Derichebourg Scrap Sales Rise

French recycling group Derichebourg reported higher first-half profit and stronger metal sales for the October–March period of its 2025–26 financial year, supported by firm non-ferrous metal demand, higher copper and aluminium volumes, and increased European ferrous scrap buying ahead of new trade and carbon rules.

Non-Ferrous Metals Drive Profit Growth

Derichebourg’s first-half EBITDA rose by almost 10% year on year to €177.8 million, helped by stronger sales volumes and firmer pricing in non-ferrous metals. The company expects full-year EBITDA of €350 million to €370 million, with second-half performance likely to remain broadly comparable to the first half.

Non-ferrous revenue climbed nearly 20% to €1 billion as average selling prices rose by almost 15% from the same period a year earlier. The group sold 357,100 tonnes of non-ferrous metals, up 4.4%, showing continued demand for recycled copper, aluminium and other secondary raw materials.

Copper was the strongest performer, with sales volumes up 17%. Aluminium sales, excluding ingots, rose by 10%. However, aluminium ingot sales fell by 15% and lead sales declined by 4%, mainly because of weaker demand from the automotive industry.

Ferrous Scrap Volumes Rise Despite Lower Prices

Derichebourg’s ferrous scrap revenue fell by 5% year on year to €649.9 million, as lower average ferrous scrap prices outweighed higher volumes. The company sold 2.13 million tonnes of ferrous scrap during the period, up 2.2% from a year earlier.

The volume increase reflects stronger European mill purchasing ahead of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which comes into force in January. Derichebourg said some European steelmakers are turning to regional scrap suppliers because of uncertainty around CBAM calculations and potential import-related payments.

The company also expects ferrous scrap demand to improve further after the EU introduces new steel quotas and customs duties in July. Higher steel production in Turkey has also added support to the European scrap market by strengthening export demand.

Scholz Recycling Deal Expands Regional Reach

Derichebourg’s planned acquisition of German recycler Scholz Recycling would significantly expand its footprint in eastern Europe. Scholz operates 180 sites, including joint ventures, with operations in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Austria and Romania.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026. For Derichebourg, the acquisition could strengthen access to regional scrap flows, improve collection density and support its position as European steel and non-ferrous producers seek more secure recycled raw material supply.

Market Impact

○ Impacted Metals: Ferrous scrap, copper scrap, aluminium scrap, aluminium ingots, lead scrap

○ Direction: Mixed

○ Time Horizon: Near-term to H2 2026

○ Affected Industries: Steelmaking, recycling, non-ferrous metals, automotive, construction, manufacturing, commodity trading

○ Related Price Reports: Copper Weekly Price Report, Aluminum Weekly Price Report, Lead Weekly Price Report, Ferrous Scrap Weekly Price Report

○ Watch Item: Monitor whether EU steel quotas, customs duties and CBAM implementation continue to shift European steelmakers toward domestic and regional scrap suppliers.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary
Derichebourg’s results show a clear split in the European recycling market: non-ferrous metals remain supported by stronger pricing and industrial demand, while ferrous scrap is still dealing with weaker price levels despite improving volumes. The company’s outlook suggests that regulation, not only end-user demand, is becoming a key driver of scrap flows in Europe.
For metal buyers and recyclers, the most important signal is the growing preference for regional supply. CBAM, steel import controls and uncertainty around trade costs could make European scrap increasingly strategic for mills seeking lower-carbon and lower-risk feedstock.