SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: April 6-10, 2026

April 10, 2026

Gold Set for Third Weekly Advance

Gold steadied above $4,700 on Friday and remained on course for a third consecutive weekly gain, as the US-Iran ceasefire triggered a sharp decline in oil prices and eased concerns over renewed inflation and potential interest rate hikes. The metal also drew support from a softer dollar, which had emerged as the leading safe-haven asset during the crisis. Investors turned their attention to upcoming diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance is set to head a US delegation in meetings with Iranian officials. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that continued operations in Lebanon are not covered by the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, even as Washington plans to host further discussions next week involving Israel and Lebanon to advance broader truce efforts. US President Donald Trump also warned Iran over imposing transit fees in Hormuz, criticizing its handling of oil shipments. (Source: Trading Economics)

Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Rises to Near $76.00 on Easing Rate Hike Bets

Silver price (XAG/USD) extends its winning streak, trading around $76.00 per troy ounce during the Asian hours on Friday. The non-interest-bearing Silver found support as the United States (US)–Iran ceasefire triggered a sharp drop in oil prices, easing concerns over renewed inflation and further rate hikes by the central banks. The dollar-denominated metal also benefited from a subdued US Dollar (USD) earlier this week, making it cheaper for foreign buyers. However, gains may be limited as the Greenback steadied amid renewed risk aversion driven by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the US–Iran ceasefire longevity. (Source: FXStreet)

Goldman Sachs Cuts Copper Price Outlook Amid Middle East Risks

Goldman Sachs has lowered its 2026 copper price forecast and warned of further downside risks as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens global supply chains and economic growth. Analysts said disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could keep energy prices elevated, weakening demand for copper, a key industrial metal. Prices have already retreated about 2.5% this year after briefly surging above $14,500 per ton, with a sharper drop following tensions involving Iran. Goldman reduced its base-case forecast to $12,650 per ton from $12,850, assuming shipping flows begin to normalize in the coming weeks. The bank added that copper prices remain vulnerable if economic conditions deteriorate further, noting current levels are above its estimated fair value of around $11,100 per ton. (Source: Yahoo Finance)

Iron Ore Weighed Down by Increasing Supply

Iron ore futures remained below CNY 760 per ton, hovering near five-week lows as expanding global supply and high port inventories in China continued to pressure prices. Industry data showed shipments of the key steelmaking raw material from major exporters Australia and Brazil surged more than 30% week-on-week to 24.48 million tons as of April 7, following an easing of weather-related disruptions. Analysts also expect Chinese demand for iron ore to soften this year as steel consumption slows, pointing to the country’s prolonged property sector downturn. Narrowing steel margins in China have further dampened demand for the raw material. Meanwhile, data indicated that average daily hot metal output, a key proxy for iron ore consumption, rose for a fourth consecutive week by 0.8% to 2.39 million tons as of April 9, though the pace of growth eased from a 2.7% increase in the prior week. (Source: Trading Economics)

COM2 Recycling Joins TERRA to Strengthen Advanced Material Recovery Network

TERRA has announced that COM2 Recycling Solutions has joined its global network as a Certified Member, expanding capabilities in advanced material recovery. The partnership enhances TERRA’s ability to address emerging waste streams, particularly solar panels, plastics, and Styrofoam—areas that have historically faced limited recycling solutions. COM2 brings specialized expertise in photovoltaic recycling and advanced plastics processing, supporting the recovery of valuable materials from complex waste streams. TERRA said the addition aligns with its mission to deliver scalable and responsible recycling solutions as global e-waste volumes continue to rise. COM2’s certification ensures compliance with high environmental and operational standards, including R2v3 and e-Stewards requirements. The collaboration is expected to improve access to sustainable recycling options for businesses and municipalities while advancing circular economy initiatives. (Source: jointerra)

Rice Researchers Develop Plasma-Assisted Battery Recycling Method Using Citric Acid

Researchers at Rice University have developed a lithium-ion battery recycling process that combines brief plasma treatment with mild solvents, including citric acid derived from lemon juice, to recover valuable metals and regenerate graphite for reuse. The method uses a 15-minute microwave-induced plasma pretreatment followed by hydrometallurgical processing, enabling about 85% selective lithium recovery in water and up to 95% recovery of transition metals in citric acid at room temperature. The process also produces regenerated graphite suitable for reuse in battery anodes. Lead researcher Gautam Chandrasekhar said the approach targets “black mass,” the shredded battery material containing critical metals and graphite. He said the team is now working on scaling the process and testing cost-effective plasma gas mixtures, while noting that performance across different battery chemistries still needs evaluation. The researchers have patented the technology and are pursuing commercialization. (Source: Resource Recycling)

