Anker's New USB-C Cables Use Plant-Based Materials

Anker is making its new USB-C cables more eco-friendly by using plant-based materials to reduce the amount of petroleum-based plastic required.

The new cables will carry a "Anker Eco Product" logo and use a proprietary mixture of plant-based materials to manufacture the outer sheath protecting the cable inside. The final sheath contains 40% of this reusable material, which is sourced from corn and sugarcane.

Anker said it has managed to integrate the plant material without sacrificing quality, usability, or strength (the new cables can withstand up to 20,000 bends). At the same time it means less pretroleum-based plastic is required to manufacture each cable.

"As the global leader in mobile charging, it's our responsibility to explore ways to reduce the e-waste impact our products and packaging have on the environment," said Steven Yang, CEO of Anker Innovations. It also seems to be the start of a change within Anker to adopt more eco-friendly materials, with Yang going on to say, "these bio-based cables are just the first step, and we're excited to drive this eco-innovation for both our company and the consumer electronics industry, overall."

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Two versions of these eco-friendly cables will be available in 3ft or 6ft lengths and a variety of colors. The Anker 541 USB-C to Lightning Cable (Bio-Based) will be offered in black, white, green, blue, and purple for $18.99 (3ft) or $21.99 (6ft). Alternatively, the Anker 543 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Bio-Based) will be offered in black, white, green, and blue for $16.99 (3ft) or $19.99 (6ft). Anker is also offering 10% off at the moment if you buy direct.

Explained: What Is USB-C?