SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: August 3-7, 2026

August 07, 2026

Gold Steadies Amid Hormuz Tensions

Gold held above $4,200 an ounce on Friday, pausing a recent rally as renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices higher, reigniting concerns about inflation and the prospect of a near-term Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Reports indicated that Iran struck what it described as “hostile targets” in the strait following explosions near Qeshm Island. Tehran is also seeking to bar US and Israeli vessels from transiting Hormuz while requiring countries it considers hostile to pay compensation before being allowed passage. Meanwhile, Fed officials have increasingly signaled they are prepared to raise interest rates soon amid rising inflationary risks, with markets pricing in a 25-basis-point hike in September. Separately, data from clearing institutions showed that institutional investors in China continued to build long positions in gold-backed assets as a hedge against volatility in technology stocks, bolstered by central bank buying. (Source: Trading Economics)

Silver Falls on Renewed Hormuz Tensions

Silver fell toward $61 an ounce on Friday, sliding for the second straight session as a flare-up in the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices higher, reviving concerns about inflation and a near-term Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Reports indicated that Iran struck what it described as “hostile targets” in the strait following explosions near Qeshm Island. Tehran is also seeking to bar US and Israeli vessels from transiting Hormuz while requiring countries it considers hostile to pay compensation before being granted passage. Meanwhile, Fed officials have increasingly signaled they are prepared to raise interest rates soon amid mounting inflationary risks, with markets anticipating a 25-basis-point hike in September. At the same time, industrial demand continued to provide underlying support for silver, with Chinese imports of silver-bearing ores surging 62.5% year-over-year in June to 219,000 tonnes. (Source: Trading Economics)

Copper Scales Record Levels on Supply Worries

Copper futures climbed above $6.7 per pound on Friday, reaching fresh record highs as mounting global supply risks continued to support the market. The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned exports of copper concentrates, highlighting a growing trend among resource-rich nations to retain more value by expanding domestic refining and processing capacity. Concerns over potential US import tariffs on copper also continued to divert supplies from international markets into US warehouses. Meanwhile, operations at part of Codelco’s flagship El Teniente mine could remain suspended for up to two years, adding to supply concerns. On the demand side, copper remained supported by a strong outlook for power grid upgrades and data center expansion as the global shift toward electrification and artificial intelligence continued to drive consumption. (Source: Trading Economics)

IPG Launches PCR Air Pillow Film with 50% Recycled Content

IPG has launched its new PCR Air Pillow Film, a protective packaging solution designed to help businesses increase recycled content in fulfillment operations while maintaining packaging performance. The Sarasota, Florida-based packaging manufacturer said the film contains 50% recycled material, including 35% third-party certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and 15% post-industrial recycled (PIR) content. The product is manufactured in the United States at a True Zero Waste-certified facility. IPG said the film is designed to deliver performance comparable to its existing AirSpace offerings and is compatible with the company’s G4, G6 and A3 Pro inflation machines, as well as current AirSpace delivery systems. The company added that the PCR Air Pillow Film provides a sustainable void-fill option for various protective packaging applications without requiring changes to existing equipment. IPG said the product supports companies seeking to meet sustainability targets while improving material circularity in packaging operations. (Source: Packaging Europe)

Hydro Supplies Recycled Aluminum for Cadillac Optiq Electric Vehicle

Norway-based metals producer Norsk Hydro ASA is supplying recycled-content aluminum for components used in General Motors’ Cadillac Optiq electric vehicle, marking a new application for its Hydro Circal material in automotive manufacturing. Hydro said the aluminum, produced at its melt shop in Cassopolis, Michigan, contains at least 75% post-consumer scrap and will be used in a front bumper beam manufactured by automotive supplier Shape Corp. The companies described the project as one of the first U.S. applications of Hydro Circal in a structural, safety-critical automotive component. Hydro said using recycled aluminum helps reduce embedded emissions and strengthen material circularity by returning scrap from end-of-life products, including vehicles and electrical equipment, into new applications. The company estimates Hydro Circal can reduce CO₂ emissions by about 70% compared with average North American primary aluminum production. The collaboration supports GM’s efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains while demonstrating the role of recycled materials in EV manufacturing. (Source: Hydro)

