Reusing cables? Perhaps still possible - but not without challenges
At Prysmian Netherlands, we are regularly asked by customers: Isn't reusing cables the most sustainable solution? It seems logical at first glance - reuse over recycling. But practice turns out to be considerably more complex.
Cables installed in existing buildings often contain materials that are now banned. Think harmful plasticizers such as DOP, or stabilizers based on heavy metals such as lead. Moreover, older cables almost never meet current CPR fire safety standards. This makes direct reuse not a responsible or legally permissible option.
Nevertheless, we want to think beyond recycling in the classic sense. Can the material from old cables - especially the PVC - be cleaned, purified and made reusable?
The challenge: a chemically complex puzzle
PVC is a robust polymer, but the mixtures in old cables contain diverse and outdated additives that make recycling technically and environmentally very challenging. Especially:
- DOP (di-octyl phthalate) - a plasticizer now classified as harmful
- Lead-based stabilizers - banned because of their negative impact on humans and the environment
Until now, this often meant the end of the chain. But new chemical insights make it possible to selectively remove these substances.
The possible breakthrough: PVC upcycling
In collaboration with the University of Groningen and Cescco2 we are investigating an innovative upcycling method: the removal of harmful substances from PVC scrap to leave a ‘clean’ basic raw material. This new PVC composition (PVC resin + calcium carbonate) exhibits similar properties to virgin PVC and could thus be reused in cable production.
Our contribution to the project
- Development and supply of lab-produced PVC mixtures
- Pilot production of new composites with modified stabilizers
- Support of experimental work by PhD researchers
Where are we now?
- The first large-scale subsidized PVC recycling project in the Netherlands
- Active collaboration with PVC recycler TRH and PVC processor Deepgrooves Vinyl Records
- Concrete steps towards closed material streams within the cable chain
Circular is not self-evident - but it is feasible
Reusing cable material requires more than just the will to be sustainable. It requires chemical insight, technological innovation and close cooperation. This project proves that it can be done - but also that circular solutions for complex materials such as cable PVC cannot be taken for granted.
At Prysmian, we therefore continue to invest in knowledge, partnerships and breakthroughs. Because the future demands smart, clean solutions - and we are determined to find them.