Recycling

Given the high residual value of the metals used in cable, especially copper, both production waste and discarded cable have long been largely recycled.

Metals are reclaimed by specialist companies and reused for the manufacture of various high-grade products, including cable. Plastic waste created during the cable manufacturing process is largely reused in our own factories.

Currently, the technology for the high-grade reprocessing of plastic residues from used cable are limited; nor are the economics attractive. However, we believe that international initiatives relating to new separation and purification techniques for post-consumer plastic waste will offer solutions in time, and we continue to monitor developments in this area closely.

As well as optimising the use of materials, Draka is also developing and introducing processes which use less energy, such techniques that enable cross-linking of materials at ambient temperature instead of 75°C.