Recycling Copper

Copper - Infinitely Recyclable

Unlike many other raw materials, copper is 100% recyclable indefinitely, without any alteration or performance loss. In 2007 8.2 million tonnes of copper was recycled – that’s 35% of the world’s consumption of the metal. In Europe the numbers are even better, with 41% of copper usage coming from recycled materials.

Copper recycling involves reclaiming ‘secondary copper’ from products that have reached the end of their life. This includes valves and fittings, household equipment, computer and electronic equipment, as well as the direct re-melting of factory off-cuts.

Indispensable to the Industry

The constant increase in demand, which has risen by 134% since 1970, coupled with large price fluctuations for the raw material, make copper recycling an indispensable complement to primary production. The availability of recycled copper at competitive prices is now an economic necessity and a vital part of the copper value chain.

When copper prices rise, semi-finished product manufacturers are the first to be affected. The use of recycled copper, and in particular the direct re-melting of factory off cuts, enables them to optimise their production costs for products such as tubes and profiles. For many semi-finished products, 80% of the cost is linked to the raw material.