What impact does Copper have on the world?

Issue: 11                        
Week commencing: 14/06/2021

What impact does Copper have on the environment?

Copper is a natural, malleable, recyclable and strong material. It is extremely valuable due to being a good heat and electrical conductor and it is not toxic to the environment under the correct usage. Copper plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and aiding the movement to eco-friendly projects such as, renewable energy. As more energy services are installed, renewable energy will become effective in contributing to energy production such as solar, hydro or biomass systems. Copper can be recycled as it can be released into the environment through Copper mining, manufacturing activities or natural processes such as volcanic eruptions or forest fires and it usually attaches to a particle made of organic matter, soil or sand.

What impact does Copper have on sustainability?

Sustainability Is becoming more widely recognised across the world and it focuses on saving energy, implementing reusable alternatives, recycling, eco-friendly products, and renewable energy. Overall sustainable development focuses on social progress, environmental balance, and economic growth. Copper contributes to sustainable development by meeting the needs of the present requirements of the world and preparing for the future. Structural and functional Copper-based products are labelled as essential to the economy. Many countries continue to grow their application of Copper as they invest in a variety of industries such as automotive, construction, power infrastructure, and engineering.

Is Copper recycled?

The demand for Copper is increasingly being met by recycling, with around 50% of Copper used in Europe coming from recycled products. It is vital to ensure Copper waste and products are processed correctly due to the material being infinitely recyclable and reusable without any loss of its properties. Recycling has become an essential factor of the supply chain in ensuring material is reused efficiently and effectively, as it is cheaper to recycle old Copper than to mine and extract new Copper. It is suggested that the entire economy of the Copper and Copper alloy industry is dependent on the economic recycling of any surplus products, it also helps to keep the cost of Copper products down. This practice can be extremely effective as recycled Copper is worth up to 90% of the cost of the original Copper value.

What do ILF do?

Here at ILF, we supply products to a variety of industries that have a huge impact on sustainable development such as the automotive and renewable energy industries. We contribute to recycling by selling the scrap Copper that we generate to a waste management company who then supplies it back to the foundry industry.

ILF continue to provide customers with the best available supply of Copper, meeting customers’ needs and retaining high inventory levels. ILF is excited for what the future of the Copper industry holds and supporting customers with their new demand.

Have you had an increase in Copper demand? If you have been impacted, we would love to hear from you and find a solution to your challenges.