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ECOMONDO 2026 OPENED TODAY WITH ENVIRONMENT MINISTER PICHETTO FRATIN AND A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM ENTERPRISE MINISTER URSO. FROM RIMINI: THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IS KEY TO INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS

Pichetto Fratin: this is where the transition takes shape. Urso: Italian leadership in the circular economy. Ermeti: Ecomondo, a leading platform for businesses
Speaking at the opening ceremony were Maurizio Ermeti, President of IEG; Jamil Sadegholvaad, Mayor of Rimini; Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director-General for Growth and Export Promotion - Central Director for the ‘Sistema Italia’ and Investments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Maurizio Forte, Central Director for Export Sectors at the Italian Trade Agency; and Michele de Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region
The 15^th edition of the States General of the Green Economy is underway

Rimini, 3^rd November 2026 – As of today, Rimini is the global stage for the circular economy.

The 29^th edition of Ecomondo, an Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) event, has begun and will be ongoing until Friday at the Expo Centre reaffirming its status as the leading international platform for the green, blue and circular economies.

Ecomondo 2026 was inaugurated in the presence of the Hon. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, and with a video message from Adolfo Urso, the Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy.

The ceremony was opened by the President of IEG, Maurizio Ermeti, who said: “The green economy is becoming increasingly strategic for the growth and competitiveness of the national industrial system and Ecomondo is at the forefront of this transformation. One of our great success stories, it has established a leading role at European level and is now becoming increasingly important for international markets. From Rimini to the world, it is the industrial platform of reference for businesses, institutions, research organisations, policy-makers and every key player in the circular and regenerative economy. We will continue to invest in this direction with vision, determination and confidence in the future.”

“Ecomondo is a top-level, European and global showcase for innovative technologies and solutions that combine environmental sustainability, industrial development and competitiveness. Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment, it is also about innovation and growth opportunities for our production and manufacturing sectors. The transition should not be seen as a set of constraints, but as developing and directing production and consumption models towards greater efficiency, such as making better use of resources, reducing waste and creating value with a lower impact on ecosystems. Ecomondo is the place where this vision takes shape through the exchange of ideas and the promotion of best practices,” said Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister for the Environment and Energy Security.

“Sustainability is no longer merely an environmental issue; it also concerns industry and geopolitics. In the global competition for raw materials, energy and technologies, the ability to make the most of resources is a decisive factor for competitiveness. Italy can count on solid leadership in the circular economy, but the challenge of reducing dependence on foreign sources for the supply of materials is still central. This is why we have made circularity an industrial policy, also in regard to critical raw materials. Ecomondo is the place where innovation and the environment come together to find solutions for transforming this leadership into a competitive advantage, strengthening Italian industrial sovereignty and European strategic autonomy,” said Adolfo Urso, Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, speaking via video message.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Jamil Sadegholvaad, Mayor of Rimini; Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director-General for Growth and Export Promotion – Central Director for the ‘Sistema Italia’ and Investments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Maurizio Forte, Central Director for Export Sectors at the Italian Trade Agency (ICE); and Michele de Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

The ceremony was followed by the opening of the 15^th edition of the States General of the Green Economy, organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and under the patronage of the European Commission and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy.

Today’s plenary session featured the presentation of the 2026 Report on the State of the Green Economy. Tomorrow will see the international plenary session entitled “Green economy perspectives in an unpredictable global scenario”, in collaboration with Italy for Climate and with a real-time analysis of the key dynamics of the ecological transition at a global level.

The 29^th edition of Ecomondo consolidates the event’s steady growth. Spread across 30 halls and a 170,000 square metres of exhibition area, the event features over 1,800 exhibiting brands (with a 19% increase in those from abroad) and, through collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency for the promotion and internationalisation of Italian companies abroad (ICE), more than 1,000 buyers hosted from Europe, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, South-East Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, North America and Latin America. Furthermore, over 60 representatives from international associations and numerous associate members will also be in attendance from various countries around the world, including Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Serbia, Hungary, Spain and South Africa. Added to these are 14 international trade delegations from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland, representing over 100 companies; Mexico, as Ecomondo’s first ever guest country; and a new area specifically for business and networking with African associations.

Unmissable events scheduled for tomorrow include:

· Forum on Responsible Communication (5^th edition): communication on a razor’s edge – The sustainable transition between environmental urgency and social cohesion, organised by Ecomondo’s Technical Scientific Committee and Ferpi and with the participation of the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security and the Emilia-Romagna Order of Journalists.

· Finance: “Climate transition plans for ESG risk management: what role for companies and investors?”, organised by Ecomondo’s TSC with the Sustainable Investment Forum.

· Paper District GDO & Grocery Summit organised by Ecomondo’s TSC, Largo Consumo and the Paper and Graphics Federation.

