The FibreStrap Cable Tie Q&A
We're glad to see you here at the FibreStrap Cable Tie Q&A. It's always great to have curious minds around. Kindly take a look at the answers provided below to see if your question has already been addressed.
If not, feel free to send your question to us at team@fibrestrap.com
Q&A: Product
What is a FibreStrap cable tie?
FibreStrap is a fibre-based cable tie made primarily from Nordic wood fibres. It is designed to replace single-use fossil-plastic cable ties in packaging, logistics and other temporary fastening applications.
What lengths are available?
FibreStrap is available in production lengths from 200 to 780 mm (approx. 8–30 inches).
How long is the shelf life of FibreStrap?
The shelf life is more than 2 years when stored at 23 °C (73 °F) and 50% relative humidity.
Can FibreStrap handle the weight of heavier products?
Yes. FibreStrap has a tensile strength of 110 N, which corresponds to 11.2 kg (24.7 lb). The strength you need depends on the product, the number of attachment points and the handling environment. Read more about our strength tests.
Can the FibreStrap cable ties endure heat?
FibreStrap is not flame retardant. For heat endurance, please see the below answer on recommended working temperatures.
Can the FibreStrap endure high and low temperatures?
Yes. FibreStrap holds 110 N at -30°C (-22°F) and 80 N at 50°C (122°F). Above 57°C (134.6°F), the bio-composite may deform slightly, but FibreStrap still holds.
Can the FibreStrap cable ties endure water?
In tests of outdoor use with rain and winds, FibreStrap is doing its job! We cannot guarantee it will during extreme weather conditions, as for all other attachment products.
Is FibreStrap suitable for outdoor use?
FibreStrap has passed an accelerated weathering test equivalent to 1,000 hours of UV light and cyclic water spray, which simulates approximately one year of outdoor use.
Can I cut through a FibreStrap with scissors? Are they easy to remove?
Yes, FibreStrap cable ties are easy to remove with scissors, pliers or other sharp objects.
Can I use the same tool to stretch and cut as I use for plastic cable ties?
We don't recommend it. Tools for plastic cable ties cut the cord too short, because they are designed to leave as little as possible of a sharp plastic end. Do not cut the FibreStrap cord directly behind the locking head, as this can release the lock. If you trim the cord end after attachment, leave at least 6 mm, or more for heavier products. The soft cord end will not scratch surfaces the way a cut plastic cable tie can. You can order a FibreStrap tensioning tool from us. This stretch-and-cut tool is designed for FibreStrap and cuts the cord automatically, leaving at least 6 mm. Spacers for 6, 11 and 17 mm are included.
Q&A: Cable Tie Material
What is the FibreStrap cable tie cord made from?
The cord is made from 99.9% kraft paper from Nordic wood fibres. To prevent abrasion, it is treated with a small amount of polyethylene wax (0.1%).
Where is FibreStrap produced?
The FibreStrap zip tie is designed, invented, engineered, and manufactured in Sweden.
Which bio-composite is the lock made from?
The locking head is made from a bio-composite of 50% polylactic acid (PLA), 20% hemp fibre and 30% polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), together with a small metal clip. The PLA is 100% bio-based and produced from sugar cane.
Is the material in the FibreStrap cable tie cord responsibly produced?
Yes. The cord is made from kraft paper produced from Nordic wood fibres in integrated mills. EVLR International AB, the company behind FibreStrap, is FSC® Chain of Custody certified (FSC-C201516). FibreStrap contains no substances classified as hazardous to human health or the environment under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), as specified in the safety data sheets of its components.
Is the material in the FibreStrap lock responsibly produced?
Yes. The bio-composite meets the requirements of EN 13432 for industrial composting. The hemp is grown in the EU and certified according to ISCC PLUS. PBAT is a polyester commonly used in compostable bags and food packaging, and it biodegrades in soil and compost environments.
Is FibreStrap plastic-free?
No, but it is predominantly renewable and fibre-based. The cord is 99.9% kraft paper from Nordic wood fibres, with a small amount of polyethylene wax (0.1%) to prevent abrasion. The lock is made from a bio-composite of PLA, hemp fibre and PBAT, together with a small metal clip. In total, a minimum of 85% of the material comes from renewable sources.
The finished FibreStrap, including its locking head, is certified as technically recyclable in conventional paper recycling mills.
Is FibreStrap patented?
Yes, FibreStrap is a patented solution.
Q&A: Cable Tie Recycling / Waste
Is FibreStrap a reusable cable tie?
Often, yes. Whether a FibreStrap can be reused depends on where it is cut when removed. If the remaining cord is undamaged and long enough, it can be used again, for example for binding plants, cables or other objects at home. Show us how you reuse your FibreStrap by sending a photo to team@fibrestrap.com!
Can FibreStrap be recycled?
Yes. The finished FS-A tie, including its locking head, is certified as technically recyclable in conventional paper recycling mills. The cord is recovered as fibre and the locking head is separated out. Whether it can be collected with a complete paper-based pack depends on the full pack and local collection rules.
