SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: July 13-17, 2026

July 17, 2026

Gold Set for Weekly Loss

Gold held below $4,000 an ounce on Friday and was on track to lose more than 3% for the week, as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, keeping inflationary pressures and interest rate concerns at the forefront. The US launched multiple strikes against Iran this week, while President Donald Trump warned that the US could target the country’s infrastructure next week unless diplomatic efforts result in a breakthrough. Iran responded by launching attacks on US bases in neighboring countries, fueling fears of further escalation and a prolonged disruption to energy supplies from the region. Meanwhile, softer-than-expected US inflation data released this week has largely ruled out a July rate increase, even as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated his commitment to restoring price stability. However, markets remain divided on whether the Fed will hike rates in September, keeping the non-yielding gold under pressure. (Source: Trading Economics)

Silver Hits New 2026 Low as Geopolitical Risks and Stronger Dollar Weigh

Silver prices fell to a new year-to-date low on Friday, with spot silver (XAG/USD) dropping to $54.77 per ounce before recovering slightly to trade near $55.00 during the early European trading session. The decline came as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East fueled concerns over higher energy prices and inflation. Reports that Iran threatened to close the Red Sea shipping route if the United States targets its infrastructure heightened fears of tighter global energy supplies, boosting expectations that central banks may need to maintain restrictive monetary policies. A firmer U.S. dollar also added pressure to silver by making the precious metal more expensive for holders of other currencies. Despite the recent weakness, expectations for a near-term U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hike remained subdued following softer-than-expected June inflation data. Lower rate hike expectations continue to provide some support for precious metals, partially offsetting the impact of geopolitical and currency-driven headwinds. (Source: FXStreet)

Copper Falls as US-Iran Conflict Weighs

Copper futures fell below $6.2 per pound on Friday, hitting a one-week low as the escalating conflict between the US and Iran triggered a broad selloff across metals markets. The US launched multiple strikes against Iran this week, while Tehran retaliated by targeting US bases in neighboring countries, driving oil prices higher and keeping inflationary risks in focus. Investors are increasingly concerned that central banks may keep interest rates elevated for longer or even raise them further to contain inflation. Still, copper prices found some support from mounting supply concerns after a powerful storm struck top producer Chile, causing widespread power outages and significant damage. In addition, Antofagasta reported this week that first-half copper production fell 9.5% to 285,000 tonnes due to lower output at two key mines. BHP also warned that its Chilean production is expected to decline next year, while the IEA flagged tightening sulphuric acid supplies. (Source: Trading Economics)

Platinum Stays Near Multi-Month Lows

Platinum futures traded below $1,620 an ounce, pressured near their lowest levels since late November, as escalating tensions in the Middle East kept inflation concerns in focus. The US launched multiple strikes against Iran this week and reinstated a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran retaliated with attacks on US bases in neighboring countries. The renewed conflict sent oil prices sharply higher, reinforcing expectations that persistent energy supply disruptions could stoke inflation. Meanwhile, softer-than-expected US consumer and producer inflation data prompted markets to scale back the likelihood of a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike, supporting demand for non-yielding assets. The platinum market also draws support from a tight supply outlook as the World Platinum Investment Council continues to forecast a fourth consecutive market deficit in 2026, with demand expected to outpace supply and above-ground inventories projected to remain near historically low levels. (Source: Trading Economics)

Plastipak Launches Recycled-Content PET Resin to Simplify Sustainable Packaging

Plastipak Packaging has introduced pakPET™ Single Pellet Solution, a new PET resin that combines virgin resin performance with 30% recycled content in a single pellet, offering manufacturers a simpler way to increase recycled content in packaging. The resin is designed for a range of PET applications, including beverage and food containers, personal care, pharmaceutical packaging and thermoformed products. Plastipak said the ready-to-use formulation is compatible with existing PET processing systems, helping manufacturers reduce production complexity while maintaining consistent packaging performance. Manufactured at the company’s Verbania, Italy, facility, the resin is approved for applicable food-contact packaging and uses certified post-consumer recycled feedstock with EN15343 traceability. Commercial availability is scheduled for August 2026. The launch expands Plastipak’s sustainable packaging portfolio as demand grows for recycled-content materials. The company operates five recycling facilities worldwide and processes more than 249,500 metric tonnes of post-consumer recycled resin each year. (Source: Plastipak Packaging)

