The copper scrap supply chain: Collection is key

There is almost unanimous recognition that developing recycling in the copper markets will help support the requirement for metal in the energy transition, and also provide a more sustainable supply chain. But despite the flurry of new policies on the circular economy being announced by large industrialised economies, global scrap use of copper has stagnated in recent years. What needs to change if secondary supply is meet its full potential and what are the opportunities and risks? In this Insight we provide an overview of the drivers of the copper scrap market, describe the current landscape for scrap generation, collection and use, and present some of the potential challenges that lie ahead.