Environmental Impacts

Fibre Optic innovations are increasing day by day as more and more industries take advantage of the faster communication speeds, longer lifespans and more intricate assemblies that fibre optics provide over traditional cables and networks.

Their continuous development means they’re now being implemented in harsh environments and forwarding our future in the digital world at an astonishing pace, leading people to now examine the future role fibre optics will play in our world and their impact on the environment.
Join us as we explore the ideals of a greener future thanks to fibre optics.

That’s right, it’s good news! Various studies have proven that fibre optics are a much more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cables and wiring. This is due, in part, to the materials used in fibre optics; Glass (silicon dioxide) is one of the most abundant materials on Earth, naturally occurring in sand, clay and rocks. It is much safer to extract and produce than it’s traditional cable alternative; copper.

Copper mining has a large impact on the environment; contributing to deforestation, destruction of natural habitats and is a major cause of ‘acid rain’.

That’s not all; fibre optics, especially armoured assemblies, have a much longer life span than traditional cables, resulting in waste reduction, and their very nature means they consume less energy than traditional cables, and in doing so also reduce energy waste in terms of heat production and cooling systems. Specialist fibre optics firms, like us, can design bespoke assemblies that, wherever possible, can be easily repaired and updated in order to further extend the life of complicated assemblies.

Finally, the use of fibre optics is furthering our knowledge and development of sustainable and renewable energy sources; Their superfast communication speeds, armoured protection and long life spans means they can be used in incredibly harsh environments that are helping us to reduce the impact of non-renewable energy sources whilst also being used to develop, maintain and manufacture bigger and better solar panels, wind turbines and hydropower plants.

Alker are passionate about the future of fibre optics, and strive to pioneer innovative solutions to modern problems, working alongside a large variety of industries, connecting the future world.

We have more than 35 years’ experience in the fibre optic industry, our engineers are able to break down existing connectors to determine the most appropriate course of action to carry out a repair, redesign or have new parts manufactured to extend the life of your system.