SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: July 6-10, 2026

July 10, 2026

Gold Poised to End Week Little Changed

Gold steadied above $4,100 an ounce on Friday and was on track to finish the volatile week little changed, as investors continued to assess developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on inflation and monetary policy. Reports indicated that the US and Iran will continue peace talks despite a recent escalation in hostilities that disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and renewed concerns over inflation. US forces carried out strikes on targets in Iran over two days in response to recent attacks on vessels in Hormuz, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran on US bases across the region. Markets continue to expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at least once this year, although the policy outlook remains highly uncertain. Meanwhile, New York Fed President John Williams said that, among the factors driving inflation in the US, he is most focused on demand fueled by artificial intelligence. (Source: Trading Economics)

Silver Set to End Volatile Week Lower

Silver steadied near $60 an ounce on Friday, but was still on track to end the week lower as investors continued to assess developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on inflation and monetary policy. Reports indicated that the US and Iran will continue peace talks despite a recent escalation in hostilities that disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and renewed concerns over inflation. US forces carried out strikes on targets in Iran over two days in response to recent attacks on vessels in Hormuz, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran on US bases across the region. Markets continue to expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at least once this year, although the policy outlook remains highly uncertain. Meanwhile, New York Fed President John Williams said that, among the factors driving inflation in the US, he is most focused on demand fueled by artificial intelligence. (Source: Trading Economics)

Bernstein Lowers Near-Term Copper Forecast but Sees Supply Deficits Supporting Long-Term Prices

Bernstein has revised its copper price outlook, forecasting the metal will average $12,419 per metric ton in 2026, with prices expected to average $11,750 per ton in the second half of the year. The updated forecast is slightly below the current market consensus of $12,515 per ton. The research firm said macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and a stronger U.S. dollar continue to weigh on the copper market. Higher energy costs linked to the prolonged Middle East conflict and expectations of tighter U.S. monetary policy have also pressured industrial metals. Despite these headwinds, Bernstein expects tightening physical supply to provide longer-term support. The firm cited lower mine production guidance and continued inventory stockpiling in the United States as factors tightening the market. Looking ahead, Bernstein forecasts copper will average about $10,700 per metric ton by 2030, with structural supply deficits expected to emerge later in the decade and increasingly shape market fundamentals. (Source: Yahoo Finance)

INEOS and Recuro Plan Advanced Plastic Recycling Facility in Norway

INEOS and Norwegian recycling company Recuro have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an advanced plastic recycling facility at INEOS’ Bamble polymer site in Norway. The proposed plant will process up to 33,000 metric tonnes of end-of-life plastic waste annually, helping increase the supply of recycled feedstocks needed to meet the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The project, known as Full Circle, will use pyrolysis technology to convert plastic waste into recycled oil and gas streams, which will be reused as feedstocks rather than burned for energy. Powered by renewable electricity, the facility is designed to minimize emissions while making use of existing industrial infrastructure. INEOS plans to use the recycled feedstock at its Rafnes cracker to produce recycled ethylene, enabling the nearby Bamble plant to manufacture virgin-quality recycled polyethylene for applications including food and medical packaging. The partners said the project supports Europe’s transition to a circular plastics economy by improving recycling rates and reducing dependence on virgin fossil-based raw materials. (Source: INEOS)

DePoly Opens PET Recycling Demonstration Plant in Switzerland

DePoly has inaugurated a demonstration-scale chemical recycling plant in Monthey, Switzerland, marking a key step toward commercializing its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester recycling technology. The facility, which can process around 500 tonnes of PET feedstock annually, will be used to optimize DePoly’s depolymerization process, validate recycled materials with industrial customers and support development of the company’s first commercial-scale plant. The demonstration site has created 12 direct jobs and more than 30 indirect positions. Founded in 2020, DePoly has developed a light-activated chemical depolymerization process that converts PET waste into virgin-quality monomers in less than an hour without requiring high temperatures or pressure. The technology is designed to process a wide range of PET waste streams, including food packaging, polyester textiles and contaminated plastics. The company plans to announce the location of its first commercial plant in the first half of 2027. The facility is expected to have an annual processing capacity of 50,000 tonnes. (Source: Depoly)

The Wilmington Group Launches OneWaste Service for Multi-Site Waste Management

The Wilmington Group has introduced OneWaste℠, a fully managed waste and recycling service aimed at helping businesses streamline waste operations across multiple locations. The new offering centralizes vendor management, contracts, invoicing, and service support under a single provider to reduce administrative complexity and improve operational efficiency. Unlike traditional waste brokers, OneWaste is backed by The Wilmington Group’s network of nine company-owned recycling facilities, allowing it to combine waste management services with in-house recycling capabilities. The company said the service includes invoice auditing, payment processing, annual rate benchmarking, and a 24-hour issue resolution target. Division President Tom Owston said the service focuses on accountability and operational expertise rather than relying primarily on technology. CEO Jeff Snyder added that the launch builds on the company’s nearly 50 years of recycling experience, with an emphasis on long-term customer relationships and nationwide service coverage. (Source: The Wilmington Group)

Aurubis Opens €190 Million Hamburg Recycling Plant to Boost Europe’s Critical Metals Supply

Aurubis AG has inaugurated its new Complex Recycling Hamburg (CRH) facility, a €190 million recycling plant designed to increase Europe’s capacity to recover critical metals from complex materials. The facility combines multiple smelting processes in a single unit, allowing the company to process copper-, lead- and sulfur-containing materials more efficiently. Located at Aurubis’ Hamburg site, the plant will enable the recycling of more than 30,000 additional tonnes of materials annually, while improving recovery of copper, lead, precious metals and sulfuric acid. The project is a key investment under Aurubis’ “Performance 2030” strategy and received support from the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Aurubis COO Tim Kurth said the facility strengthens the company’s multimetal capabilities and supports more resilient European raw material supply chains. German officials also highlighted the project’s role in improving critical resource security and industrial competitiveness. (Source: Aurubis AG)

