The global recycling and secondary materials market witnessed mixed performance in June 2026, with stronger demand for plastics and glass offset by continued challenges in textiles and wood recycling. According to the latest market update, fluctuations in commodity prices, changing regulatory policies, geopolitical tensions, and evolving recycling infrastructure continue to influence market dynamics across key material categories.
Glass Market Sees Stable Demand Despite PRN Decline
The glass recycling sector experienced mixed conditions during June. While the value of glass bottles declined following a reduction in Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN), remelt glass from Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) remained stable.
Industry experts attribute the recent increase in demand for recycled glass to higher energy costs associated with producing virgin cullet. However, market participants caution that the improvement may be temporary, with demand expected to soften if geopolitical stability returns to the Middle East and energy prices ease.
Metals Market Begins to Stabilise
After several months of price gains, the metals recycling market showed signs of stabilisation in June. Aluminium cans recorded a modest price correction, largely influenced by a decline in prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) between May and June.
Although overall market fundamentals remain positive, traders indicate that price growth has slowed as global commodity markets adjust to changing economic conditions.
Organics Sector Adjusts to Food Waste Collections
The organics recycling industry continues to adapt following the rollout of household food waste collections under the Simpler Recycling initiative introduced earlier this year.
As collection volumes become more predictable, operators are gaining better visibility into feedstock availability and processing capacity. Rising organic waste volumes have pushed several anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities close to capacity, resulting in higher gate fees and the renegotiation of existing processing contracts.
Infrastructure expansion is expected to become increasingly important as organic waste generation continues to grow.
Plastics Market Strengthens on Higher Demand
The plastics recycling market remained one of the strongest-performing sectors during June, supported by robust demand and favourable PRN values.
Natural PET and several other plastic grades recorded price increases driven by seasonal demand and improved recycling economics. However, with virgin polymer prices beginning to soften, market analysts believe recycled plastic prices may reach their peak before moderating in the coming months.
Textile Recycling Faces Growing Pressure
The textiles recycling sector continues to face significant headwinds due to declining material quality, weakening demand from export markets, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
Market conditions have worsened to the extent that several textile recyclers have reduced the prices offered for charity shop collections and textile banks, with some operators reportedly cutting payments by as much as 40%.
Previously, the challenges primarily affected Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and kerbside collection systems, but they are now impacting charitable organisations and commercial collection networks alike.
Wood Recycling Market Remains Under Pressure
The recycled wood market remained difficult throughout June, with oversupply and reduced processing capacity creating significant disposal challenges.
Seasonal maintenance shutdowns at several end-use facilities have reduced demand, leaving recycling sites with elevated stock levels and limited storage capacity. As a result, disposal costs continue to rise, forcing suppliers to pay higher fees to move waste wood.
Unless demand improves or inventories decline, industry participants expect challenging trading conditions to persist over the coming months.
Industry Outlook
June’s recycling market reflects a sector navigating shifting economic conditions, sustainability regulations, and changing material demand. While plastics and organics continue to benefit from stronger policy support and consumer demand, textiles and wood recycling remain under considerable pressure.
Industry stakeholders will closely monitor commodity markets, energy prices, regulatory developments, and geopolitical events in the second half of 2026 as these factors continue to shape recycling economics and investment decisions worldwide.