Sparkle has embarked on a significant venture by collaborating with Oceanic Environmental Cables (OEC) to recycle 22,000 kilometers of unused submarine cables. The initiative is expected to save over 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents by repurposing valuable materials such as optical fiber, copper, and plastics.
Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle, expresses pride in being among the first global operators to drive such circular economy practices, highlighting the environmental benefits of this partnership with OEC.
Submarine communication cables, vital to global data traffic, have traditionally been left on the seabed after being decommissioned. These cables typically have a lifespan of around 25 years, though advancements sometimes render them obsolete sooner.
An example of the cable industry’s disposal practices is the SEA-ME-WE 3 system, retired last December after 25 years. With more than 500 active systems worldwide, these retired cables are a treasure trove of materials awaiting innovative recycling solutions.
Horst Brockmueller, CEO of OEC, expressed excitement over the collaboration with Sparkle, indicating that it reduces seabed congestion and minimizes reliance on virgin materials. By extracting and redeploying these cables, OEC is not only cutting back on waste but also reducing carbon emissions, aligning with circular economy ideals.