Call2Recycle Canada Expands Québec Program to Recycle Battery-Powered Products

Call2Recycle Canada has launched a new collection and recycling program for battery-powered products in Québec, expanding its existing Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! initiative to address the growing volume of products containing embedded or removable batteries. The program accepts items such as toys, power tools, personal care devices, smoke detectors, vaping devices, e-bikes and mobility equipment through participating eco-centres. Developed with Québec partners, including CFER and RECYC-QUÉBEC, the initiative supports the province’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements introduced in 2022 for products containing batteries. Call2Recycle said the program builds on more than 15 years of battery collection experience in Québec and leverages its existing network of municipalities, retailers and recycling partners. The organization aims to improve the safe handling and recycling of battery-powered products while reducing environmental and fire risks associated with improperly managed batteries. (Source: Call2Recycle)

EGA Opens UAE’s Largest Aluminum Recycling Plant After Conflict-Related Disruption

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has officially opened the UAE’s largest aluminum recycling plant, expanding domestic recycling capacity after operations were temporarily disrupted by regional conflict earlier this year. Located at Al Taweelah, the facility can process up to 185,000 metric tons of post-consumer aluminum scrap annually, including used beverage cans, into billets and T-bars. EGA said the plant will help retain recyclable aluminum within the UAE, reducing reliance on overseas processing and supporting the country's circular economy goals. Production began in February but was suspended following damage caused by an Iranian attack and missile interception near Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi in late March. Operations resumed in May, with full production expected within six months. EGA said recycled products, marketed under the RevivAL brand, are produced by blending recycled metal with low-carbon primary aluminum generated using solar and nuclear energy. (Source: Packaging Insights)

Ecowaste Expands Missouri Footprint with Bilyeu Disposal Acquisition

Ecowaste Solutions has strengthened its presence in Missouri through the acquisition of Bilyeu Disposal, a locally owned waste collection company based in Chadwick. The transaction will be integrated into Ecowaste’s existing Springfield operation and marks the company’s 10th acquisition since its launch earlier in 2026. As part of the deal, founder Travis Bilyeu will remain with the business, continuing to serve customers on his established collection routes. Ecowaste CEO Dustin Reynolds said retaining local operators helps preserve customer relationships while supporting the company’s growth strategy. The acquisition aligns with Ecowaste’s plan to expand across Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma by purchasing community-based waste businesses and investing in operational improvements. Bilyeu said remaining as customers’ driver was a priority, ensuring continuity for the communities he has served for years. (Source: Ecowaste Solutions)

Dutch Consortium Launches Pilot to Advance Low-Carbon Lithium Refining in Europe

A Dutch consortium led by Nobian has launched the Lithium Refining via Salt-Assisted Crystallization (LiSA) project to develop a more energy-efficient process for producing battery-grade lithium from European sources. Backed by a €2 million grant from the Dutch government, the three-year pilot project will combine recycling and refining to strengthen Europe’s battery supply chain. The consortium, which also includes Back to Battery, the University of Twente, Demcon Suster and the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), will invest a total of €3.6 million in the initiative. The project will refine lithium recovered from geothermal brines and end-of-life batteries into battery-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate using Nobian’s salt-assisted crystallization technology. The company estimates the process could reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by around 50% compared with conventional lithium refining while lowering water use and waste generation. The pilot facility will evaluate different lithium feedstocks, optimize processing conditions and support the scale-up of a circular, low-carbon lithium value chain aimed at reducing Europe’s reliance on imported battery materials. (Source: Nobian)

Switzerland Approves New Packaging Rules with Mandatory Recycling Targets from 2027

Switzerland has adopted a new packaging ordinance that introduces mandatory recycling targets and stricter design requirements to reduce packaging waste, with the rules set to take effect at the beginning of 2027. The new Ordinance on Packaging (VerpV), approved by the Federal Council, replaces legislation introduced in 2000. It sets minimum recycling rates of 55% for plastic packaging and 70% for beverage cartons, while requiring packaging placed on the Swiss market to be designed for maximum recyclability and increased recycled content. Under the new framework, manufacturers and retailers must establish separate collection systems for single-use plastic packaging. By 2030, businesses will also be required to phase out unnecessary packaging and materials containing hazardous substances. The reforms complement recent amendments to Switzerland’s waste regulations, which strengthen material recovery and recycling requirements. The updated waste ordinance will take effect on Aug. 1, 2026, while the new packaging rules will apply from early 2027. (Source: The Federal Council of the Swiss Confederation)

Egypt, Switzerland Launch $1.7 Million E-Waste Recycling Initiative

Egypt and Switzerland have launched a CHF1.4 million (US$1.7 million) initiative to strengthen the country’s e-waste recycling system, targeting the management of approximately 87,000 tonnes of electronic waste generated annually. The Circular Electronics Initiative will establish a national framework for e-waste collection, reuse and recycling, with a focus on strengthening legislation, improving compliance and monitoring, expanding collection infrastructure, and implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR). The program will also promote environmentally sound recycling of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and help formalize Egypt’s informal recycling sector. Funded by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the project will run through June 2029 and be led by Egypt’s Waste Management Regulatory Authority. Egypt currently generates the largest volume of e-waste in Africa, with less than 15% of discarded electronics formally recycled. The initiative aims to increase recycling rates, attract green investment and reduce pollution from improper e-waste processing. (Source: Sustainable Packaging Middle East & Africa)