France-based wire and cable giant Nexans has announced a strategic collaboration with Italy’s Continuus-Properzi to establish a recycled-content copper production line at one of its longstanding facilities in Lens, France. This innovative project is set to play a crucial role in addressing the increasing global demand for copper while promoting circular economy principles within the European copper industry.
Nexans’ Commitment to Copper Recycling and Sustainability
As global electrification efforts expand, the demand for copper—a key component in electrical systems—continues to rise. Nexans recognizes the urgency of recycling to mitigate potential copper shortages and has taken significant steps to meet this challenge. In collaboration with Suez, the company is enhancing its role in collecting and processing wire and cable scrap across Europe.
“With copper being essential to electrification, recycling represents a vital solution to potential shortages,” Nexans stated. The company’s new initiative aims to boost sustainability with a groundbreaking recycled-content copper production facility, which is expected to be operational by 2026.
Lens Facility: A Hub for Innovative Copper Production
Nexans’ Lens site, located in northern France, has been operational since the company’s inception in 1971. The facility will serve as the foundation for the upcoming project. Once the copper production line is powered by recycled materials, Nexans plans to use state-of-the-art refining technologies to process up to 100% recycled copper. This method will optimize energy and water usage, setting a benchmark for sustainable copper production.
Currently, the Lens site is home to France’s only copper rod foundry. With an investment exceeding €90 million ($97.4 million), Nexans will boost its annual copper recycling capacity to 80,000 metric tons and increase wire rod production by over 50%. This initiative reinforces Nexans’ role as a leader in recycling and positions the company as a major contributor to the circular economy of Europe’s copper sector.
Continuus-Properzi: Delivering State-of-the-Art Technology
Based in Milan, Italy, Continuus-Properzi specializes in manufacturing complete systems for producing electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) and fire-refined high conductivity (FRHC) wire rods. This partnership marks the first implementation of its cutting-edge technology for copper recycling in France.
“I feel extremely proud to have signed this strategic agreement with Nexans,” Giulio Properzi, President of Continuus-Properzi, shared. “Our combined expertise will revolutionize copper scrap recycling, a field we’ve been developing since my father pioneered continuous copper rod casting technology.”
Strengthening Nexans’ Circular Economy Vision
Nexans’ collaboration with Continuus-Properzi ties into its broader strategy of integrating sustainability into the supply chain. By collecting copper scrap from urban mines and converting it into premium copper wire, Nexans aims to become fully self-sufficient in copper for its entire cable manufacturing process. The company also plans to increase the proportion of recycled copper in its products to 30% by 2030, aligning with its environmental goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
“This investment secures Nexans’ strategic independence and strengthens its ability to navigate raw material challenges,” explained Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans. “With this partnership and our enhanced capabilities, we demonstrate that an innovative industry can also foster local and sustainable economic growth.”
A Step Toward Sustainable Growth in the Copper Industry
Through its joint venture with Suez Recycâbles and the new recycling initiative, Nexans positions itself as a key driving force in Europe’s push for a greener manufacturing process. This endeavor ensures employment opportunities, fosters innovation, and proactively addresses the challenge of resource scarcity.
Employing approximately 28,500 people in 41 countries, Nexans serves a wide array of markets, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial applications. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, Nexans solidifies its commitment to electrification, circular economy principles, and future-proof growth.
Final Thoughts
The Nexans-Continuus Properzi partnership showcases how industry collaboration can tackle critical global challenges such as resource sustainability and environmental impact. As Nexans continues to push the boundaries of innovation, this new venture underscores its leadership in driving sustainable solutions in the electrical and cable manufacturing industries.
