SUNSHINE RecycleFlash Weekly: October 12-16, 2026

October 16, 2026

Gold Supported by Safe-Haven Demand

Gold held around $4,150 per ounce on Friday after rebounding in the previous session, as the recent selloff in equities drove safe-haven demand for government bonds and precious metals. The shift toward safer investments pushed bond yields sharply lower, easing pressure on non-yielding assets such as gold. Investors also weighed heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, while a Singapore-flagged container ship was sunk in the Strait of Hormuz this week by an Iranian projectile. Meanwhile, market participants continued to evaluate the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook, with stronger-than-expected US economic data reinforcing expectations of further interest rate increases. Markets are currently pricing in approximately a 72% probability that the Fed will leave rates unchanged this month, while the likelihood of a rate hike in December has climbed to 92%. (Source: Trading Economics)

Silver Finds Support on Haven Demand

Silver held above $57 per ounce on Friday after rebounding in the previous session, as the recent selloff in equities drove safe-haven demand for government bonds and precious metals. The shift toward safer investments pushed bond yields sharply lower, easing pressure on non-yielding assets. Investors also weighed heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, while a Singapore-flagged container ship was sunk in the Strait of Hormuz this week by an Iranian projectile. Meanwhile, market participants continued to evaluate the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook, with stronger-than-expected US economic data reinforcing expectations of further interest rate increases. Markets are currently pricing in approximately a 72% probability that the Fed will leave rates unchanged this month, while the likelihood of a rate hike in December has climbed to 92%. (Source: Trading Economics)

Copper Advances as Dollar Weakens

Copper futures climbed toward $6.60 per pound on Friday, snapping a three-session losing streak as the US dollar weakened amid concerns over a potential slowdown in the AI capital expenditure boom that has supported the American economy and financial markets. A softer dollar makes greenback-denominated commodities such as copper more affordable for overseas buyers, helping support demand. Prices also gained support from tightening supply, as labor strikes and adverse weather conditions disrupted mining operations in Chile, the world’s largest copper producer. Strikes affected BHP Group’s major Escondida mine and Antofagasta Plc’s Centinela mine, while unfavorable weather hampered open-pit operations at Codelco’s El Teniente mine. On the demand side, copper continued to benefit from strong growth prospects in data center infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, and battery energy storage systems. (Source: Trading Economics)

Aliapur and Infiniteria Europe Sign MoU on Tyre Supply for Two Planned French Recycling Plants

French end-of-life tyre management organization Aliapur and Infiniteria Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a long-term tyre supply agreement for two planned recycling plants in France. Under the proposed arrangement, Aliapur would supply end-of-life tyres to both facilities, supporting a reliable feedstock supply for the projects. Site selection is ongoing, with shortlisted locations undergoing environmental impact assessments. The partnership combines Aliapur’s experience in tyre collection and recovery with Infiniteria Europe’s expertise in pyrolysis technology. The planned facilities form part of Infiniteria’s broader strategy to expand industrial-scale tyre recycling across Europe and convert waste tyres into materials for new applications. The agreement marks a step toward increasing France’s tyre recycling capacity and strengthening circular supply chains. Both companies intend to advance the projects as they progress through development. (Source: Infiniteria)

Rhea’s Factory and Niagara Bottling to Validate Enzymatic PET Recycling Under U.S. DOE Program

Rhea’s Factory and Niagara Bottling have been selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technology Validation (ITV) program to test an enzymatic PET recycling system under industrial conditions at Niagara’s facility in Vernon, California. The project will assess the technology’s performance, with independent verification by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Rhea’s Factory’s RheaCycle™ platform uses AI-designed enzymes to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into purified terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, enabling the recovery of materials for new PET production. The process is designed to handle challenging feedstocks, including thermoforms, contaminated PET and residual materials from existing recycling lines. The system will operate alongside Niagara’s existing mechanical recycling operations, providing an additional route for PET streams that do not meet mechanical recycling specifications. The project will also measure energy and water consumption per kilogram of recovered monomer. Site preparation is underway, with installation and commissioning expected to take up to six months before validation begins. The DOE selected nine projects for a combined $3 million in funding. (Source: GlobeNewswire)

