Wedoany.com Report-Dec.28, Italian cabling company Prysmian and Versalis, the chemical subsidiary of Eni, have formed a strategic partnership to advance chemical recycling of plastic cable scrap. The collaboration aims to transform end-of-life and production waste into reusable materials for new high-performance cables.

The initiative focuses on cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) scrap, a common material in cable insulation. Prysmian will collect plastic scrap from its own manufacturing processes and from decommissioned cables supplied by major customers. Versalis will apply its proprietary Hoop technology at its plant in Mantua, Italy, to process the collected scrap.

The Hoop process first converts the waste into pyrolysis oil, which is then transformed into new raw materials suitable for producing virgin-grade plastic polymers. These polymers will be reintegrated into Prysmian’s cable manufacturing operations, closing the loop in a circular approach.

Through this technology, Prysmian anticipates that approximately 60% of the XLPE scrap can be recovered and repurposed into high-quality material for new cables. The first pilot project is scheduled to begin in Italy during the second half of 2026.

**Srinivas Siripurapu**, Chief Sustainability, Innovation and R&D Officer at Prysmian, said: “Thanks to this agreement, we will give new life to old scrap. The first pilot project will kick off in Italy in the second half of 2026, and this step-forward is another strong signal of our continued focus on finding new sustainable solutions for our customers, and the planet, as we help to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chain and reduce emissions.”

**Fabio Assandri**, Head of R&D, Licensing and Projects Development at Versalis, said: “This collaboration with Prysmian is strategic and demonstrates how our research and advanced technologies can provide concrete solutions for managing the end-of-life of complex products. Thanks to this joint project, we actively contribute to making the industrial sector more sustainable and circular.”

The partnership combines Prysmian’s expertise in cable production and waste collection with Versalis’s advanced chemical recycling capabilities. This synergy supports efficient material recovery while maintaining the performance standards required for new cable applications.

By repurposing scrap that would otherwise enter waste streams, the initiative contributes to resource conservation and reduced reliance on virgin raw materials. The process also aligns with broader industry efforts to minimise environmental impact through innovation in waste management and circular economy principles.

The collaboration represents a practical step toward sustainable manufacturing in the cable sector. The pilot in Mantua will serve as a testing ground to refine the technology and demonstrate its viability on a larger scale.

Both companies view the partnership as a foundation for long-term progress in recycling complex polymers. The project highlights how targeted cooperation between industry players can address end-of-life challenges while creating value from waste materials.

This agreement underscores ongoing advancements in sustainable practices within the cable and chemical industries, with potential to influence future approaches to material lifecycle management.