A KEY METAL FOR
THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF THE WORLD

Copper is synonymous with development. It was one of the first metals used by humankind and it has now been named a strategic raw material to contribute to a transition towards climate neutrality.

As part of the metallurgy industry, we have the responsibility and opportunity to be a decisive agent in the sustainable development of society, but above all, in order to tackle current and future challenges. Our privileged position in the value chain enables us to act in the process to create the semi-finished product in the most efficient and sustainable way.

THE FUTURE OF COPPER

The transition towards a sustainable and electrified model of the world will result in an increased demand for copper.

By 2050, demand is forecast to double, rising to 60M tonnes, demand is currently over 30M tonnes of copper and only 9.8M tonnes are recycled, representing a little over 30% of annual copper use.

Consumers and markets are calling for a change and recycled copper has acquired a key role in meeting the current demand for products that are environmentally friendly.

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Electrification

Renewable Energy

Automotive sector and E-mobility

Digitalization

Metal containers

Building and installations

Rail Infrastructure

Magnet wire

COPPER, ENDLESSLY RECYCLABLE

Copper is a metal with many attributes that make it a unique and essential material.

For every tonne of recycled copper processed, the emission of 3.9 tonnes of CO2 is directly saved:

Which is equivalent to 2 combustion engine cars
a year

Or what
130 trees can absorb in a year

Copper can be reused again and again.

Endless recyclability without losing properties is one of its most valued natural characteristics.

1

2

Copper is the most conductive metal after silver.

Therefore, it offers the best solutions for electrical and thermal conductivity.

Copper is antimicrobial, the only metal certified by the EPA as a bactericide.

The ability to withstand sudden increases in temperature makes it a safe and healthy choice.

3

4

Copper is a durable material.

It is ductile and versatile and offers high resistance to corrosion.

There are copper alloys that make it possible to improve its qualities.

We can thus attain the levels required by some applications that the market requests.

5

Copper is found in many forms in our lives and in most of the everyday objects we use each day.

A single home can contain around
200 kg of copper.

More than 10Tn of copper are used per km of electrification of high-speed catenaries.

Battery powered electric vehicles will require twice as many kg of copper than a current combustion engine vehicle.

Copper has a big presence in solar and wind power. 5.5Tn of copper are needed per MW in solar panels and more than 4.7Tn are needed per 3MW in wind turbines.

Copper tops the group of noble metals: copper, silver, and gold. The EU has added Cu to the list of Strategic Raw Materials.

The Statue of Liberty is made from 300 pieces of copper and it took 25 to turn that colour.

WE CONTRIBUTE TO
THE DECARBONISATION
OF THE PLANET AND THE ECONOMY

At La Farga we are aware of the environmental impact of industry, but it is also true that our activity is essential for human development and for the energy transition, given that a significant part of the latter consists of electrification and the development of renewable energies, for which copper is an essential material.

One of our values is innovation, and since our beginnings we have invested and worked to put innovation at the service of sustainability, incorporating technologies that make it possible to reduce emissions throughout the value chain and work more efficiently. Our solutions are needed for the energy transition, copper coupled the development of in-house technology contributes both directly and indirectly to the decarbonisation of the economy.

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The main aim of the Decarbonisation Plan created by La Farga is to reduce GHG emissions released in the atmosphere by 55% (compared to 2017) by 2030.

And our 2050 objective is to reach the NetZero targets with minimal offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions produced by our activity.

The main focuses of the plan are:

1

Improved efficiency

Some of the actions included are reducing the amount of energy needed per tonne processed, obtaining the ISO 50001 standard, and the recovery of residual heat and heat from fumes.

2

Use of alternative fuels

It consists of replacing natural gas with alternative renewably sourced fuels, in this respect we are studying several alternatives.

3

Electrification and renewable energies

This consists of electrifying processes, machinery, and encouraging the use of electric energy from renewable sources. The installation of solar panels and improvements in the hydroelectric power plant are included in the plan.

4

Genius

It consists of introducing GENIUS solutions into all copper applications, because it is the most sustainable copper on the market, made 100% from recycled copper and with the smallest carbon footprint.

2030 OBJECTIVE

REDUCTION IN GHG EMISSIONS BY OVER 55%

100% OF THE ELECTRICAL POWER THAT WE CONSUME IS RENEWABLE.

IN 2022 WE REDUCED CO2 BY 15,307.4 TN WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO PLANTING 612,296 TREES

*Certificate of guarantees of renewable origin (GOs) in accordance with the consumption of 100% renewable energy, ISO 50001

La farga is copper, copper is la farga

Discover the long history of La Farga and how, over the years, we have driven the transformation of the world and industry in order to have a positive impact on people and the planet.

La farga is copper, copper is la farga

Discover the long history of La Farga and how, over the years, we have driven the transformation of the world and industry in order to have a positive impact on people and the planet.

  • 2023

    ISO 50001 Energy Efficiency Certification.

    Our commitment to the planet and society is what drives us to work to reduce the environmental impact of our products and processes, and to also care for and improve the social conditions of our operations, in order to have a positive impact that enables the sustainable development of our company.

