EIMV at TBMCE 2026: Presenting Results from the EnFiCab Project

The Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE 2026) conference took place in Portorož from 9 to 11 September 2026. The conference focused on new approaches, technologies and business models supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

EIMV was represented at the conference by Peter Osenčič and Petra Krištof, who presented two research contributions developed within the Environmentally Responsible and Low Fire-hazard Polymer Composites for the Cable Insulations project (EnFiCab).

The first contribution, “Assessment of Thermal Degradation Effects on Dielectric Performance of Electrical Insulation Materials”, addresses the effects of elevated temperatures on electrical insulation materials. The study monitored changes in the insulation properties of PVC and silicone materials at different temperatures using dielectric frequency response and partial discharge measurements. The aim was to determine the temperature at which a more pronounced deterioration of electrical insulation properties begins and to support the analysis of the rate of material ageing.

The second contribution, “Cascade Valorisation of Shredded Waste Electrical Cable Insulation Following Initial Incorporation into Geopolymer Composites: A Life Cycle Assessment with Longevity and Loop Factors”, focuses on further utilisation pathways for polymeric insulation from end-of-life electrical cables. The study investigates the cascade valorisation of waste cable insulation following its initial incorporation into geopolymer composites and uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate different options for further material utilisation. Longevity and loop factors were also introduced to better describe the potential for extending material lifetimes through repeated use within circular material flows.

Together, the two contributions connect the fields of electrical power engineering, materials, sustainable development and the circular economy, and represent part of EIMV's research activities within the EnFiCab project.

Acknowledgement:
Project No. C3360-25-452027 “Environmentally Responsible and Low Fire-hazard Polymer Composites for the Cable Insulations, EnFiCab” was granted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia in the scope of the programme “M.ERA-NET3”, which is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 958174. The investment is co-financed by the M.ERA-NET3 network and the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.