SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: November 26-30, 2026

October 30, 2026

Gold Edges Lower on Fed Rate Hike Concerns

Gold prices declined below $4,000 per ounce on Friday, extending losses from the previous session as persistent inflation and resilient economic growth in the US reinforced expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate hike later this year. The US PCE price index increased 0.5% month-on-month in September, marking its biggest rise since March, while annual inflation accelerated to 3.6%. Core PCE inflation also climbed to 3.1% year over year. Meanwhile, US GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 3.4% in the third quarter, exceeding expectations of 3.2%, supported by resilient consumer spending and strong AI-related investment. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday ahead of next week’s US midterm elections, although markets continue to assign roughly a 75% probability of a rate hike in December, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Gold is on track to decline nearly 4% in October, potentially recording its second consecutive monthly loss.(Source: Trading Economics)

Silver Languishes at 11-Month Lows

Silver prices declined toward $51 an ounce on Friday, sinking to the lowest since November 2025 as persistent inflation and resilient economic growth in the US reinforced expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate hike later this year. The US PCE price index increased 0.5% month-on-month in September, marking its biggest rise since March, while annual inflation accelerated to 3.6%. Core PCE inflation also climbed to 3.1% year over year. Meanwhile, US GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 3.4% in the third quarter, exceeding expectations of 3.2%, supported by resilient consumer spending and strong AI-related investment. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday ahead of next week’s US midterm elections, although markets continue to assign roughly a 75% probability of a rate hike in December, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Silver is on track to decline about 15% in October, potentially recording its second consecutive monthly loss.(Source: Trading Economics)

Copper Extends Fall on Tech Selloff

Copper futures fell toward $6.5 per pound on Friday, sliding for the second straight session as disappointing earnings updates triggered another selloff in tech and AI stocks. The metal plays a crucial role in the global AI expansion due to its extensive use in data centers and power infrastructure, leaving prices particularly sensitive to shifts in technology market sentiment. Investors also grew increasingly concerned about a potential Fed rate hike later this year following hot PCE inflation data and persistent energy-driven price pressures. Despite the recent pullback, copper continued to receive support from tightening physical supplies in China, the world’s largest consumer of the metal, as reflected in rising import premiums. This trend underscores growing competition for copper supplies both within and outside China, as earlier concerns over potential US import tariffs prompted traders to redirect shipments toward American warehouses, reducing availability in other markets.(Source: Trading Economics)

Closed Loop Partners Backs Renegade Plastics’ Recyclable PP Production Expansion

Closed Loop Partners, a New York-based investment firm, has provided financing to Renegade Plastics, a Colorado-based company developing recyclable polypropylene (PP)-coated textiles. The loan, provided through its Catalytic Capital & Private Credit group, will support working capital for Renegade’s pilot production line in Denver as the company prepares to establish commercial-scale manufacturing. The financing comes alongside a separate $5 million grant from Colorado Circular Communities. Renegade is developing a mono-material alternative to conventional coated fabrics made from PVC, polyethylene, and polyurethane. Its products combine a woven PP base with a PP coating, eliminating the need to separate different polymers during recycling. The company is also working with scrim manufacturers to increase recycled PP content to more than 25% in finished fabrics. Renegade reports that products containing recycled material have a carbon footprint nearly 50% lower than comparable virgin PVC fabrics. It has established a network of more than 10 qualified recycling partners across the United States to collect and reprocess used coated textiles, returning recovered PP resin to new manufacturing applications. (Source: Closed Loop Partners)

Capstone Copper Plans More Than $3 Billion in Chilean Investment to Double Copper Output by 2031

Capstone Copper has announced plans to invest more than US$3 billion in its operations and development projects in Chile’s Atacama Region, targeting a doubling of its copper production in the country by 2031. Announced on October 26, the investment program includes the Santo Domingo project, expansion initiatives at the Mantoverde operation, mine development, sustaining capital, and exploration. Santo Domingo represents the largest component, with an estimated investment of US$2.3 billion. The company has also allocated US$220 million to two near-term growth projects at Mantoverde, US$165 million for mine development in 2026, US$150 million for sustaining capital, and US$70 million for exploration. According to Chile’s Ministry of Mining, the project is expected to support approximately 3,000 direct and indirect jobs once operational, while creating opportunities for regional suppliers and businesses. The investment forms part of Chile’s broader efforts to attract long-term mining capital and expand its copper production base. The 2031 output target will depend on project development and execution over the coming years. (Source: Chilean Ministry of Mining)

