Nexans Circularity Strategy Accelerates Recycled Copper Use in Cable Production

Nexans Circularity Strategy Drives Recycled Material Adoption

Nexans has intensified its circular economy strategy by increasing recycled material usage in production. The company used over 95,000 metric tons of recycled inputs in 2025. Copper accounted for the largest share, reaching 84,300 metric tons. This volume represents about 88 percent of total recycled materials used.

Moreover, Nexans reported an average of 19 percent recycled content in its copper usage. The company targets 25 percent by 2028. It operates copper rod mills across Canada, France, Chile, and Peru. These facilities increasingly rely on recycled copper feedstock.

Meanwhile, Nexans also expanded recycled inputs across other materials. It used over 5,500 metric tons of recycled plastics. It also consumed 3,760 metric tons of recycled steel and 1,810 metric tons of recycled aluminum. As a result, the company strengthens material efficiency across its cable manufacturing portfolio.

Recycled Copper Use Supports Supply Security and Sustainability

Nexans continues to integrate recycled materials into coatings and production systems. It uses recyclable plastics such as PVC, polyethylene, and cross-linked polyethylene. These materials allow reintegration into manufacturing loops, supporting circular design principles.

In addition, Nexans collaborates with Suez through the RecyCâbles joint venture. This initiative collects and processes 36,000 metric tons of cables annually in Europe. It produces high-purity copper granules and recycled plastics for reuse in industry.

Furthermore, Nexans partnered with Trimet to develop aluminum rods with recycled content. This innovation supports power cable manufacturing with reduced environmental impact. The company also works with Continuus-Properzi to build a recycled copper production line in Lens, France.

Nexans Circularity Strategy Expands with NCCCR Project

The Nexans Continuous Casting & Recycling (NCCCR) project represents a major investment in circular production. The company allocated 90 million euros to this initiative. It expects commissioning by 2027.

The NCCCR facility will process up to 80,000 metric tons of copper scrap annually. This capacity will strengthen supply resilience and reduce dependence on primary copper. As global copper demand rises, Nexans positions recycling as a strategic advantage.

Global copper consumption may reach 39 million metric tons by 2030. However, primary production may not exceed 24 million metric tons. Therefore, recycled copper will play a critical role in balancing supply gaps.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Nexans circularity strategy reflects a broader shift across the metals sector toward resource security and decarbonization. The company aligns sustainability goals with supply chain resilience. This dual focus will likely define competitive advantage in the electrification era. As copper demand accelerates, firms that scale recycling infrastructure will lead the market.