  • 2023

    Generational handover of LA FARGA.

    Consolidation of the generational handover process, the process has lasted for a few years following the family protocol, one of the cornerstones of the company’s governance, and addressing the challenges of the family business.

  • 2022

    Launch at La Farga of the first 100% recycled copper contact wire

    Launch at La Farga of the first 100% recycled copper contact wire and with the smallest carbon footprint for rail infrastructure.

  • 2020

    GENIUS, the most sustainable copper wire rod on the market, 100% recycled and the smallest carbon footprint.

    We are the first company in the sector to offer a 100% recycled copper product and with the lowest CO2 emission impact certified by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD complies with the standards of ISO 14025 and EN 15804). The EPD proves that its environmental impact is much smaller than that of the mine production of copper.

  • 2018

    Corporate merger of the different group companies.

    The different group companies merged into a single company La Farga Yourcoppersolutions, accompanied by a reorganisation of the organisation chart to pursue efficiency and transversality.

  • 2018

    Corporate merger of the different group companies.

    The different group companies merged into a single company La Farga Yourcoppersolutions, accompanied by a reorganisation of the organisation chart to pursue efficiency and transversality.

  • 2014

    Investment in improving production plant.

    Renewal of the Refining oven with proprietary technology with the benefit of energy reduction, greater productivity and maximum efficiency.

  • 2012

    Investment in Evotub.

    Development of proprietary technology, successful development and innovation.

  • 2011

    SDI La Farga opened in the United States.

    Consolidation of the international expansion process, creating a company in the United States, SDI Ls Farga, for the creation of recycled copper wire rod.

  • 2010

    International Expansion.

    Strategic expansion of our technology and copper processing in China and the United States

  • 2008

    Opening of Copper Museum

    To mark the celebration of the bicentenary of the creation of La Farga. The Copper Museum is located in the premises of La Farga, in an old modernist building dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.

  • 2008

    Business expansion

    With a major investment and start of the production of electrolytic wire rod.

  • 2008

    Bicentenary of the company

    In 2008 La Farga Lacambra celebrated 200 years of history. The book “Copper solutions since 1808” was published.

  • 2007

    First Sustainability Report on LF and the sector.

    La Farga positions itself as a benchmark company showcasing the sector and product.

  • 2006

    La Farga Group.

    Company’s name change and joining the United Nations Compact. We are a company with a purpose, “Maximising the use of recycled copper and the technologies that have made it possible.” Our commitment and responsibility towards that purposes reaffirms our loyalty to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • 2004

    Consolidation on international rail market.

    New range of products for the rail electrification sector.

  • 1990

    Creation of La Farga Tub and opening of new copper tube factory in 1992

    Creation of La Farga Tub and opening of new copper tube factory in 1992

  • 1986

    La Farga launches world’s first continuous casting with recycled copper.

    Development of thermal wire rod for continuous casting and patent obtained for the process, whose technology was sold to countries in different continents.

  • 1981

    Entry of Fisas and Guixà families as owners of LA FARGA

    Entry of Fisas and Guixà families as owners of LA FARGA

  • 1960

    Specialisation in the electrical cables market

    The electrical industry and rail sector would become the main markets for La Farga over the following decades.

  • 1913

    Start of Copper Rod production

    La Farga undertook a major renewal of machinery that enabled it to begin the production of wire rod for electrical cables in 1913.

  • 1852

    La Farga Lacambra

    Francesc Lacambra built a forge on the banks of the River Ter in Les Masies de Voltregà, with the aim of harnessing the strength of the water to produce copper sheeting. La Farga began production of sheeting at the end of the summer of 1853.

  • 1808

    Creation of LA FARGA

    That year, Francesc Lacambra Pont created a small family-run foundry in the port neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, devoted to the production of copper and bronze products for the Catalan navy.

  • 2023
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2020
  • 2018
  • 2018
  • 2014
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
  • 2008
  • 2008
  • 2008
  • 2007
  • 2006
  • 2004
  • 1990
  • 1986
  • 1981
  • 1960
  • 1913
  • 1852
  • 1808

THE COPPER MUSEUM

La farga is past, present, and future

The Copper Museum is an opportunity to present the history of this noble metal and LA FARGA to society. Two stories told in a cultural and training space that enable us to understand an industry and an innovation model that has transformed society over the years.

It is located in the premises of La Farga, in an old modernist building dating back to the early 20th century. It was opened in 2008 to mark the celebration of the bicentenary of the founding of La Farga and since then it has been for the people of LA FARGA and its area, an emblematic place where knowledge about copper becomes reality.

The concept, design, and structure of the museum were possible thanks to the cooperation between La Farga Foundation and the University of Vic, which took on the management of the museological and museographic project.

A visit to the museum makes it possible to view the history of the company, the origins of copper, the characteristics of the metal and the technology linked to it. It also includes a visit to the La Farga production plant, which enables the public to get a first-hand look at industrial activity.

The museum’s main audience is school groups; therefore a teaching plan is offered for them, tailored to the level of the pupils, from primary education up to visits from universities and courses.

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+45.337

visits since 2008

+0
visits since 2008

The collection