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 materials collected are then redirected to specialized channels for recycling, recovery or reuse. In return for their eco-responsible approach, Sonepar customers benefit from credits or loyalty points via the Select program.

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

Since its deployment in 2024, CABLELOOP has enjoyed rapid and promising success. Today, the system is operational in more than 20 Sonepar branches, and new installations are planned throughout 2025 across France.

• Customer commitment: more than 300 customers are already using CABLELOOP, testifying to the professional community's support for this initiative.
• Volume recycled: since January, over 10 tons of cable off-cuts have been collected, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program in recovering materials.
• User satisfaction: as Antoine GREVENT, electrician at 2EIS (Le Havre, 76) points out, “It's important for me to have solutions for reusing raw materials, especially given the looming shortage”.

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.

Discover cable recycling at Sonepar

Committed with Nexans for a more sustainable future

Perspectives : bâtir un modèle plus durable ensemble

En innovant, en accompagnant leurs clients et en agissant concrètement sur le terrain, Nexans et Sonepar construisent ensemble un modèle plus durable pour les générations futures.