SQM, Marubeni Invest Further in Altilium’s UK Battery Recycling Scale-Up

UK-based battery recycling company Altilium has secured follow-on investment from strategic shareholders SQM and Marubeni Corporation as part of its Series B2 funding round, supporting the development of a domestic supply chain for recycled battery materials. The investment follows an £18.5 million grant awarded through the UK government’s DRIVE35 program to support ACT 3, a planned commercial refinery in Plymouth, Devon, designed to recover critical materials from end-of-life electric vehicle batteries. The facility is expected to process 24,000 EV batteries annually, producing intermediates including nickel mixed hydroxide precipitate, lithium sulfate and graphite. Altilium’s development pathway spans its ACT 1 bench-scale facility, ACT 2 pilot operations and ACT 3 commercial development. Its longer-term ACT 4 plan targets a facility capable of recycling 150,000 EV batteries annually and supplying cathode active material to UK battery factories. The investment comes as UK automotive battery demand is forecast to rise from 13 GWh annually in 2027 to 75 GWh by 2035, according to the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. (Source: Altilium)

Novelis, Beiersdorf Raise Recycled Aluminum Content in NIVEA Creme Tins to 95%

Novelis and Beiersdorf have increased the recycled aluminum content of NIVEA Creme tins to 95%, up from 80% in 2024. The change reduces the carbon footprint associated with the packaging’s aluminum while maintaining its durability, quality and appearance. The companies achieved the increase through joint research and development, optimizing alloy composition and manufacturing processes to meet packaging performance requirements. The recycled aluminum is sourced through Novelis’ European recycling network, including its Nachterstedt facility in Germany, which has annual recycling capacity of 400,000 metric tons. Recycling aluminum requires about 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 95%, according to the companies. The material’s recyclability also supports resource conservation and circular packaging systems. The 95%-recycled-aluminum tins have been available in Germany since early 2026, with rollout across Europe and other markets planned from 2027. The partners will continue exploring ways to increase recycled content in packaging. (Source: Novelis)

Ultium Cells to Invest $1 Billion in Tennessee Battery Facility Upgrades

Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will upgrade its Spring Hill, Tennessee, facility to produce lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric vehicles. Modifications will begin later in 2026 and are expected to be completed in 2028, creating 500 jobs in addition to the facility’s current workforce of 1,200. The facility is expected to become the world’s first to mass-produce prismatic LMR cells. The technology could deliver 33% higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at comparable cost, according to the company. The upgrade follows the facility’s launch of LFP cell production for energy storage systems in June 2026. Combined investment in the two programs and facility improvements is expected to reach $1 billion by 2030. The expansion will broaden Ultium Cells’ production capabilities across high-nickel, LFP and LMR chemistries, as well as pouch and prismatic formats, allowing it to serve a wider range of electric vehicle and energy storage applications. (Source: Ultium Cells)

Circ Partners with Huafon to Scale Textile-to-Textile Recycling in China

Textile recycling company Circ has partnered with Chinese spandex producer Huafon to develop a multi-phase textile-to-textile recycling facility in China, with initial capacity planned at about 200 metric tons of textile waste per day. The facility will use Circ’s technology to process polycotton waste, recovering recycled purified terephthalic acid (PTA), monoethylene glycol (MEG) and cellulosic pulp for use in new textiles. The project will be built in phases, with additional capacity planned. Huafon will invest in the project alongside Circ and other investors, contributing manufacturing infrastructure, engineering and supply-chain expertise. Circ will bring its network of global brands, textile manufacturers and downstream customers to support adoption of the recovered materials. The partnership aligns with China’s efforts to strengthen resource recovery, expand the use of recycled materials and promote lower-carbon manufacturing. The companies plan to engage brands and supply-chain partners as the facility develops, with the longer-term goal of establishing a scalable platform for circular textile production serving China and international markets. (Source: Circ)

