Circular economy for cable recycling with Sonepar

The challenge: preserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of copper

Copper, an essential component of the vast majority of electrical cables, is a natural resource that is increasingly in demand. Worldwide consumption has doubled in 25 years, and could reach 40 million tons by 2030, making the metal's scarcity a growing concern. Faced with this reality, the industry needs to act collectively to limit waste, preserve these precious resources and support players in the sector towards more sustainable practices.

Nexans has developed an innovative solution for the circular economy: CABLELOOP, which aims to promote the reuse of raw materials, thereby securing supplies while significantly reducing the sector's environmental impact.

The solution: CABLELOOP – simple, sustainable, incentive-based recycling service

CABLELOOP is a concrete innovation, born of practical experience, designed to integrate the circular economy directly into the habits of installers. The solution offers a simple and rewarding process:

• Easy deposit: installers can deposit their cable off-cuts (bare copper, sheathed copper or mixed) in a dedicated bin, available at equipped Sonepar branches 
• Optimum traceability: thanks to an innovative, connected device, a QR code scan on the bin can be used to enter the cable category and weigh the off-cuts. This quick and intuitive step ensures precise traceability and appropriate processing for each type of material
• Recovery and incentive: the container then calculates the amount of cable based on its weight and category to generate an immediate reward ticket in the form of a credit that can be redeemed on future purchases or at SoneClub points — Sonepar Spain's customer loyalty club.

Benefits and results: a concrete impact for a more sustainable future

CABLELOOP is currently available at Sonepar's branches in Leganés, Vigo and Paterna: the service is carried out using a digital scale into which customers deposit their cable waste. 

The cable deposited by customers is transferred from Sonepar's logistics centres to a Nexans partner specializing in its recovery and recycling. The operational flow is managed through Nexans’ CableLoop digital solution, thus ensuring full traceability throughout the process.

Over the next year, Sonepar Spain plans to roll out CableLoop to more points of sale with the aim of continuing to expand this service that rewards its customers' circularity.

CABLELOOP simplifies recycling, promotes good habits on the worksite and provides a concrete response to needs in the field. This service is a perfect illustration of Nexans' and Sonepar's ability to combine sustainability, proximity and innovation, while supporting their customers without complicating their daily lives.

Building a more sustainable model together

By innovating, supporting their customers and taking concrete action in the field, Nexans and Sonepar are working together to build a more sustainable model for future generations.