Umicore Reports Strong H1 2026 Performance as Recycling Division Drives Earnings

Published: Aug 6, 2026 18:03

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[SMM Flash] Belgium-based materials technology and recycling company Umicore reported a strong first-half performance for 2026, with adjusted earnings per share rising by more than 14% year-on-year. The company attributed much of this growth to its Recycling Business Group, which recorded a 36% increase in adjusted EBITDA on revenue growth of 8%.

Umicore’s recycling operations, which recover precious and specialty metals from end-of-life electronics, jewellery and industrial materials, benefited from high processing activity, robust demand for recycled metals and a favourable precious metals price environment. The division continued to leverage its closed-loop business model, enhancing operational efficiency while supporting sustainable metal supply chains.

The Recycling Business Group accounted for nearly three-quarters of Umicore’s total sales during the first half of 2026, underlining the strategic importance of recycled metal feedstock to the company’s earnings profile. The results highlight the growing role of secondary supply in the precious metals market, particularly for platinum group metals, gold and silver, as industrial consumers increasingly seek secure and sustainable sources of raw materials.

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