Go-Pak Launches 100% Recycled PET Cups to Support Circular Packaging

UK-based food packaging manufacturer Go-Pak Group has launched Clarity, a new range of clear cold-drink cups made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), designed to help foodservice businesses reduce their use of virgin plastic. The cups are made entirely from recycled materials and can be recycled after use where appropriate recycling infrastructure is available, according to Go-Pak. The company said the products are designed for cafés, foodservice operators and grab-and-go retailers seeking more sustainable packaging options. Go-Pak said the Clarity cups received a green rating under the UK’s Recyclability Assessment Methodology and exceed the 30% recycled-content requirement under the UK Plastic Packaging Tax, potentially helping businesses reduce regulatory costs. Alexandra Forsyth-Nash, product development manager at Go-Pak, said the cups demonstrate how plastic waste can be collected, processed and transformed into new packaging products, supporting a more circular approach to plastic use. (Source: Packaging News)

Aperam Recycling to Build Titanium Center of Excellence in New York

Aperam Recycling has announced plans to establish a Titanium Solids Center of Excellence in Frankfort, New York, to expand its recycled titanium capabilities for the aerospace and defense industries. The new facility will operate as part of ELG Utica Alloys, which is transitioning to the Aperam Recycling brand ahead of its planned renaming as Aperam Recycling Advanced Metals in 2026. The center will support growing demand for recycled titanium by combining advanced processing technologies, automation and specialized logistics. Located near Aperam Recycling’s existing Herkimer facility, the Frankfort site is expected to improve material flows, operational flexibility and supply chain efficiency for customers in the U.S. and international markets. The company said the investment will help provide high-quality recycled titanium solutions with lower processing requirements and reduced associated carbon emissions. Scheduled to begin operations on January 1, 2027, the facility is expected to create up to 50 local jobs and strengthen Aperam’s position as a supplier of recycled materials for high-performance industries. (Source: Aperam Recycling)

InterPro Acquires K&K Prairie Recycling to Expand Steel Supply Chain in Canada

InterPro Recycling has acquired Alberta-based scrap metal recycler K&K Prairie Recycling Services, strengthening its domestic scrap supply network and supporting the growth of its integrated recycling-to-steel operations. The acquisition adds K&K’s ferrous and non-ferrous scrap recycling capabilities, including processing, decommissioning and material brokerage services, to InterPro’s steel production platform in Regina, Saskatchewan. InterPro said the deal will improve supply reliability, expand its presence in the Alberta scrap market and support future steel melting capacity growth. InterPro is Canada’s only 100% domestic steel producer serving the energy sector, with operations focused on using Canadian-sourced materials to manufacture tubular steel products. The company said the acquisition will help support major energy infrastructure projects while strengthening domestic supply chains. K&K Prairie Recycling will operate as InterPro Prairie Recycling Inc., with Tony Thomsen continuing to lead the business. Founder Kevin Morgan will remain involved as an advisor to ensure continuity for customers, suppliers and employees. (Source: InterPro Pipe & Steel)

Amcor Secures RecyClass Certification for Bontite® Stretch Films

Amcor has received RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification for selected specifications of its Bontite® Sustane stretch films, strengthening the verified use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and helping customers prepare for changes to the UK Plastics Packaging Tax (PPT) due in 2027. Produced at Amcor’s facilities in the UK and Belgium, the certified stretch films are designed for pallet wrapping applications across sectors including beverages, manufacturing, retail and consumer goods. The certification confirms that the recycled plastic content is independently audited and fully traceable in accordance with European standards. Amcor said the certification will support customers facing stricter recycled-content requirements under the revised UK PPT, which will recognize only PCR content from April 2027. It also helps businesses meet growing compliance and reporting demands driven by European packaging regulations and extended producer responsibility schemes. The company added that RecyClass certification has also been expanded to several other flexible packaging products manufactured across its European operations. (Source: Amcor)