Reworld Expands Free E-Waste Recycling Program Across Northeastern Pennsylvania

Reworld has partnered with Goodwill Industries of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) to expand free electronic waste recycling services across 11 counties, increasing access to responsible disposal options for residents. Under the partnership, 10 Goodwill stores and three donation centers will serve as collection points for end-of-life electronics, including computers, televisions, printers, networking equipment and other covered devices. Reusable items will be resold through Goodwill, while non-functioning electronics will be recycled by Reworld in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Covered Device Recycling Act and e-Stewards standards. The expansion builds on Reworld’s existing collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Keystone, which has collected more than 4 million pounds of e-waste across central and southeastern Pennsylvania over the past two years. The initiative, supported by electronics recycling organization MRM, aims to improve access to convenient, no-cost recycling services, reduce landfill disposal and promote responsible management of electronic waste throughout the region. (Source: PRNewswire)

Textile Recycling Partners Join Forces to Expand Green Machine Technology

Hong Kong-based HKRITA, U.S. recycler Looptworks and Spanish textile technology company Jeanologia have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the commercialization of the Green Machine, a recycling system designed to recover materials from blended textiles. Announced at the Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels, the partnership aims to scale technology that separates cotton-polyester blends into reusable polyester fibers and cellulose powder for new industrial applications. Developed by HKRITA, the process uses hydrothermal and dissolution treatments to recover more than 97% of polyester fibers within two hours while consuming significantly less energy than producing virgin PET. The companies said the collaboration addresses growing demand for scalable recycling solutions for difficult-to-process textile waste, including denim and mixed-fiber garments. The technology is already being used commercially, with Indonesia’s PT Kahatex operating the first industrial-scale Green Machine and fashion brand Monki incorporating recycled materials produced by the system into its products. (Source: Recycling International)

Altilium Wins UK Funding for Battery Anode Recycling Project

Altilium has secured funding through the UK government’s Battery Innovation Programme to lead a collaborative project aimed at establishing a domestic circular supply chain for battery anode materials. The REMADE initiative brings together Altilium, battery technology developer Nyobolt, battery materials company Talga Group and a major automotive manufacturer. The project will recover graphite and niobium tungsten oxide from end-of-life electric vehicle batteries and manufacturing scrap, before refining and reprocessing the materials into high-performance anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The partners aim to demonstrate a commercially viable closed-loop recycling model that reduces reliance on imported raw materials while lowering the carbon footprint of battery production. Altilium said its EcoAnode™ process can recover up to 99% of graphite from spent batteries, a material that is often discarded in conventional recycling. The initiative also supports the UK’s efforts to strengthen domestic battery manufacturing as demand for graphite and other critical battery materials continues to grow. (Source: Altilium)

US Plastics Pact Releases Updated Guidelines for Circular Packaging Design

The US Plastics Pact has published updated design handbooks to help companies develop reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging, providing new guidance as businesses face growing regulatory and sustainability requirements. The three handbooks outline current certification standards, labeling requirements and design recommendations for packaging manufacturers, brand owners, retailers and policymakers. They are intended to support more consistent packaging design and improve circularity across the plastics value chain. The recyclable packaging guide encourages companies to align with the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ design recommendations and incorporate post-consumer recycled content where appropriate. Separate guidance covers best practices for reusable packaging systems and the design of compostable packaging that meets recognized industry standards and third-party certification requirements. The US Plastics Pact said the resources are designed to help organizations make informed packaging decisions and support the transition to a more circular economy as recycling, reuse and composting infrastructure continues to expand. (Source: Packaging Insights)

Outokumpu to Upgrade Alabama Stainless Steel Mill with New Ladle Furnace

Outokumpu Stainless USA has commissioned Primetals Technologies to supply a 180-ton twin ladle furnace for its stainless steel mill in Calvert, Alabama, as part of an investment to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions. The new furnace will replace a ladle treatment stand installed in 2012 and is expected to be operational by March 2028. According to Primetals, the upgrade will enhance temperature control, increase production flexibility and lower the facility’s carbon footprint while integrating with the plant’s existing infrastructure. The Calvert mill, which uses an electric arc furnace capable of melting up to 100% stainless steel scrap, is one of Outokumpu’s facilities with more than 95% recycled content in its melt shop operations. The new twin ladle furnace will add electrical heating capacity after the argon oxygen decarburization process, improving overall steelmaking efficiency. Primetals, a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries company, has been a long-term technology partner for the Alabama facility, including supplying its original steelmaking equipment. (Source: SteelOrbis)

