With the world now keenly aware of the dangers of single-use plastic, we look at eco-friendly cable tie options.
Single-use plastics are generally acknowledged to be harmful to the environment, with millions of tonnes of plastic waste entering the world’s aquatic ecosystems each year. But the features of nylon (a form of plastic manufactured from crude oil) are indisputable; it is string and durable and has exceptional weight bearing ability. With cable ties being made from nylon, we ask if there are any that are eco-friendly?
Releasable cable ties
The most eco-conscious way to use nylon cable ties is to use them more than once, and this is where nylon releasable cable ties come into their own! Designed specifically to be used multiple times, reusable cable ties operate by means of a tab release mechanism (the 7.6mm wide option has a button release).
How do releasable cable ties work?
The tab release or the button release mechanisms secure the cable tie in place until manually released. At this point, the head of the tie is released, the tie can be loosened and used again.
Are reusable cable ties as strong as single use ties?
The short answer is yes, they are! How strong any cable tie is, is known as its tensile strength and this is measured in kg. It refers to the weight that a cable tie can bear before it breaks. We supply releasable cable ties in 4 widths, offering a tensile strength of up to 79.4kg for our widest (9.0mm) tie – the same as our standard single-use nylon cable ties.
Uses for releasable cable ties
• The perfect solution for bundling cables where there will be the need to add or remove cables from the bundle over time, for example when managing cables in the home or office.
• Perfect for temporary installations of banners or signs that will need to be taken down.
• Ideal for transient art exhibitions.
• For the gardener wanting to secure developing plants that could be damaged by single-use cable ties.
Releasable cable ties from cableties-online
Our reusable cable ties are available in 7 lengths up to 450mm and 4 widths up to 9.00mm. All sizes and lengths are available in black or natural, with other sizes available in up to 4 additional colours.
The Rapstrap
Brought to the attention of the general public thanks to The Dragons’ Den, the TV show that offers budding entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their ideas to potential investors, the Rapstrap was designed as an alternative to the traditional cable tie.
Features of the Rapstrap
• Cellular design allows the original Rapstrap to stretch by up to 50%
• Soft, flexible and elasticated
• Fully releasable and reusable
• Supplied in tear-off sheets allowing you to use as much or as little as you need – off cuts can be used as smaller ties to reduce wastage
• Manufactured from at least 30% recycled materials
• Fully recyclable where PVC is recycled
• Working temperature range of -20C to 60C
• Tensile strength up to 12kg
The Rapstrap from cableties-online
As an official UK distributor of the Rapstrap range of reusable cable ties, we offer the original Rapstrap Classic in packs of 48 ties (8 tear off sheets of 6), as well as the second generation Rapstrap i-Tie which is suitable for applications that need a firmer grip. Industrial, heavy-duty and custom versions are available on request.
If you would like any further information about our eco-friendly cable tie options, send us an email to sales@cableties-online.co.uk or give our sales team a call between office hours on 01623 706241
