Nexans has partnered with Italy’s Continuus-Properzi, a leader in continuous casting technology, to develop the Nexans copper recycling plant in Lens, France. The new facility, which opens in 2026, will strengthen Nexans’ leadership in sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy.
A Strategic Move to Meet Growing Copper Demand
Global demand for copper keeps climbing, driven by electrification, renewable energy, and digital growth. In response, Nexans chose to lead the transition toward a circular economy. The partnership combines Nexans’ operational expertise in Lens—established in 1971—with Continuus-Properzi’s advanced casting technology.
This project aims to continuously produce wire rod from 100% recycled copper through a new refining process. The plant will also use advanced systems to reduce both water and energy use while maintaining high efficiency and performance.
Expanding Production and Recycling Capacity in France
Continuus-Properzi designs complete systems for producing ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch) and FRHC (Fire Refined High Conductivity) wire rod. The Lens site remains France’s only copper rod foundry, making this investment crucial for national production. With more than €90 million invested, Nexans will increase its wire rod production by over 50%. Moreover, the plant will recycle up to 80,000 metric tons of copper scrap each year, significantly boosting domestic recycling efforts.
Nexans Copper Recycling Plant Lens: A Step Toward Sustainable Industry
Giulio Properzi, President of Continuus-Properzi, expressed pride in the partnership, noting that Nexans’ engineering excellence inspired the project’s design. “This new installation will set future benchmarks in industrial performance, energy efficiency, and environmental innovation,” he said.
Nexans CEO Christopher Guérin added, “By expanding our recycling capacity, we show that industry and sustainability can work together. This investment secures our independence, protects supply chains, and keeps Nexans ahead of the global raw materials challenge.”
Leading the Circular Economy in Europe’s Copper Industry
Nexans already supports copper recycling through Recycâbles, a joint venture with Suez founded in 2008. With this new initiative, Nexans strengthens its role as a circular economy leader in Europe’s copper industry. For the first time in France, Nexans will implement a process that collects industrial copper waste nationwide and reuses it to create new products.
Building a Sustainable Copper Supply Chain
Because Nexans is vertically integrated, it remains self-sufficient in copper supply for cable manufacturing. The new facility reinforces that advantage. It will allow Nexans to recycle cables from construction sites and urban areas, turning waste into new materials.
This investment supports Nexans’ long-term sustainability vision. The company aims to increase the recycled copper content in its cables to 30% by 2030. In doing so, Nexans continues to reduce its carbon footprint and lead the cable industry toward a cleaner, more circular future.