BIR Warns Metal Export Restrictions Could Weaken Recycling Investment

Restrictions on recovered metal exports could reduce recycling activity and discourage investment in processing capacity, according to discussions at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) World Recycling Convention in Malaga, Spain. During the Non-Ferrous Metals Division session on October 26, Professor Frank Pothen of the University of Applied Sciences in Jena presented research conducted with the Fraunhofer Institute on the potential effects of trade barriers on recovered copper. Recycled copper accounted for approximately one-third of the raw materials used in global copper production in 2024, while worldwide copper demand is expected to reach 42 million tonnes by 2040, around 50% above current levels. The research identified several possible consequences of export restrictions, including fewer overseas markets, lower domestic scrap prices and reduced revenues for recyclers. These pressures could weaken collection and sorting activities and limit investment in recycling capacity. Brass was highlighted as a particular concern, accounting for 41.7% of EU copper scrap exports in 2025, with China and India purchasing 80% of the exported alloy. Industry representatives said expanding domestic sorting, refining and processing capacity will be important if Europe wants to retain more recovered metals while maintaining viable recycling markets. (Source: BIR)

Clarios to Acquire Ecobat’s U.S. Battery Recycling Operations

Clarios plans to acquire three U.S. critical mineral recovery and processing facilities from Ecobat, expanding its battery recycling network and access to recovered materials. The proposed transaction covers facilities in City of Industry, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Middletown, New York, together with Ecobat’s Dallas office. The sites collectively process more than 40 million batteries annually, recovering lead, tin, antimony, and other materials for reuse in manufacturing. Clarios intends to integrate the operations into its existing closed-loop battery processing system, which collects used batteries, recovers valuable materials, and incorporates recycled content into new battery production. The acquisition is expected to close by early 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The company also plans to evaluate further investment opportunities at the acquired facilities while maintaining existing operations and environmental, health and safety practices. The transaction forms part of Clarios’ broader US$6 billion U.S. Energy Manufacturing Strategy, which includes a US$1.9 billion commitment to domestic critical mineral recycling and processing. For Ecobat, the sale marks the completion of a portfolio restructuring process launched in 2025. (Source: Clarios)

HERMA Certifies Seven Label Materials for Cold-Wash PP Packaging Recycling

HERMA has received independent certification for seven self-adhesive label materials designed to separate from rigid polypropylene (PP) packaging during cold-water washing, addressing a contamination challenge in plastic recycling. Issued by the cyclos-HTP Institute, the certification covers six PP film materials and one polyethylene (PE) film material. Testing under the CHI Recyclability Standard confirmed that the labels can be completely released from rigid PP packaging during washing at 40°C. The assessment also takes into account Category 12 of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Self-adhesive labels can complicate PP recycling because their films, adhesives and printing inks may remain attached to packaging or contaminate the recovered material. HERMA said the certified materials are designed to separate during the washing stage before subsequent sorting and processing. The range includes several PP films for transparent and white label applications, as well as a PE white film. The certification provides packaging manufacturers, label printers and brand owners with an independently assessed option for improving packaging recyclability. However, it does not guarantee that packaging using these materials will be collected or recycled in practice. (Source: HERMA)

CAA Colorado Adds 13 Recycling Facilities as EPR Program Expands

Circular Action Alliance Colorado (CAA Colorado) has added 13 recycling processing facilities to the state’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper, expanding the network of infrastructure supported by producer funding. The participating facilities have a combined annual processing capacity of more than 200,000 tons of recyclables. The latest agreements include Apex Waste Solutions, the City of Thornton, Ranch Creek Waste and WM of Colorado. More than 400,000 Colorado households now have access to no-cost residential recycling through the program. Under the state's EPR framework, producers of packaging and paper products help fund recycling services, while CAA Colorado coordinates implementation with local governments and service providers. The additional facilities are intended to strengthen collection and processing capacity as the program moves from planning toward broader implementation. However, access to services will vary by community, depending on local arrangements and service provider schedules. The expansion reflects how producer responsibility funding can support the development of regional recycling infrastructure, connecting packaging producers with collection systems and material processors. Continued implementation and local service coverage will determine how effectively the expanded network increases the recovery of packaging and paper materials. (Source: Circular Action Alliance Colorado)

