When Quiet Revolutions Redefine Industries

From Synthetics in Manufacturing:

In the mid-20th century, materials like nylon and Kevlar began to replace traditional fibers such as cotton and wool in specialized industrial settings. High-tension ropes, protective gear, and heavy-duty machinery parts benefited from these synthetic innovations, quietly cutting costs, boosting safety, and increasing overall product lifespans. Despite its monumental impact, this shift often happened behind closed doors, earning it the status of a “quiet revolution.”

To Composites in the Electric Grid:

A similar silent transformation is now taking place in the electrical grid. Composite utility poles—made from advanced polymer composites—are gradually outclassing wood and concrete in ways similar to how nylon outperformed natural fibers. These poles are lighter, stronger, resistant to decay, and require far less maintenance over their lifetime. As a result, utilities and municipalities are discovering that upgrading to composite poles can deliver cost savings and operational efficiencies that rival the game-changing benefits synthetic fibers once brought to industrial applications.