SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: May 4-8, 2026

May 08, 2026

Morgan Stanley Forecasts Gold at $5,200 as Rate Outlook Outweighs Geopolitical Risks

Morgan Stanley expects gold prices to climb to around $5,200 an ounce by the end of the year, despite recent market volatility tied to geopolitical tensions and shifting interest rate expectations. In a recent research note, Amy Gower, metals and mining commodity strategist at Morgan Stanley Research, said gold has struggled to fully benefit from safe-haven demand during the ongoing Middle East conflict because rising energy prices have reduced expectations for near-term U.S. rate cuts. “Gold’s sensitivity to monetary policy has taken over as the key price driver,” Gower said, noting that higher oil prices have increased inflation concerns and prompted markets to reassess the Federal Reserve’s easing path. Morgan Stanley still expects the Fed to deliver one rate cut in January and another in March 2027, a scenario the bank believes will support further gains in gold prices, particularly through renewed ETF demand. However, Gower warned that a prolonged conflict and sustained inflation pressures could weigh on gold if markets begin pricing in extended higher interest rates. (Source: Kitco News)

Silver Climbs Ahead of US Jobs Data as Markets Monitor Middle East Tensions

Silver prices rose sharply on Friday, with XAG/USD gaining 2.6% to trade near $80.50 in early European trading as investors assessed geopolitical developments and awaited key U.S. labor market data. Market sentiment improved after President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remained in effect despite renewed exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told ABC News that “the ceasefire is going” after Iran accused Washington of violating the agreement following reported attacks on Iranian oil tankers. Higher oil prices linked to the tensions have raised inflation concerns, prompting expectations that central banks may keep interest rates elevated for longer. That outlook typically limits gains for non-yielding assets such as silver. Investors are now focused on the upcoming U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report. Economists expect the April data to show 62,000 new jobs were added, down from 178,000 in March, while the unemployment rate is forecast to remain at 4.3%. (Source: FXStreet)

Copper Set for Weekly Rise

Copper futures held above $6.1 per pound on Friday and were on track to post a weekly gain of more than 3%, supported by easing energy prices earlier in the week, which helped reduce pressure on global growth and industrial metals demand. However, sentiment remained fragile as the US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration is currently awaiting Iran’s response to a proposal aimed at reopening Hormuz and ending the nearly 10-week conflict, with reports suggesting Tehran is expected to reply via Pakistan within the next two days. The ongoing conflict has also disrupted shipments of sulphuric acid, a key input in copper refining, adding to supply-side risks. At the same time, continued large-scale agreements among major technology firms have accelerated data center construction, strengthening the longer-term demand outlook for copper given its critical role in electrification and power grid infrastructure. (Source: Trading Economics)

Iron Ore Extends Rally on Stronger Steel Prices

Iron ore futures rose above CNY 815 per ton, climbing toward their strongest levels since February last year and heading for a fourth consecutive weekly gain as firmer steel prices continued to support demand for the key steelmaking material. Analysts said stronger steel prices have improved profit margins for mills, encouraging greater iron ore purchasing activity. Prices were also supported by a continued decline in steel inventories, which have now fallen for seven straight weeks, signaling potential restocking demand for raw materials. On the supply side, Brazilian iron ore shipments increased to 34.57 million tons in April from 30.07 million tons a year earlier, highlighting ample global supply conditions. Meanwhile, mining operations resumed this week at two blocks of Guinea’s massive Simandou iron ore project, operated by a consortium led by Baowu Resources, after workers ended a strike. (Source: Trading Economics)

Claras Materials Launches to Address Feedstock Gap in Textile Recycling

Claras Materials LLC has launched as a supply chain company focused on providing post-consumer textile feedstock to the chemical recycling and fiber-to-fiber (T2T) industries. The company aims to address a persistent shortage of consistent, high-quality raw materials that has slowed the scaling of textile recycling technologies. While chemical recycling capabilities have advanced, Claras said the lack of reliable, sorted feedstock remains a key bottleneck. Its model sources used textiles from global markets, then uses near-infrared sorting to separate fibers into clean single-stream bales, including polyester, cotton, wool and mixed fibers. Hardware removal is completed before baling to improve processing efficiency. Led by industry veteran Patrick Mullen, the company is targeting industrial-scale supply solutions and expects to begin commercial operations in 2027. (Source: Textile World)

ROSI Secures $23 Million to Expand Solar Panel Recycling in Europe

ROSI has raised more than €20 million ($23 million) to expand its photovoltaic panel recycling operations across Europe. The funding, which includes a Series B round and public grants from French and European programs, will support the company’s plan to scale recovery of high-purity materials from end-of-life solar panels, including silicon, silver, copper, aluminum and glass. ROSI said it is developing a new recycling facility in Teruel, Spain, with an annual processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes. The automated plant is intended to support large-scale recycling and reduce Europe’s dependence on imported critical raw materials. The investment round was led by InnoEnergy, CMA CGM, the European Innovation Council and G3T, alongside existing shareholders. The company said rising volumes of retired solar panels are creating demand for more advanced recycling infrastructure as Europe seeks to strengthen circular supply chains for clean energy materials. (Source: ESG Today)