Flexible Film Recycling Alliance Launches California Pilot Programs

The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) has launched two pilot programs in California to test commercial flexible film collection and recycling models aimed at improving polyethylene (PE) film recovery and supporting future recycling initiatives. The pilots, managed by FFRA and the Stewardship Action Foundation, will evaluate different approaches to collecting, aggregating and transporting commercial PE films generated by warehouses, distribution centers, retail backrooms and manufacturing facilities. The Sacramento program will test a distributed collection model using the existing service network of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, while the Ontario and Inland Empire pilot will focus on larger warehouse operators through Shorr Packaging’s logistics network. Running from July through November 2026, both programs will use standardized collection systems to gather clean PE films for recycling. FFRA said the operational data will help identify scalable collection models and inform the development of future recycling programs under California’s evolving recycling framework. (Source: Eco-plastics in Packaging)

Altilium Secures UK Patent for EV Battery Recycling Technology

UK clean technology company Altilium has secured its first patent for its EcoCathode EV battery recycling process, marking a step forward in the commercialization of its technology for recovering critical battery materials. The UK Intellectual Property Office granted Patent No. GB2637908B for Altilium’s hydrometallurgical process, which recovers and regenerates high-purity cathode materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The process converts battery “black mass” into battery-grade materials that can be reused in new EV battery production. Unlike conventional recycling methods that often require further overseas refining, Altilium’s closed-loop technology directly produces regenerated cathode materials, helping reduce energy use, emissions and reliance on imported critical minerals. The process has been validated through industry research projects with automotive manufacturers and independently assessed by Imperial College London. Altilium said the patent will support the expansion of its recycling operations in the UK, including its ACT3 commercial plant and future ACT4 facility, while strengthening opportunities for international licensing and partnerships. (Source: Altilium)

Cambodia Orders Stricter Enforcement of Ban on E-Waste Imports

Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has instructed provincial and municipal authorities to strengthen enforcement of the country’s ban on imports of used batteries and electronic waste, citing growing risks to public health and the environment. Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth said the import of waste electrical and electronic equipment is prohibited under Cambodia’s environmental laws after authorities found second-hand electrical products being imported alongside hazardous waste. Banned items include used air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, mobile phones and batteries. The ministry warned that electronic waste may contain hazardous substances such as mercury, cadmium, chromium and lead, which can contaminate soil, water and ecosystems if improperly stored or recycled. It also said projects seeking to import overseas e-waste as recycling feedstock should not receive government support. While reaffirming that Cambodia will not become a dumping ground for foreign e-waste, the ministry said it is also exploring measures to improve the collection, management and recycling of domestically generated electronic waste as volumes continue to rise. (Source: KHMER Times)

Trump Delegates Export Control Authority for Critical Minerals Used in Defense Supply Chains

S. President Donald Trump has delegated authority to the Commerce Secretary under the Defense Production Act to impose export restrictions on recoverable critical minerals and materials (CMMs), citing their importance to national defense and industrial security. The presidential determination, signed on July 30, 2026, identifies critical minerals and materials as essential resources for military production, advanced technologies and key infrastructure sectors. The White House said the United States remains heavily dependent on foreign sources for certain CMMs, creating risks of long-term supply chain disruptions. The administration highlighted the potential to recover critical minerals from end-of-life products such as permanent magnets, lithium-ion batteries and industrial waste streams through recycling. The move follows a series of executive actions aimed at strengthening domestic mineral production, defense manufacturing and critical material supply chains. The Commerce Department will now have authority to establish export restrictions on recoverable critical minerals and materials as part of broader efforts to enhance U.S. supply chain resilience. (Source: The White House)