Paladin Acquires Ireland’s ICT to Expand Global ITAD Capabilities

Paladin EnviroTech has acquired Ireland-based IT asset disposition provider ICT as part of a $70 million (€60 million) investment drive to scale its global operations. The deal strengthens Paladin’s presence in Dublin, a major European data center hub, and expands its secure data destruction and electronics recycling capabilities across Ireland and the wider region. ICT, founded in 2003, processes more than 2,000 tons of e-waste annually and has shredded over 500,000 data-bearing devices in the past year. It was the first company in Ireland to achieve R2v3 certification. Paladin said the acquisition enhances its end-to-end ITAD services, including on-site shredding and secure logistics. ICT is expected to transition to the Paladin brand and relocate to a new 52,000-square-foot processing facility in Dublin. Financial terms were not disclosed. (Source: Businesswire)

WPU Plans Large-Scale Chemical Recycling Plant in Rotterdam

Waste Plastic Upcycling (WPU), owned by Denmark-based Vitol, plans to build a chemical recycling facility at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, expanding its capacity to process end-of-life plastics in Europe. The proposed plant will handle up to 80,000 metric tons of post-consumer plastic annually, raising WPU’s total recycling capacity to 100,000 metric tons. The facility will use batch pyrolysis technology to convert plastic waste into pyrolysis oil, which can be used as a feedstock for producing circular chemicals and new plastics. CEO Jeffrey van Geloof said the project marks a key step in scaling WPU’s technology beyond its existing Denmark plant. Vitol added that the facility will incorporate advanced furnace systems to reduce emissions and energy use, supporting efforts to lower the carbon intensity of plastic production. (Source: Waste Plastic Upcycling)

Netherlands Launches €40 Million Fund to Scale Recycling and Circular Innovation

Circular Plastics NL and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency have opened a €40 million funding call to support projects advancing plastic, textile, and rubber recycling. The 2026 program targets partnerships focused on scaling technologies from pilot stages to industrial application. Applications open from April 21 to October 6, 2026, with funding available for both research and demonstration projects. Grants can reach up to €1.5 million for research and €7.5 million for large-scale showcase projects, with durations of up to five years. The initiative aims to address persistent gaps in recycling capacity, as more than half of plastic waste in the Netherlands was still incinerated in 2022. Projects will be assessed on innovation, feasibility, and contribution to circular economy goals, with an emphasis on practical, market-ready solutions. (Source: Circular Plastics NL)

GM to Invest $150 Million in Michigan Casting Plant for Next-Gen V-8 Production

General Motors will invest more than $150 million in its Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Michigan to support production of sixth-generation V-8 engine components for full-size pickup trucks. The upgrade is part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and modernize its powertrain operations. The investment will fund new equipment and tooling at the plant, which will continue producing current-generation engine blocks while preparing for next-generation production starting in 2027. The project follows a previously announced $500 million investment in GM’s Flint Engine plant tied to the same engine program. Plant director John Lancaster said the investment secures existing jobs and supports the local economy. The Saginaw facility, one of GM’s oldest in the U.S., employs more than 300 workers across three shifts. (Source: GM)

ABB and Syre Partner to Advance Industrial Textile Recycling in Vietnam

ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swedish textile recycler Syre to explore technologies for a planned textile-to-textile recycling plant in Vietnam, marking a step toward scaling circular polyester production. The collaboration will assess how ABB’s automation, electrification, and digital systems can support efficient and scalable operations at the proposed facility in Gia Lai province. The plant is designed to recycle polyester from used textiles and industrial waste into new materials, reducing reliance on fossil-based inputs. Syre, which has developed its recycling technology through pilot operations in the United States, aims to begin construction of the Vietnam facility in 2027. ABB said the partnership reflects growing demand for advanced industrial solutions to support circular manufacturing in the textile sector. (Source: ABB)

Plastics Industry Groups to Host Legislative Fly-In in Washington

Plastics Industry Association and the American Chemistry Council will host a joint legislative fly-in in Washington, D.C., from April 13–15, bringing together stakeholders from across the plastics value chain to engage with federal policymakers. The event will focus on reinforcing the plastics sector’s role in U.S. manufacturing, advancing predictable trade policies, and accelerating recycling and circular manufacturing initiatives. Participants are expected to advocate for measures that support domestic production, streamline permitting for recycling infrastructure, and establish clearer national definitions for recycling. Industry leaders said the fly-in provides an opportunity for manufacturers, recyclers, and suppliers to directly communicate policy priorities aimed at strengthening supply chains, expanding recycling systems, and supporting continued investment in U.S. manufacturing. (Source: Plastic Today)

BIR Rejects ‘Sliding Scale’ Method for Green Steel, Citing Risk of Misleading Claims

Bureau of International Recycling has strongly opposed the use of a “sliding scale” methodology in defining green steel, warning it could misrepresent emissions and undermine recycling efforts. The group said the approach allows higher-emission steel production to qualify as “green” by applying adjustment factors, even when using lower levels of recycled material. This, BIR argued, creates distorted incentives that may favor more carbon-intensive processes while penalizing producers that rely more heavily on scrap. BIR also criticized claims that the methodology encourages steel recycling, calling such assertions misleading. The organization stressed that credible green steel standards must reflect actual carbon intensity, ensure transparency, and maintain clear comparability across production routes. The federation urged policymakers to adopt unified, science-based standards that support decarbonization and strengthen confidence in circular steel markets. (Source: BIR)