SÜDPACK Develops Mono-PE Packaging Designed for Plastic Recycling

SÜDPACK Medica has developed a polyethylene-based sterile barrier packaging solution for sensitive life science applications, offering an alternative to conventional multilayer films made from polyethylene and polyamide. The new mono-PE structure is designed for process bags used in cell culture and bioprocessing, where packaging must provide mechanical strength and protect sensitive contents during transport, storage and handling. Conventional PE/PA/PE films combine the sealing properties of polyethylene with the strength of polyamide, but their multiple material components can complicate recycling. SÜDPACK said it adjusted raw material selection and optimised its coextrusion process to achieve mechanical performance and barrier properties comparable to conventional structures without polyamide or additional adhesive agents. Internal tests indicated puncture resistance, flex-crack resistance, reliable sealing and high transparency. The company also assessed the material for cytotoxicity and potential substance migration. An internal assessment using CHIRA software calculated a 100% recyclability rate, while a screening life cycle assessment found CO₂-equivalent emissions more than 50% lower than those of an equivalent PE/PA/PE structure. These results are based on the company's assessment and do not represent actual collection or recycling rates. (Source: SÜDPACK)

Halo Minerals Secures Mining Permit for Chilean Copper Tailings Project

Halo Minerals has secured a mining permit for its Playa Verde project in northern Chile, advancing plans to recover copper from historic mine tailings along Chañaral beach. The authorisation was granted on October 23 to the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Minera Playa Verde SpA, under Article 17 No. 1 of the Chilean Mining Code. Issued through Exempt Resolution No. 473 by the Provincial Presidential Delegation of Chañaral, the permit covers mining works associated with dredging mineral-bearing material, including areas within the beach’s urban zone. The project proposes to dredge the historic tailings, process the material at a metallurgical plant and recover copper cathodes and concentrates before returning the treated material to the beach. It has also received a favourable environmental assessment following a decision by Chile’s Committee of Ministers in October 2025. However, further authorisations remain necessary, including a mining easement and maritime concession, before the project can reach a final investment decision. Halo has not yet disclosed production estimates or project economics. If developed, Playa Verde could provide an additional source of copper by recovering valuable metals from previously processed mining residues. (Source: Halo Minerals)

EU Parliament and Council Take Diverging Positions on EPR Authorised Representative Rules

The European Parliament and the Council have adopted different positions on a proposed suspension of the obligation for companies to appoint an authorised representative under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, raising concerns about regulatory consistency across the EU. The Council supports limiting the suspension to packaging producers placing less than one tonne of material on each Member State’s market annually, with the measure running until 2032 and national authorities retaining the option to reinstate the requirement. The Parliament proposes exemptions for micro and small enterprises across several sectors, including batteries, electrical and electronic equipment, textiles and single-use plastics, until 2035. Recycling Europe has called for the existing obligation to remain in place across all EPR streams and company sizes, arguing that differing exemptions could complicate compliance, fragment the single market and increase the risk of free-riding. The association is urging EU lawmakers to address the issue through a harmonised framework under the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, including common rules for authorised representatives, producer registration and reporting. (Source: Recycling Europe)

BIR Convention Highlights Risks of Trade Barriers to Recovered Metal Recycling

Growing restrictions on exports of recovered metals could affect the development of the recycling industry, according to discussions at the Bureau of International Recycling’s (BIR) World Recycling Convention in Malaga, Spain, on October 26. During the Non-Ferrous Metals Division session, Professor Frank Pothen of the University of Applied Sciences in Jena presented research on the potential effects of trade barriers on recovered copper. The study identified several possible consequences, including fewer export markets, lower domestic scrap prices, weaker collection and sorting activities, and reduced investment in recycling capacity. Around one-third of the raw material used in global copper production in 2024 came from recycled sources, while global copper demand is projected to reach 42 million tonnes by 2040. Industry representatives also warned that export restrictions could leave European recyclers with surplus materials, particularly lower-grade copper alloys such as brass, for which domestic processing capacity remains limited. Participants called for investment in sorting, refining, and processing facilities, alongside workable trade rules and stronger industrial competitiveness, to maintain viable recycling supply chains. (Source: BIR)