Anuário Brasileiro do Cobre Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2022 19 Copper use has increased significantly in recent years, driven mainly by emerging technologies in renewable-sourced energy generation, telecommunications, refrigeration, and mobility. In addition, combinations of copper alloys provide unique versatility, being an option in many new applications and market segments. Such innovations result in a continuous increase in the per capita consumption of copper, which has increased 2.5 times in the last 70 years, standing at 3.2 kg/person (ICSG, 2021). This, combined with continuous population growth, points to a promising scenario for the copper product market, with no apparent signs of stagnation in the medium and long term. Primary copper reserves must be monitored, both from an economic and geopolitical point of view. Although new mines are always being discovered, increasing from 240 to 870 million tons in the last ten years (ICSG, 2021), secondary copper (scrap) from recycling processes, is important. Copper is a perennial material, mainly due to its high resistance to corrosion and stability against a significant range of chemical agents. A study by Glöser (2013) estimates that two-thirds of the 550 million tons of copper produced since 1900 are still in productive use. From a practical point of view, we have an urban reserve of copper readily available to meet production demands. Copper is infinitely recyclable, being one of the few materials that can be remanufactured repeatedly without change in its performance. Semi-finished products made from secondary copper have the same properties as a similar product from primary sources. Following this same principle, copper can be made without losses from mixed sources, allowing more efficient resource management. Copper’s infinite recyclability makes it environmentally friendly because when a product made of copper comes to the end of its lifecycle, its scrap is fully reusable and requires less electrical energy to be transformed. This is a counterbalance for feasibility studies on projects and new facilities. The Copper recycling process helps the environment. Secondary copper drastically lowers energy use by 80 to 90% compared with primary copper production, reducing CO2 emissions by 40 million tons a year. However, primary copper production, although being continuously improved, still demands intensive use of water and chemical agents. The advantages illustrate the growth potential for scrap copper, as new semi-finished copper products use about 35% of secondary raw materials. However, action coordinated by civil society, supported by public policies, is required. Brazil has made significant progress since the approval of the National SolidWaste Policy (PNRS) - Law No. 12,305/2010. However, there is a clear need for continuous incentives for professionalization and knowledge transfer for scrap from a technical, tax, and environmental point of view. ABCobre’s work with the Ministry of the Environment and the Federal Government in recent years has had a positive impact, with the publication of the booklet, “Conscious Recycling”, encouraging the adoption of best practices for scrap electric cable management to reduce the environmental impact of the incineration of polymeric coatings for copper refining. Another initiative to be encouraged is the adoption of design methodologies based on the principles of the circular economy, such as Design for the Environment, to reduce the environmental impact throughout the product production cycle. Copper has all the features to be a key element of conscientious recycling and will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in stimulating the sustainable manufacture of consumer goods. Copper as a key element of conscientious By Márcio Rodrigues da Silva, Coordinator of the CPDE – Research, Development and Testing Center – at Termomecanica São Paulo S.A.
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