Today’s global economy requires efficient use of raw materials, as well as material conservation through reuse and recycling. On average, copper products contain more than 30 percent recycled content, which significantly reduces the energy demand and GHG emissions associated with copper production.
Copper has the longest recycling history of any material known to civilization, as it is infinitely recyclable and can be used again and again without losing any of its properties. It is estimated that in the last one hundred years, two-thirds of the 690 million tonnes of copper produced are still in productive use. For copper recycling to be effective, innovation is needed. Endeavors supporting copper recycling can be implemented in new product design to facilitate end-of-life recovery and industrial copper recycling processes to increase overall yields. The International Copper Association (ICA) fully supports the copper industry’s efforts in copper recycling and reintroducing this valuable metal back into the economy.
Recycled copper requires 85 percent less energy than primary production. The recycling of copper requires less energy than primary production and reduces CO2 emissions.
Recycling Resources
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Circular Copper
A truly circular economy reduces the consumption of natural resources, energy use, waste and greenhouse…
Advancing the Circular Economy with Copper
For a “Fit for 55” EPBD Recast Trilogue
Recommendations for the Trilogue on the Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)…
LS MnM Inc. Contributes to the Circular Economy Through ESG Partnership with SK Networks
International Copper Association (ICA) member, LS MnM Inc., is promoting circular practices in South Korea…
No Resources Lost: The Circular Opportunity of Industrial Symbiosis
By working together, industries can reduce waste by finding applications for byproducts of production, or…
By working together, industries can reduce waste by repurposing or finding applications for byproducts of production....
Industrial Symbiosis: Copper Byproduct Iron Silicate Reduces Carbon Emissions in Construction Industry
Copper byproduct iron silicate reduces carbon emissions in the construction industry through industrial symbiosis.
Copper byproduct iron silicate reduces carbon emissions in the construction industry through industrial symbiosis....
Industrial Symbiosis: Reusing EV Batteries for Energy Storage Systems Can Extend Lifetime of Copper Applications
Through industrial symbiosis, reusing EV Batteries for energy storage systems can extend the lifetime of copper applications.
Through industrial symbiosis, reusing EV Batteries for energy storage systems can extend the lifetime of copper applications....
Press Release: New Research Reveals Opportunities for Industrial Symbiosis in the Copper Industry
JX Nippon Mining and Metals Works to Build a Recycling-Oriented Society
International Copper Association (ICA) member JX Nippon Mining and Metals Corporation is committed to building…
Circular Economy – Monitoring Framework
ECI welcomes the opportunity to submit its opinions for the next revision of the Monitoring Framework on Circular Economy....
Aurubis Plans First Smelter for Multimetal Recycling in the U.S.
International Copper Association (ICA) member Aurubis is expanding its international operations and building a new…
Circular Production Practices Advance Industrial Symbiosis in the Copper Industry
ICA Members Rio Tinto, Aurubis and Boliden Take the Lead Industrial symbiosis, the concept of…
Copper Recycling
The Importance of Recycling During the past decade, strong growth in emerging economies, coupled with…
Commitment to the Circular Economy and Urban Mining Drives Copper Recycling in China
Sustainability is at the forefront of China’s plans. The 14th Five-Year plan outlines targets for climate…