Five U.S. Recycling Facilities Earn Top ‘Gold’ Rating for Glass Recovery Performance

The Glass Recycling Foundation has recertified five materials recovery facilities at its highest “Gold” level, recognizing strong performance in capturing and cleaning glass for reuse in new bottles and other products. The certified sites include three Rumpke Waste & Recycling facilities in Ohio and two FCC Environmental Services plants in Texas. The program evaluates how effectively facilities remove contamination and produce high-quality cullet suitable for remanufacturing. The foundation said only about one-third of glass in the U.S. is currently recycled, largely due to sorting and processing challenges. The certification initiative aims to improve recovery rates by encouraging best practices across the industry. Company representatives said consistent investment in sorting systems and glass recovery infrastructure is key to improving recycling outcomes and reducing landfill use. The program also provides recognition and technical support to help facilities improve performance and secure municipal contracts. (Source: Glass Recycling Foundation)

Recyclus Joins UK-Funded Consortium to Advance Battery Recycling Innovation

Recyclus Group has joined a government-backed consortium aimed at developing new methods to recycle lithium-ion battery waste in the UK, securing about £400,000 in funding under an Innovate UK-supported project. The initiative, known as ReCAM, has received more than £3 million in total funding and focuses on converting “black mass” directly into cathode active materials used in new battery production. The consortium argues the approach could reduce processing complexity, lower emissions and keep critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt within domestic supply chains, rather than exporting them for refinement. Recyclus will contribute industrial-scale recycling expertise and material processing capabilities, helping validate the system at higher throughput levels. Other partners include Watercycle Technologies, Polaron and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre. The project comes as the UK prepares for rising volumes of end-of-life EV batteries and seeks to strengthen domestic critical mineral recovery. (Source: Recyclus Group)

PeakAmp Named Exclusive EV Battery Recycling Partner for Stefen Electric

PeakAmp has been appointed the exclusive recycling and compliance partner for Stefen Electric, covering end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from its electric mobility operations. Under the agreement, PeakAmp will manage collection, reverse logistics, recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance for Stefen Electric’s battery waste. The companies said all processes will align with India’s Battery Waste Management Rules, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe disposal. The partnership aims to improve traceability across the battery lifecycle while supporting material recovery as EV adoption accelerates in India. Both firms said the collaboration will help establish scalable systems for managing growing volumes of retired batteries. Executives from both companies highlighted the importance of structured recycling frameworks to support sustainability and supply chain transparency in the expanding EV sector. (Source: MSN News)

Borouge International’s SYNDIGO1 Facility Secures APR and ISO Certifications

Borouge International announced that its SYNDIGO1 mechanical recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana, has achieved both Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) post-consumer recycled certification and ISO 9001 certification. The certifications validate the facility’s recycled polyethylene production processes, including traceability, supplier qualification and quality management systems. According to the company, all recycled polyethylene resins produced at the site meet strict post-consumer recycled content requirements. SYNDIGO1 is also among the first polyethylene recycling facilities in North America to obtain ISO 9001 certification, which supports future food-contact applications. The company expects to launch 100% recycled linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) for food-contact uses later this year. The facility previously received recycled material certification from GreenBlue and food-contact clearances from both U.S. and Canadian regulators. Borouge International was established in 2026 through the combination of Borouge plc, Borealis GmbH and NOVA Chemicals under ADNOC-backed XRG and OMV. (Source: NOVA Chemicals)

UPM, Michelman and BOBST Unveil Bio-Based Packaging Aligned with EU Rules

UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman and BOBST have jointly developed two paper-based packaging concepts designed to comply with EU regulations, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The solutions combine fiber-based materials, bio-based coatings and coating line expertise to enhance barrier performance and heat sealability. The companies said the structures are intended for industrial-scale production, with a focus on process efficiency and runnability. One concept targets applications such as tea bags, oatmeal and sugar stick packs, offering moisture and mineral oil barriers alongside heat sealability. A second is designed for oxygen-sensitive products including cookies and chocolate, enabling lower coat weights and improved material efficiency. (Source: Packaging Europe)

EU, India Launch €15.2 Million EV Battery Recycling Initiative

The European Union and India have launched a €15.2 million joint program to support electric vehicle battery recycling technologies and establish a pilot recycling plant in India. The initiative, announced under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe program and India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries. The program invites companies, startups, universities and research institutions from both regions to apply for funding through a competitive process open until September 15. The project will focus on high-efficiency recovery of materials such as lithium, cobalt and graphite, alongside digitalized collection systems, second-life battery diagnostics and flexible recycling methods for multiple battery chemistries. A pilot plant in India will serve as a demonstration site to validate recycling technologies under industrial conditions and support future commercial deployment. Officials from both sides said the initiative aims to strengthen critical mineral security, reduce reliance on imports and advance circular economy goals as EV demand accelerates globally. (Source: europa.eu)