With an overall recycling rate of 72%, well above the European average of 58%, and a circular material use rate of 18.7%, compared to the EU average of 11.5%, Italy reaffirms its position as a leader in the circular economy. These figures reflect the commitment of Italian companies, which, through their innovation and adaptability, continue to play a key role in the global green economy, enhancing the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
Ecomondo remains a fundamental platform for these companies, offering a meeting point for discussing and showcasing cutting-edge technologies, services, and industrial solutions in the green and circular economy sectors.
During the press conference held at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, the 27th edition of Ecomondo, organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), was officially presented. The event, which will take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from 5th to 8th November 2024, continues to be a strategic hub and an international reference point for promoting sustainable development models. It aligns with the key elements of the European Union’s development strategies aimed at tackling climate change and the resource crisis.
“Ecomondo,” noted the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, “represents a wealth of knowledge, from start-ups and innovation to best practices, all of which contribute to the national quality leap. We have successful models, such as recycling, alongside the expertise and intelligence needed to meet decarbonisation goals. Ecomondo,” Pichetto Fratin concluded, “is a must-attend event for anyone who truly believes in a fair and sustainable transition”.
Internationality and innovation will be at the heart of the event, with delegations from over 100 countries, 73 industry associations, and participation in the Africa Green Growth project. This initiative, in collaboration with the Mattei Plan of The Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), aims to promote sustainability and socio-economic development in Africa. So far, 108 delegates from key African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ivory Coast have already confirmed their presence.
Among the key highlights of the event are the States General of the Green Economy, organised by the Sustainable Development Foundation and promoted by the National Council of the Green Economy, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and the European Commission.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, stated: “Ecomondo is an unmissable international event for European companies looking to establish themselves in the global green economy markets. The expansion of the event, with the addition of two new pavilions, underscores the growing importance of this platform, which continues to attract excellence from across the globe, showcasing and enhancing Italian industry and exports on an international scale”.
Over 1,600 exhibitors will present solutions for climate mitigation, waste recovery, soil and ecosystem regeneration, the use of waste as secondary raw materials, bioenergy, the blue economy, and sustainable water resource management. The exhibition will also feature environmental monitoring systems based on artificial intelligence, Big Data, and satellite observation, enabling real-time tracking of the planet’s health and the prediction of extreme weather events.
The Innovation District will be the driving force of innovation, with over 150 start-ups having submitted applications to showcase in the Start-Up & Scale-Up area of Ecomondo (a 21% increase compared to 2023), including 20 international ones. The three most innovative start-ups will be awarded the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation. There will also be a strong focus on Green Jobs & Skills, with themed tours for students and industry professionals, along with career guidance sessions for graduates, offering a platform to connect job seekers and employers in the green economy sector.
Alessandra Astolfi, Director of the Green & Technology Division at IEG, commented: “With European support, Italy is establishing itself as a leader in the adoption of green technologies and circular economy industrial models, capable of steering the transition towards a sustainable future. Ecomondo represents a meeting point for businesses, institutions, public administrations, and young talents, providing a long-term perspective on global trends in the industry of the future. The theme of Green Jobs will be central, featuring an exploration of best practices supported by dedicated meetings organised in collaboration with Unioncamere”.
During the event, a rich programme of conferences, coordinated by the 80 members of the Scientific Technical Committee (STC), will bring together key figures from politics, research, and industry. Fabio Fava, President of the STC, stated: ” Ecomondo’s real added value is the close interaction between the exhibition and the conference programme. This synergy fosters dialogue between European policies and businesses, boosting competitiveness and the development of innovative solutions for the ecological transition. With the support of international experts and institutions like the European Commission, our committee, continues to promote innovation in the industrial green economy sectors, confirming Ecomondo as a reference point for innovation, information, and education for both national and international players”.
Edo Ronchi, President of the Sustainable Development Foundation, highlighted: “In the new European legislature, the Green Deal will need to address unavoidable challenges already set in motion by a substantial set of EU regulations, particularly those concerning decarbonisation and circularity. We are awaiting more specific guidance on the content and development of the ‘Clean Industrial Deal’ to ensure greater involvement of businesses. We hope that the transition will also be supported by new substantial European funding, made available through common European debt instruments”.