What is the proper waste sorting for a FibreStrap?
The finished FibreStrap FS-A cable tie, including its locking head, is certified as technically recyclable in conventional paper recycling mills. Where local rules allow, sort it with paper and board packaging. In the recycling mill, the paper cord is recovered as fibre and the locking head is separated out. Sorting rules differ between countries. If your local rules require it, cut the cord from the lock, sort the cord as paper and the lock as residual waste.
Can FibreStrap support PPWR preparation?
Yes. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) puts increasing focus on recyclability and on reducing unnecessary plastic across the whole packaging system, including small components such as cable ties, tapes and straps. FibreStrap can replace an overlooked fossil-plastic component with a fibre-based alternative that is certified as technically recyclable in paper recycling, supporting a more coherent, recyclable packaging design. FibreStrap does not make a complete packaging solution PPWR-compliant on its own. Compliance depends on the full pack, its intended function, its material composition and the collection and recycling systems where it is used, and must be evaluated by the relevant economic operator.
When used as a packaging material, how should FibreStrap be calculated and reported to extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes?
How FibreStrap is reported depends on the rules of the EPR scheme in each country. Composite packaging is generally reported per material. Where a material is only an insignificant part of the packaging unit, some schemes allow it to be reported under the main material. By weight, FibreStrap is predominantly paper. On paper-based packaging, FibreStrap will therefore usually be a very small share of the total packaging weight. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) sets common EU rules for packaging, while EPR reporting is organised nationally. Contact us for a material breakdown for your reporting, and check with your EPR scheme.
What happens if a FibreStrap cable tie ends up in nature?
No product should end up in nature. Cord: The paper cord breaks down far faster than a nylon cable tie and is much less likely to harm wildlife. Lock: The bio-composite meets EN 13432:2000, which covers controlled industrial composting, not litter in the environment. In nature, the lock degrades slowly and may not break down completely. A used FibreStrap should always be recycled.
Is the FibreStrap lock biodegradable?
The bio-composite in the lock meets the requirements of EN 13432, which means it is compostable in industrial composting facilities. It is not designed to compost at home or in nature. Where industrial composting of packaging is not available, as in much of Europe, the lock ends up in energy recovery, or it is separated out in paper recycling.
Does the FibreStrap cable tie contribute to the occurrence of microplastics?
Bio-based plastics designed for industrial composting should not end up in nature, since incomplete degradation may lead to microplastics. The FibreStrap cord is made of natural wood fibre. The lock contains a bio-composite and should be recycled, not left in nature. The EU restriction on intentionally added microplastics is set out in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055. FibreStrap contains no intentionally added microplastics.
Is FibreStrap compliant with the REACH and RoHS?
Yes, the suppliers of the respective materials have fulfilled their registration obligations under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Furthermore, FibreStrap does not contain any SVHC substances listed in the Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorisation and does not contain substances that are restricted for use following the conditions laid down in Annex XVII of REACH. FibreStrap does not contain any of the substances listed as restricted in Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) including the substances added by the amendment 2015/863/EU in amount exceeding the concentration limits specified therein.
Is the metal piece in the lock a concern for sustainability?
The small metal clip is needed to achieve a strong, permanent lock, which is important for anti-theft and tamper-evident use. It does not prevent recycling: the finished FibreStrap, including the locking head, is certified as technically recyclable in paper recycling, where the locking head is separated out.
Q&A: Ordering the Cable Tie
What are the technical parameters of FibreStrap cable ties?
We are happy to send you a technical data sheet. Please drop us a mail at team@fibrestrap.com
How do I order FibreStrap zip ties?
You can order sample kits with a variety of lengths directly from our webshop. For larger volumes, contact one of our distributors or email team@fibrestrap.com and we will get back to you.
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity for direct orders is one EUR pallet, approximately 50,000–100,000 FibreStraps depending on length. We are flexible with MOQ for first orders and ramp up. For smaller volumes, please contact one of our distributors or reach out to us, and we will find a solution.
How much do FibreStrap cable ties cost?
Please let us know annual volumes, lengths, and country of shipment destination and we will get back to you!
Do you have samples of FibreStrap for review?
Yes! You can order sample kits in our webshop. We would love to hear your feedback after testing.
How do I purchase a trial batch for a pilot of your cable ties?
If you have reviewed FibreStrap samples, and wish to run a bigger-scale trial those are available for purchase. Please reach out to team@fibrestrap.com
Can I share pictures of FibreStrap in Social Media?
Yes. We are happy and proud to have supporters! Please contact us at team@fibrestrap.com before publishing any material so we can approve it.
Where does FibreStrap ship to?
We deliver globally on ex works (EXW) terms. You can also buy FibreStrap through our distributors in Europe and North America.
Ask us a question!
Thank you for showing interest in FibreStrap cable ties. If you can't find the answer to your question above, you are welcome to drop us a line. We will do our best to satisfy your curiosity.