Initiatives for Environmentally Friendly Recycled Copper
Mitsui Metal's electrolytic copper foil is manufactured from used power transmission lines.
First, we remove the insulation from the power lines that have reached the end of their service life to extract the high-purity copper wire. The copper wire is melted down to create a copper plating solution, which is then used to produce copper foil.
Mitsui Metal's electrolytic copper foil is made from 100% recycled copper.
The Importance of Copper Recycling
Copper recycling is an initiative that makes a significant contribution to reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
By reusing scrap copper products and power lines, we can not only reduce the volume of waste but also lower disposal costs and minimize the environmental impact. Furthermore, since there will be no need to develop new copper mines, environmental risks such as deforestation and soil and water pollution can be mitigated.
In addition, because it significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining and smelting processes, it also helps reduce the carbon footprint. This is an essential element in building sustainable supply chains and achieving environmental goals.
As such, copper recycling is not merely a form of waste disposal, but rather a strategic initiative that enhances resource efficiency and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.
The Finiteness of Copper Resources and Their Sustainable Use
Copper is a finite resource, and as demand continues to grow, recycling enables its sustainable use and helps prevent resource depletion.
Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Compared to new mining and smelting, recycled copper significantly reduces energy consumption and helps combat global warming by cutting CO2 emissions.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Recycling reduces waste and the need for new mining, helping to prevent deforestation and soil and water pollution, and contributing to the restoration of biodiversity (Nature Positive).
High recyclability and consistent quality
Copper does not lose its quality even after repeated recycling. Recycled copper can be reused in new products while maintaining a high level of purity.
Certification of Environmentally Friendly Products
Mitsui Metal certifies products that contribute to the environment based on its internal certification criteria. Environmentally friendly products are categorized into circular economy products and end-customer (Scope 3) products; within the copper foil category, MT12Ex (a copper foil product) and recycled copper (a raw material for copper foil) are recognized as circular economy products.
The circular economy is an economic model that, in addition to the traditional 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), aims to minimize the input and consumption of resources, make effective use of existing stocks (resources and products), and generate added value through initiatives such as the service-based economy. We aim to maximize the value of resources and products while minimizing resource consumption and reducing waste generation.
Mitsui Metal's copper foil is UL-certified and is a high-quality, environmentally friendly product.
*UL certification is a certification awarded to products that have passed the safety standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
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