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| Nexans Circularity Strategy |
Nexans’ Recycled Copper Drives Circular Economy Strategy
Nexans, a Paris-based wire and cable manufacturer, used over 84,300 metric tons of recycled copper in 2025. This represents 88 percent of the 95,000 metric tons of recycled materials incorporated into its products. Meanwhile, the company increased the average recycled content of copper to 19 percent, moving toward its 2028 target of 25 percent. Nexans operates copper rod mills in Canada, France, Chile, and Peru, enabling vertical integration and optimized recycling within its production processes.
Diversified Recycled Material Usage and Industry Partnerships
In addition to copper, Nexans incorporated 5,500 tons of recycled plastics, 3,760 tons of recycled steel, and 1,810 tons of recycled aluminum in 2025. The firm sources recycled aluminum via partnerships with producers such as Trimet, using it for electricity applications. Nexans also established RecyCâbles in collaboration with Suez, collecting and processing 36,000 tons of end-of-life cables annually. This generates 18,000 tons of high-purity copper granules and 13,000 tons of marketable recycled plastic, demonstrating a closed-loop supply chain.
Strategic Investments Strengthen Copper Recycling Capacity
To further advance its circularity, Nexans plans to commission the NCCCR recycled copper production line in Lens, France, by 2027, with a budget of €90 million. The facility will convert up to 80,000 tons of copper scrap annually, enhancing supply resilience amid rising global copper demand. Nexans emphasizes that substitution of primary materials with recycled content mitigates environmental impacts, including soil, air, and water pollution, and supports decarbonization across cable systems.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Nexans’ integration of recycled copper and diversified secondary materials signals strong leadership in circular economy practices. The NCCCR investment could stabilize copper supply amid tightening global markets. Continued expansion of recycling channels may pressure primary copper demand while reinforcing sustainable electrification infrastructure.
