TRIMET meets Nexans: groundwork for improving the eco-balance of power cables

(c) Denis Morel

Aluminium producer TRIMET and Nexans have laid the groundwork for improving the eco-balance of power cables. In a joint development project, the two companies have developed a material with recycled aluminium content for the production of aluminium rod used in electrical cables.

To improve the eco-balance of power cables, the two companies TRIMET and Nexans recently developed a new product as part of a joint project that meets the high technical requirements for the mechanical properties and conductivity of the alloy while reducing the CO2 footprint. Until now, power cables have been manufactured on the basis of primary aluminium.

Combining raw material security and material development

Melting and recycling aluminium scrap requires only a fraction of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium. However, recycled aluminium may contain impurities that can affect the material's properties. The aim of the Nexans and TRIMET project was to coordinate optimized raw material security with innovative material development. For example, at its production sites in Europe, Nexans has refined the sorting of aluminium scrap with the help of RecyCâbles, a joint venture between Nexans and Suez, and focused its collection on recycling for electrical applications. With this new product, Nexans is also continuing to pursue its strategy of constantly seeking new sources of added value for its customers. TRIMET has closed the material loop with its recycling concept, using the scrap thus available to develop a high-quality alloy that meets all quality requirements for mechanical and electrical performance.

High quality and circular economy

The new product combines top quality with a high degree of recycling management. The project also demonstrates the enormous potential of recycling for reducing CO2 emissions – after all, recycling is an important component of sustainable aluminium production. The development of high-quality alloys with the smallest possible CO2 footprint makes a significant contribution to this.

Later this year, Nexans plans to maximize the use of aluminium wire rod with recycled aluminium content. In this way, the global company is responding to growing demand from its customers for products with a favorable eco-balance. TRIMET is expanding its range of recycled products in the aluminium wire rod sector. The materials specialist is thus continuing its commitment to decarbonizing production and making a further contribution to the energy transition.