No 5G Without Plastics?

Applications such as connected manufacturing, autonomous driving or data-intensive services in everyday life demonstrate just how rapidly the demand for high-performance networks is growing. 5G brings not only greater speed but also new physical challenges. Although higher frequencies allow for larger data volumes, they are more sensitive to interference and shielding. This places correspondingly high demands on the materials used.

Materials are required that:

• minimise signal loss,
• selectively allow electromagnetic waves to pass through or shield them,
• are temperature- and weather-resistant
• and remain lightweight and durable at the same time.

This is precisely where plastics excel. Unlike metals, which can shield radio signals, they allow significantly better transmission of electromagnetic waves – a clear advantage for modern mobile communications technologies.

Without suitable plastics, many of these requirements would not be met – signals would be more severely attenuated, components would wear out more quickly, and the performance of the networks would be significantly limited.

How does 5G work?

• 5G uses higher frequency bands than previous mobile communication standards
• this enables higher data rates and lower latency
• the network consists of many smaller radio cells rather than a few large masts
• more antennas = higher performance, but also greater demands on materials

Where Plastics Are Used in 5G Technology

5G is also transforming the infrastructure: instead of a few large masts, an increasing number of smaller transmission units are being deployed, which are integrated into existing environments. Plastics are present in virtually all areas of the 5G infrastructure – often invisible, but functionally crucial.

Antennas & radomes

They protect sensitive technology from the elements whilst allowing radio waves to pass through virtually unimpeded. Materials with low signal absorption and stable dielectric properties are crucial. Without these materials, it would not be possible to design antennas that are both protected and capable of transmitting signals.

Housings & components

Whether on masts or in urban infrastructure: plastics provide UV-, temperature- and weather-resistant solutions that remain lightweight and flexible in design. Their corrosion resistance and durability also contribute to the long-term operational reliability of the infrastructure.

Cables & connectors

As frequencies rise, signal stability becomes a challenge. Specialised polymers enable precise insulation and low transmission losses.

Shielding & EMC

Functionalised plastics with conductive additives provide the necessary electromagnetic shielding without compromising system performance.

Lightweight construction & design freedom

Plastics reduce the weight of components whilst opening up new design possibilities. They enable complex geometries and the integration of multiple functions. Without lightweight and flexible plastics, it would be virtually impossible to integrate many 5G components into existing infrastructure such as street lamps or building facades.

Is 5G harmful?

• As things stand, there is no scientific evidence that 5G is harmful to health.
• Exposure limits are regulated and monitored at international level.
• The higher density of antennas often actually results in lower transmission power from individual devices.

With 5G, it is not only the technology that is changing – but also the role of the plastics industry. There is a growing demand for materials that are no longer universally applicable, but are specifically developed for particular applications.

This has several consequences:

• Greater specialisation: Standard materials are often no longer sufficient – there is a need for bespoke solutions for antennas, housings or electronics.
• Closer collaboration along the value chain: Material manufacturers are collaborating earlier and more intensively with telecommunications companies and device developers.
• Growing demand due to infrastructure expansion: The global 5G rollout is increasing the demand for high-performance plastics.
• The tension between performance and sustainability: Today, more than ever, high-performance materials must be assessed in terms of recycling and climate protection.

5G is not just a technological issue – it is a driver of innovation for materials development. Without these material innovations, the roll-out of high-performance 5G infrastructure would proceed at a much slower pace.

Conclusion: Digitalisation Requires Materials Expertise

5G is far more than an upgrade of network technology. It is a technological leap that would be inconceivable without the right materials.

Plastics play a key role in this:

• They enable high-performance infrastructure,
• they ensure reliability and efficiency
• and they open up new design and integration possibilities.

With a view to future developments – such as 6G and even higher frequencies – this importance will continue to grow.

Without suitable plastics, many key components of 5G infrastructure – from antennas to printed circuit boards – could not be produced in their current form.

Author: Elena Blume | K-Mag

Elena Blume has been writing for various industry magazines for eight years and joined the K-Mag editorial team in 2021. She is particularly interested in topics related to innovative plastics solutions that contribute to sustainability and address current challenges relevant to industry and society.

At a glance

• 5G places new demands on materials – particularly in terms of signal transmission, temperature resistance and durability.
• Plastics are used in key components, such as antennas, housings, cables and printed circuit boards.
• The roll-out of 5G is driving the development of specialised high-performance materials.

Key Takeaway:

When discussing the future of digitalisation, we should not only focus on networks and data – but also on the materials that make it all possible.