Recycled Copper Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast to 2031 | Sustainability-Driven Demand and Circular Economy Expansion
The global recycled copper market is gaining strong momentum as industries and governments increasingly prioritize sustainability, resource efficiency, and circular economy practices. Recycled copper, derived from scrap materials such as discarded electrical wires, plumbing systems, electronic waste, and industrial byproducts, plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact while meeting rising global copper demand.
The global recycled copper market size was valued at USD 41.09 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 44.71 billion in 2024 to USD 85.46 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.70% during the forecast period.
This robust growth is driven by increasing electrification, expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and stringent environmental regulations encouraging metal recycling.
Copper’s ability to retain nearly 100% of its electrical conductivity and mechanical properties through repeated recycling cycles makes it one of the most valuable and widely recycled non-ferrous metals globally.
Recycled Copper Market: Key Highlights
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Rising demand for sustainable raw materials across construction, power generation, automotive, and electronics industries is accelerating recycled copper adoption.
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Recycling copper consumes up to 85% less energy than primary copper extraction, making it economically and environmentally advantageous.
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Rapid growth in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and smart grids is boosting copper consumption and recycling rates.
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Asia-Pacific dominates the market due to high industrial output, while Europe leads in recycling efficiency and regulatory enforcement.
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Technological advancements in scrap sorting, hydrometallurgical processing, and automated recycling systems are improving recovery rates and quality.
Market Drivers and Emerging Trends
Key Market Drivers
Growing Focus on Sustainability and Circular Economy
Global sustainability initiatives and carbon-reduction commitments are compelling industries to shift toward recycled materials. Copper recycling significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and mining-related land degradation, aligning with ESG goals and net-zero targets.
Governments worldwide are implementing strict recycling mandates, landfill restrictions, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies, encouraging higher copper recovery from end-of-life products.
Rising Demand from Electrical and Electronics Industry
Copper is a critical material in electrical wiring, motors, transformers, circuit boards, and consumer electronics. The growing production of smartphones, laptops, data centers, and household appliances is increasing scrap availability and recycled copper usage.
With rapid digitalization and expansion of 5G infrastructure, demand for recycled copper in high-conductivity applications continues to rise.
Expansion of Renewable Energy and EV Infrastructure
Renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar power plants, and energy storage solutions require substantial amounts of copper. Electric vehicles use up to four times more copper than internal combustion engine vehicles, creating strong long-term demand.
Recycled copper is increasingly preferred in these applications due to its cost efficiency and lower environmental footprint.
Emerging Market Trends
Advanced Recycling Technologies
Innovations in automated scrap sorting, AI-based material identification, and advanced smelting techniques are improving recycling efficiency and copper purity. These technologies help recover high-grade copper from complex waste streams, including electronic waste and mixed metal scrap.
Growth of Urban Mining
Urban mining—recovering metals from discarded electronics, cables, and buildings—is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional mining. Cities are becoming valuable sources of copper scrap, supporting localized recycling ecosystems.
Increased Corporate Sustainability Commitments
Major manufacturers are committing to higher recycled content in their products. Construction firms, automotive OEMs, and electronics brands are integrating recycled copper into supply chains to reduce carbon footprints and meet sustainability targets.
Market Restraints and Challenges
Despite strong growth prospects, the recycled copper market faces several challenges:
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Fluctuating scrap availability and prices can impact recycling margins.
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Quality variations in scrap materials may limit applications in high-precision industries.
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Informal recycling sectors in developing regions can lead to environmental and safety concerns.
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Initial investments required for advanced recycling infrastructure may deter small players.
However, ongoing technological advancements and policy support are expected to mitigate these challenges over time.
Recycled Copper Market Segmentation
By Source
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Old Scrap (post-consumer scrap)
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New Scrap (industrial scrap)
Old scrap dominates the market due to increasing recovery from demolished buildings, obsolete electrical equipment, and electronic waste, while new scrap ensures consistent supply from manufacturing processes.
By Application
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Construction
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Electrical & Electronics
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Transportation
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Industrial Machinery
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Consumer Products
The electrical and electronics segment accounts for the largest share due to copper’s unmatched conductivity and reliability in power transmission and electronic components.
By End User
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Industrial
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Commercial
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Residential
Industrial users lead demand, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.
Regional Analysis: Global Recycled Copper Market
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and strong manufacturing bases in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Government policies promoting metal recycling and large-scale infrastructure development further support market growth.
Europe
Europe is a global leader in copper recycling efficiency, supported by strict environmental regulations, advanced waste management systems, and circular economy frameworks. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK have well-established recycling networks.
North America
North America shows steady growth due to rising EV adoption, renewable energy investments, and technological advancements in recycling. The U.S. and Canada benefit from organized scrap collection systems and strong industrial demand.
Latin America
Growing construction activity and increasing awareness of sustainable resource use are driving recycled copper adoption, particularly in Brazil and Mexico.
Middle East & Africa
This region is emerging gradually, supported by infrastructure development and increasing investments in renewable energy and urban projects.
Competitive Landscape
The recycled copper market is moderately fragmented, with global players and regional recyclers competing on technology, supply chain integration, and sustainability credentials.
Key Companies in the Recycled Copper Market
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Aurubis AG
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Umicore
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Boliden Group
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Sims Limited
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European Metal Recycling (EMR)
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Norsk Hydro
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Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
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Glencore
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Freeport-McMoRan
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Jiangxi Copper Corporation
These companies focus on expanding recycling capacity, improving recovery rates, and forming strategic partnerships with manufacturers and waste collectors.
Investment Opportunities and Future Outlook
The future of the recycled copper market appears highly promising as global demand for copper continues to rise while primary mining faces environmental, regulatory, and cost constraints. Investments in recycling infrastructure, digital scrap tracking systems, and cleaner processing technologies are expected to unlock new growth avenues.
Emerging opportunities include:
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Integration of recycled copper in EV and renewable energy supply chains
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Development of smart recycling facilities using AI and automation
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Expansion of urban mining initiatives
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Cross-border scrap trade optimization
Recycled Copper Market Future Scope and Forecast (2024–2031)
During the forecast period, the market is expected to benefit from strong policy support, rising corporate sustainability goals, and increasing awareness of resource conservation. As circular economy principles gain global traction, recycled copper will become an essential material for achieving long-term industrial sustainability.
With a projected CAGR of 9.70%, recycled copper is set to play a pivotal role in meeting future copper demand while minimizing environmental impact.
Kings Research Says
The recycled copper market is transitioning from a cost-saving alternative to a strategic pillar of sustainable industrial development. As industries worldwide confront resource scarcity and climate change challenges, recycled copper offers a reliable, eco-friendly, and economically viable solution.
Kings Research highlights that companies investing early in advanced recycling technologies, transparent supply chains, and ESG-aligned strategies will gain a competitive edge in the evolving global metals market.
