Prysmian and Eni's Versalis Partner for Chemical Recycling of Plastic Cables
Italian cable manufacturer Prysmian Group and Eni's chemical subsidiary Versalis have formed a strategic partnership for chemical recycling of plastic cables. Prysmian will supply plastic scrap and decommissioned cables, which Versalis will process into new polymer materials using its Hoop technology. These recycled polymers will then be used to produce new high-performance cables, targeting a reuse of 60% of cross-linked polyethylene waste. A pilot project is set to launch in Italy in late 2026, marking a significant step towards a circular economy in the cable industry.
Prysmian Group, a leading Italian cable manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with Versalis S.p.A., the chemical subsidiary of Italian energy giant Eni S.p.A. The collaboration aims to implement a large-scale chemical recycling process for plastic cables, fostering a circular economy within the energy and telecommunications sectors.Under the agreement, Prysmian will provide plastic waste derived from its own manufacturing operations, as well as decommissioned cables collected from its major clients. Versalis will then utilize its innovative Hoop technology at its plant in Mantua, Italy, to process this plastic scrap. The process involves converting the waste into pyrolysis oil, which is subsequently transformed into a new, high-quality polymer material. This newly created polymer will be integrated back into Prysmian's production cycle for manufacturing new, high-performance cables.The initiative's first pilot project is scheduled to commence in Italy during the second half of 2026. The Hoop technology developed by Versalis is particularly notable for its ability to enable the reuse of up to 60% of cross-linked polyethylene waste, a common material in cable insulation. This partnership represents a pioneering effort within the cable industry, being the first instance where crosslinked cable with polymer layers can be chemically processed on such a significant scale, thereby establishing an efficient and sustainable circular production cycle. The collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in materials management.