NEU Battery Materials Raises US$7.6 Million to Scale LFP Battery Recycling

Singapore-based NEU Battery Materials has closed an oversubscribed US$7.6 million funding round co-led by Shift4Good and SGInnovate to scale its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery recycling operations and support international expansion. The financing follows the commissioning of its Singapore plant, which has an annual capacity of 1,300 metric tons. The company will use the funds to ramp up production of battery-grade lithium from LFP feedstock, including cathode manufacturing scrap and end-of-life battery black mass. New investors include Lotus Singapore Group and M7 Holdings, alongside existing backer Paragon Ventures I. NEU uses patented electrochemical redox targeting technology powered by electricity and water to recover lithium from LFP batteries. The company says its process generates less waste and can reduce emissions by up to 83% compared with conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods. With the new funding, NEU plans to increase production, lower costs and expand its partner network as demand for LFP battery recycling grows alongside electric vehicle and energy storage deployment. (Source: NEU Battery Materials)

BIR Urges Industry to Respond to EU Waste Shipment Consultation by October 16

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) is urging affected recycling companies to submit feedback by October 16 on the European Commission’s draft list of non-OECD countries authorized to receive certain non-hazardous waste from the EU. The proposed exclusions could affect established trade flows and recycling supply chains for ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap. BIR has contacted industry associations, diplomatic missions representing 18 countries and territories, and national authorities to explain the proposal and coordinate responses. It has also gathered member evidence and case studies for a consolidated submission addressing potential trade impacts, legal questions and the environmental assessment underpinning the draft list. The organization is finalizing its response and encourages companies to submit their own evidence before the consultation closes, while also engaging with national authorities and industry associations. BIR said members may request an extension to the four-week consultation period but should not delay their submissions while awaiting a decision. The final list is expected on November 21, 2026, with the new rules scheduled to apply from May 21, 2027. The European Commission must update the list at least every two years. (Source: BIR)

Denmark Launches Three-Year Action Plan to Accelerate Textile Circularity

Denmark has announced a national action plan running from 2026 to 2029 to reduce textile production and consumption, prepare businesses for upcoming European Union requirements and expand repair, sorting and recycling infrastructure. The initiative will be led by a consortium comprising Dansk Mode & Textil, Lifestyle and Design Cluster, and Trace. It outlines nine initiatives across three areas: helping businesses transition to circular practices, developing infrastructure for textile waste management, and strengthening public awareness and professional skills. Measures include training on EU regulations, repair infrastructure for retailers and brands, dialogue on extended producer responsibility, and assessments of investment needs for textile sorting and treatment. The plan also calls for common public procurement standards, drawing on Denmark’s substantial public-sector purchasing power. Education and outreach initiatives will promote eco-design and support local networks. The government’s longer-term ambition is to transform the textile sector by 2030 and establish a model for circular textile practices across Europe. (Source: Global Textile Times)

Europe’s E-Waste Crisis Deepens as NGOs Urge Stronger Recycling Rules

Europe sold 14.6 million tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment in 2024, up 91% from 2012, while e-waste collection and reuse remain insufficient, according to Eurostat figures released on Oct. 14. Environmental NGOs are urging the European Commission to strengthen the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the proposed Circular Economy Act, prioritizing waste prevention, product repair, reuse and high-quality recycling. The EU collected 5.5 million tonnes of e-waste in 2024, about 6% more than a year earlier. Germany, despite being among the largest markets for electronics, reported a collection rate of just 28.7%. Italy, Slovenia and Greece recorded the lowest collection rates. NGOs are calling for binding waste-prevention and reuse targets, harmonized extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, and mandatory funding for repair and reuse. RREUSE said preparation-for-reuse rates for e-waste remain below 2%, partly because existing EPR schemes generally do not cover the associated costs. The groups warn that short product lifespans, limited repair options and improper disposal waste valuable materials, including lithium, palladium and copper, while increasing environmental and safety risks. (Source: European Environmental Bureau)