Why Companies Are Switching to Synthetic Slings

In recent years, the lifting and rigging industry has undergone a significant shift. More companies across construction, logistics, manufaktur, energy, and offshore operations are moving away from traditional wire rope slings and adopting synthetic slings, such as polyester webbing slings and round slings.

What is driving this transition?
Improved safety, higher efficiency, simplified handling, and better long-term cost performance are just a few of the reasons.

This article explores the key factors behind this industry-wide change and why synthetic slings have become the preferred solution for modern lifting operations.

1. Enhanced Safety and Reduced Risk of Injury

One of the primary reasons companies are switching to synthetic slings is safety.
Wire rope slings, although strong, can pose several risks:

• Broken wires can cause hand injuries
• Sharp edges may damage loads
• Metal fatigue can go unnoticed
• Corrosion weakens strength over time

In contrast, synthetic slings are designed with soft, flexible materials that significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

Key safety advantages of synthetic slings

• No sharp wires
• No rust or corrosion
• High visibility colors for safer operations
• Lower likelihood of damaging delicate loads
• Clear visual damage indicators (cuts, abrasion marks, etc.)

For many safety managers, synthetic slings offer a cleaner and more predictable inspection process, which directly reduces accident rates.

2. Lightweight Design Improves Efficiency

Wire rope slings are heavy. Moving them, installing them, or positioning them for overhead lifting requires more labor and increases operator fatigue.

Synthetic slings, on the other hand, are up to 80% lighter depending on the type and capacity.

Benefits of a lightweight sling system

• Faster setup and rigging changes
• Reduced worker fatigue
• Easier lifting at height
• Improved handling in confined spaces
• Lower chance of dropping or mishandling gear

This translates to higher operational efficiency—an important priority for contractors and factories looking to shorten lifting time and reduce labor costs.

3. Superior Flexibility for a Wider Range of Loads

Synthetic slings excel in environments where loads have:

• Irregular shapes
• Delicate surfaces
• Sensitive coatings
• Polished metals
• Large contact surfaces

Wire rope slings can scratch or crush materials. This is especially problematic in industries such as:

• Machinery manufacturing
• Automotive production
• Aerospace
• Glass and metal fabrication
• Paint-coated components
• Stone and marble lifting

Synthetic slings naturally conform to the load, providing better stability and protecting the product surface.

4. Corrosion Resistance for Harsh Environments

Wire rope slings are vulnerable to:

• Moisture
• Saltwater
• Chemicals
• Acids
• Extreme temperatures

Corrosion weakens steel strands over time and requires constant lubrication and maintenance.

Synthetic slings, especially polyester types, offer:

• Resistance to most chemicals
• No rust or oxidation
• Stable performance in humid or outdoor environments
• Minimal maintenance requirements

This makes them ideal for:

• Marine lifting
• Port operations
• Offshore platforms
• Chemical plants
• Outdoor construction

Many companies switch simply because synthetic slings last longer in harsh conditions.

5. Lower Long-Term Cost and Higher ROI

While wire rope slings may sometimes have a lower initial cost, the overall ownership cost is significantly higher due to:

• Frequent lubrication
• Rust protection
• More complex inspections
• Heavier shipping costs
• Higher replacement frequency

Synthetic slings offer clear financial advantages:

• Longer lifespan in many applications
• Lower maintenance costs
• Easier storage and transport
• Reduced operator injuries and downtime
• Better protection for expensive equipment

For procurement departments evaluating total life-cycle cost, synthetic slings often deliver higher return on investment (ROI).

6. Easier and Faster Inspection Process

Inspection for wire rope slings is often time-consuming. Damage can be hidden between strands or deep inside the rope.

Synthetic slings provide immediate visual inspection, making compliance with international standards much easier.

Inspectors can quickly identify:

• Cuts
• Abrasion
• Heat damage
• Chemical burns
• Deformation

This reduces the time needed for pre-lift checks and helps ensure safer operations.

7. Increasing Adoption in Global Standards

Leading global standards organizations—including ASME B30.9, EN1492, and ISO 4878—have expanded and clarified guidelines for synthetic slings. With stronger, clearer regulations in place, more industries feel confident adopting synthetic lifting solutions.

As international projects and multinational supply chains grow, companies tend to choose equipment that meets widely accepted standards, making synthetic slings an easy choice.

8. Ideal for Modern Lifting Requirements

Today’s lifting environments require:

• Faster operations
• Safer work practices
• Lower fatigue
• Protection for high-value machinery
• Compliance with stricter safety rules

Synthetic slings perfectly align with these modern needs. Companies are switching not just because synthetic slings are “better”—but because wire rope slings no longer fit many of today’s operations.

Conclusion: A Natural Evolution in Lifting Technology

More companies are transitioning from wire rope to synthetic slings because the benefits are clear:

• Safer for workers
• Faster to operate
• Flexible and load-friendly
• Resistant to corrosion
• Easier to inspect
• Lower long-term costs

As lifting requirements continue to evolve, synthetic slings will likely become the default choice for many industries worldwide.

For businesses seeking safer, lighter, and more efficient lifting solutions, the move to synthetic slings is not just a trend—it’s a strategic upgrade.