Paprec Expands Metals Footprint with France and Switzerland Acquisitions

Paprec Group said it has agreed to acquire two metal recycling businesses in France and Switzerland, a move that deepens the Paris-based recycler’s push into higher-value metals processing as European demand for secondary raw materials grows, company statements and industry reporting show.

The transactions, expected to close in early 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will see Paprec France take control of Alsarec, a Rosenau-based specialist in wire and cable processing, while Paprec Swiss Group acquires Multimetall, a metal trading and recycling operator based in Muttenz. Observers note the deals underscore a broader consolidation trend in Europe’s fragmented metals recycling sector, driven by decarbonization targets and volatile primary metal prices.

Paprec began as a paper recycler but has steadily diversified over the past decade. Metals recycling has become a strategic pillar as manufacturers seek to secure local supplies of recycled copper, aluminum and steel to meet emissions and sourcing requirements. Data published by the European Environment Agency show recycled metals can cut energy use by up to 95% compared with primary production, strengthening the business case for investment.

Alsarec, founded in 1992, processes more than 11,000 metric tons of metal annually, primarily from cables and complex industrial scrap. Paprec executives say the acquisition moves the group further along the metals value chain, allowing it to capture more value from sorting and processing rather than relying on downstream partners. Analysts say cable and nonferrous scrap remains one of the fastest-growing niches as electrification accelerates across Europe.

Paprec’s metals operations in France now span around 30 sites, handling roughly 1 million tons per year and generating about $585 million in annual revenue, based on company figures. Industry groups argue that scale is increasingly critical as customers demand traceability, consistent quality and compliance with tightening EU waste and recycling rules.

In Switzerland, Multimetall processes about 11,000 tons of metal-containing secondary materials each year and brings trading expertise alongside recycling operations. Paprec Swiss Group said the deal broadens its service range and strengthens its national presence, at a time when Swiss manufacturers are under pressure to increase recycled content in supply chains.

Company leadership framed the acquisitions as both an environmental and economic play. Metal recycling reduces carbon emissions and dependence on primary extraction, while opening new commercial opportunities across France, Switzerland and neighboring markets such as Germany. Analysts say further cross-border deals are likely as large players seek to secure feedstock and technology ahead of stricter climate policies.

Paprec is expected to continue targeting specialized processors that complement its regional network. Market participants will watch whether integration delivers the efficiency gains and margins the group is seeking in an increasingly competitive recycling landscape.

Source: Paprec

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Paprec’s twin acquisitions signal a strategic bet on scaling metal recycling as Europe accelerates toward lower-carbon, circular supply chains.