Prysmian and Aurubis deepen strategic partnership with landmark long-term copper agreement

Hamburg/Milan | September 23, 2026

Prysmian and Aurubis have signed their largest long-term agreement to date for the supply of copper wire rod, further strengthening a strategic partnership that has lasted for more than 30 years. The agreement is aimed at securing reliable access to copper, a critical material for power grids, renewable energy, electrification and digital infrastructure.

The agreement comes as demand for copper continues to rise alongside the expansion of electricity networks, renewable energy projects, electrification and artificial intelligence infrastructure. According to the companies, the partnership will support Europe’s copper supply chain while contributing to increased recycling, lower-carbon copper production and the continued development of European cable manufacturing.

Alberto Boffelli, Chief Operating Officer at Prysmian, said the company’s position as the world’s largest buyer of copper wire rod gives it both an opportunity and a responsibility to help shape the future of the copper value chain. He added that the agreement with Aurubis will provide reliable and flexible supply while strengthening Europe’s access to copper for its energy and digital infrastructure.

Aurubis is one of Europe’s major vertically integrated copper producers, combining copper production and recycling capabilities. The company said its copper wire rod currently contains approximately 36% recycled material, while its carbon footprint is significantly below the global industry average. Its four copper rod plants across Europe also provide supply flexibility and proximity to key European markets.

Toralf Haag, CEO of Aurubis, described the agreement as another milestone in the companies’ long-standing relationship. He noted that it is the largest contract signed between Prysmian and Aurubis, highlighting the continued importance of their cooperation in the European copper value chain.

Focus on low-carbon and circular copper

Sustainability is another key element of the partnership. Both companies are members of The Copper Mark, an independent assurance framework covering responsible copper production, sourcing and recycling. Aurubis said all of its copper rod mills have received Copper Mark certification.

The companies expect their cooperation to combine recycling expertise, decarbonization initiatives and responsible sourcing practices as demand for copper-intensive infrastructure grows. For cable manufacturers, the development is particularly relevant because copper wire rod is a fundamental input for the production of conductors used across power transmission, distribution and electrical infrastructure.

Strengthening Europe’s copper supply chain

The agreement also reflects a broader effort to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s industrial supply chains. By securing long-term copper wire rod supply from European production facilities, Prysmian and Aurubis aim to improve material security for electrification, energy infrastructure and digital networks.

The partnership builds on an earlier long-term supply agreement announced by the two companies in April 2024, under which Aurubis agreed to provide Prysmian with significant and increasing annual volumes of copper wire rod, particularly for Prysmian’s European plants.

The latest agreement therefore represents an expansion of an established supply relationship rather than a new partnership, reinforcing the role of long-term copper sourcing, recycling and low-carbon production in Europe’s cable and electrification industries.

Source: Aurubis official press release · Prysmian official press releases