to support the future development of PP cable systems and processing solutions.
We would jointly like to thank Maillefer for the strong cooperation and partnership during Wire 2026. These discussions and collaborations are important for accelerating innovation and helping the industry move forward together.
What new opportunities are you currently seeing in cable applications?
Minna Grönholm, Premix:
One area where we see strong momentum is semiconductive jacketing materials. While semiconductive jackets are an established part of the cable market, Premix has already demonstrated its position as a reliable partner in this area by bringing fresh thinking, strong technical expertise, and dependable product performance to the market.
During Wire 2026, we introduced our latest jacketing solutions and received very positive feedback from customers and industry partners.
Our PRE-ELEC® materials support multiple cable layers, including conductor and insulation screening, semiconductive jackets, and specialty cable applications.
We believe there is significant potential to further develop semiconductive jacket solutions as cable systems continue to evolve for more demanding environments and higher performance requirements. We differentiate ourselves by working closely with customers to solve application-specific challenges through product development and tailored material solutions.
Murielle Chuzeville, LYB:
We could clearly see a growing demand for alternative material solutions that can support both performance requirements and sustainability ambitions. In particular, polypropylene-based insulation is increasingly being evaluated as a credible option for medium-voltage cable designs.
Beyond insulation, interest is also expanding toward a more holistic optimization of cable systems, including semiconductive layers and jacketing materials. Customers are no longer looking at individual materials in isolation, but rather at how the full system can deliver improved reliability, processing efficiency, and long-term cost stability.
At the same time, we see continued demand for high-performance XLPE solutions, where specialty materials such as EBA play a key role in enhancing insulation durability and resistance to water treeing. This confirms that innovation will continue across both existing and emerging technologies, rather than a one-size-fits-all transition.
Overall, the opportunity lies in combining material innovation, application expertise, and supply reliability to support the next generation of cable designs.
How do you see the adoption of PP-based cables evolving in the coming years?
Minna Grönholm, Premix:
We believe that adoption will follow a gradual but steady path, starting with pilot projects and targeted applications where the benefits of PP materials are most evident. As more experience is gained and standards evolve, we expect broader acceptance across the market.
Murielle Chuzeville, LYB:
From our perspective, the transition will be driven by a combination of sustainability targets, regulatory developments, and proven field performance. Collaboration across the value chain will be essential to accelerate this journey and ensure that new material solutions can be implemented at scale with confidence.
Let’s Continue the Discussion
Minna Grönholm
Business Development Manager
Premix
Connect with Minna on LinkedIn →
Murielle Chuzeville
Industrial Marketing Manager W&C
LyondellBasell
Connect with Murielle on LinkedIn →