Blackbelt360 Joins e-Stewards Program to Strengthen Responsible Electronics Recycling

Blackbelt360, a provider of data erasure and device diagnostics software, has joined the e-Stewards Enterprise Program, reinforcing its commitment to responsible end-of-life electronics management. The Seattle-based Basel Action Network (BAN), which administers the e-Stewards certification program, said the partnership reflects growing demand for secure and environmentally responsible electronics recycling. Under the program, Blackbelt360 will prioritize the use of e-Stewards Certified Processors for hardware disposal and report its progress annually. Blackbelt360 provides certified data erasure and diagnostic software for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices used in the refurbishment market. CEO Paul Katzoff said participation in the program aligns the company with recognized standards for ethical electronics recycling while supporting the circular economy. The announcement follows Blackbelt360’s recent expansion in the United States, where it established a headquarters in Plantation, Florida, to support its growing North American customer base, which accounts for roughly half of the company’s device processing transactions. (Source: Blackbelt360)

Pakistan’s Planned EPZ Rules Raise Concerns for Textile Recycling Industry

Pakistan’s proposed restrictions on domestic sales from Export Processing Zones (EPZs) could disrupt the country’s textile recycling industry and affect global used clothing supply chains, according to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART). Under the current framework, EPZ operators must export at least 80% of their production but are allowed to sell up to 20% into Pakistan’s domestic market after paying applicable duties and taxes. The government is reportedly considering ending these domestic sales as early as September. SMART warned the change could undermine the commercial viability of recycling businesses that import, sort and re-export more than 500,000 tonnes of used clothing annually, much of it sourced from the United States and Canada. The association said reduced recycling capacity could increase textile waste and limit markets for lower-grade recovered materials. SMART is working with industry stakeholders in Pakistan to seek a solution, arguing that any regulatory changes should include a practical transition period to protect existing recycling operations. (Source: SMART)

MRAI Calls for Removal of Import Duty on Aluminium Scrap

The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) has urged the Indian government to abolish the 2.5% basic customs duty on aluminium scrap, arguing the move would strengthen the country’s recycling industry and improve the competitiveness of downstream manufacturers. In a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, MRAI said India imports around 80–85% of the aluminium scrap needed to meet domestic demand, making reliable access to imported material essential for the sector’s growth. The association noted that India’s secondary aluminium production has increased from 0.85 million tonnes in fiscal 2016 to nearly 2.2 million tonnes in fiscal 2026, accounting for about 35% of the country’s aluminium consumption. It added that the industry supports roughly 700,000 direct and indirect jobs. MRAI said aluminium scrap is the only major base metal scrap still subject to import duty in India, while copper, zinc and lead scrap are duty-free. The association argued that removing the tariff would reduce raw material costs, enhance resource security and support the country’s circular economy objectives. (Source: MRAI)

EU Takes Legal Action Against Member States Over Waste Recycling Failures

The European Commission has stepped up legal action against 14 EU Member States for failing to meet waste recycling obligations or fully implement key waste legislation, citing shortcomings in recycling performance and national law. Letters of formal notice were sent to Germany, Greece and Cyprus, while reasoned opinions were issued to Bulgaria, Czechia, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal and Romania after they failed to address earlier concerns. The Commission said the countries did not meet the EU requirement to prepare at least 50% of municipal waste for reuse and recycling by 2020, while several also fell short of packaging waste recycling targets covering materials such as glass, paper, metals and plastics. Separate infringement proceedings were launched against Slovakia for failing to fully implement the Single-Use Plastics Directive and against Finland for incomplete transposition of the Waste Framework Directive. The Commission warned that Member States must improve compliance to meet stricter recycling targets due in 2025, 2030 and 2035 or risk referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union. (Source: EU Commission)