OUR MISSION
International Copper Association (ICA) aims to bring together the global copper industry to develop and defend markets for copper, and to make a positive contribution to society’s sustainable-development goals.
International Copper Association
The members of the International Copper Association continue to make a positive impact on sustainable-development challenges worldwide. Sustainability is at the core of ICA’s mission, and the copper industry is united in its efforts to develop and operate in a more sustainable manner.
International Copper Association
The members of the International Copper Association continue to make a positive impact on sustainable-development challenges worldwide. Sustainability is at the core of ICA’s mission, and the copper industry is united in its efforts to develop and operate in a more sustainable manner.
Sustainability
Many of the global trends driving the sustainable-development agenda—from climate change to electric vehicles—rely on copper and its unique properties.
Sustainability
Many of the global trends driving the sustainable development agenda—from climate change to electric vehicles—rely on copper and its unique properties. No other metal or material connects so broadly and critically with the global sustainable development agenda.
Copper is 100 percent recyclable and retains its quality (both chemical and physical properties) when recycled.
More than 30 percent of the world’s annual copper demand is met through recycling
(Source: ICA/Fraunhofer 2017). Other materials are consumed or downcycled at their end of life. Recycling copper provides many environmental benefits, including:
Conserving energy
Reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and other air pollutants
-
Extending the life of
natural resources
-
Keeping valuable land from
turning into landfills
Of the 550 million tonnes of copper produced since 1900, it is estimated that two-thirds are still in productive use today (Source: Glöser, 2013).
Of the 550 million tonnes of copper produced since 1900, it is estimated that two-thirds are still in productive use today (Source: Glöser, 2013).
Circular Economy
Copper is critical to the circular economy and contributes to stronger life cycle analyses of end-use products containing it.
Circular Economy
Copper is critical to the circular economy and contributes to stronger life-cycle analyses of end-use products containing it.