As global infrastructure develops and operational efficiency becomes a priority, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) cable trays are replacing traditional steel alternatives, fueled by their corrosion resistance, lightweight design and sustainability. A key innovation is polyurethane composite FRP (PU-FRP), which enhances toughness and flame retardancy, making it ideal for sensitive environments like data centers, per the Global Composite Infrastructure Association (GCIA).
Unlike steel, both FRP and PU-FRP trays offer a 25-30 year service life with minimal maintenance, cutting lifecycle costs by up to 50%. PU-FRP’s low-smoke, halogen-free properties and FV-0 flame-retardant rating further suit data center needs, while FRP’s corrosion rate is 10 times lower than carbon steel—critical for harsh settings like coastal areas and renewable energy sit0es, notes GCIA’s Elena Marquez.
Major manufacturers are expanding to meet demand. Hebei Baizhu has boosted FRP production by 30%, while Jiangsu Zhuanyao reports a 52% year-over-year increase in PU-FRP orders, driven by data center demand in Asia-Pacific and North America. Both firms offer custom formulations for data centers, complying with standards like UL94 V-0 and TIA-942.
Real-world applications highlight their versatility: Hebei Baizhu’s FRP trays solved corrosion issues at a Malaysian petrochemical plant, while Jiangsu Zhuanyao’s PU-FRP trays cut installation time by 20% at a Chinese hyperscale data center, meeting strict fire safety requirements.
Renewable energy and data centers are the fastest-growing markets, together accounting for 60% of the global FRP cable tray market’s 8.2% CAGR through 2030 (GCIA). FRP’s non-conductive properties suit high-voltage renewable projects, while PU-FRP addresses data centers’ need for uptime and fire safety.
Sustainability also drives adoption: FRP production uses 30% less energy than steel, and its long lifespan reduces waste. While FRP currently holds 25% of the cable tray market, analysts expect growth as industries recognize its cost savings.
“FRP is a mainstream infrastructure solution,” Marquez said, noting it may overtake steel in harsh environments within a decade. Innovations like graphene-enhanced PU-FRP and smart sensors will further expand its use in data centers and industrial settings.
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Post time: Feb-10-2026