· “Circular Economy and Defence: Italian and European industry between needs and opportunities”, organised by Ecomondo’s TSC and Cisambiente Confindustria.

· Healthy and circular cities: “Scaling the circular economy in the built environment: urban mining”, organised by Ecomondo’s TSC with the Green Building Council Italy and the Polytechnic University of the Marche, and “Smart Circular Cities” with Bologna University.

• Regulatory landscape: “Closing the loop in waste management: the new challenges of the

Circular Economy Act”, organised by Ecomondo’s TSC with UTILITALIA.

The full programme of Ecomondo 2026 events is available on the following link: www.ecomondo.com/eventi

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

Ecomondo 2026 is organised by Italian Exhibition Group with the collaboration of: the European Commission; UNIDO ITPO; Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI); Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy; Italian Trade Agency for the promotion and internationalisation of Italian companies abroad (ICE); Emilia-Romagna Region; Rimini Municipal Council; ANFIA (National Automotive Industry Association); ART-ER; Assoambiente; CBE JU (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking); CIB (Italian Biogas Consortium); CIC (Italian Composter Consortium); CIHEAM (International Centre For Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies); CONAI (National Packaging Consortium); EBA (European Biogas Association); ENEA; ESWET (European Supplier of Waste-to-Energy Technologies); European Environment Agency; FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization); FEAD (European Waste Management Association); Sustainable Development Foundation; ISPRA (Environmental Protection and Research Institute); ISWA (International Solid Waste Association); Legambiente; OECD; RECYCLING EUROPE; UNACEA (National Union of Construction Equipment & Attachments Companies); UNICIRCULAR (Assoambiente section); UTILITALIA; Water Europe.

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

Event: International trade show; Organisation: Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A.; Frequency: annual; Edition: 29^th; Dates: 3-6 November 2026; mail: ecomondo@iegexpo.it ; Website: www.ecomondo.com ; Facebook: www.facebook.com/EcomondoRimini ; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ecomondo-the-green-technologies-expo

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

head of media & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Pier Francesco Bellini, Marco Forcellini ; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; press office specialists: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

Comunicato n. 10 del 03/11/2026

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ECOMONDO 2026: SERVICE GUIDE

Rimini 30^th October 2026 – For the 29^th edition of Ecomondo, to be held from 3^rd to 6^th November at Rimini Expo Centre, Italian Exhibition Group is guaranteeing a wide range of transport options to enable visitors and industry professionals to reach the event venue comfortably and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Access to the Expo Centre is through the South (via Emilia, 155), East (via Costantino il Grande) and West (via San Martino in Riparotta, 19) entrances.

Opening times: from Tuesday 3^rd to Thursday 5^th November 2026 from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm and Friday 6^th November from 9.30 am to 6 pm.

Ticket office: Admission is subject to registration. Tickets purchased online before the show will cost €15 for one day and €30 for two days (until 2^nd November). During the show, online prices will be €30 for a single day and €40 for two days. At the ticket office, tickets will cost €35 for a single day and €45 for two days. For assistance, please call +39 0541 744555 (from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm) or email helpdesk.rn@iegexpo.it.

University students can purchase a ticket at the special rate of €5 by showing their student card or any other document proving their enrolment at a university.

Services for people with disabilities: Italian Exhibition Group ensures easy access for all visitors. The Expo Centre is fully accessible. The STATION, SOUTH 1-3-4 and West 1-2 car parks have spaces for disabled parking.

GETTING TO THE SHOW

Car: the A14 Bologna–Bari–Taranto motorway exiting at Rimini North (6 km from the Expo Centre).

Parking: There are 12 charging stations for electric vehicles with a total of 24 sockets, of which 6 are in the SOUTH 1 car park and 6 in the WEST 1–2 car parks.

Train: RiminiFiera station (open only on event days) on the Milan–Bari line, is 50 metres from the South Entrance and is serviced by Trenitalia’s regional, Intercity and Frecce trains at discounted fares, as well as by special trains on the Santarcangelo di Romagna–Cattolica route. An assistance service is available at RiminiFiera station for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility. Further information is available on the RFI website in the section Stations>Accessibility.

The Expo Centre is also connected to Rimini railway station via the railway line and public transport with Shuttle Bus 9 (DIRECT to Rimini Expo – South Entrance) and Bus Route 9 (Via Emilia-Expo stop).

Moreover, to move comfortably within the Expo Centre between the South and East Entrances, a completely free electric train service is available (booking required) on the following days and at the following times:

- 3^rdand 4^th November: from 9 am to 6.30 pm

- 5^th November: from 9 am to 7.30 pm

- 6^th November: from 9 am to 6 pm.

Plane: Rimini Expo Centre is just 10 km from Rimini–San Marino International Airport to which it is also connected by bus route 9 (Via Emilia-Expo stop).

Shuttle Italy Airport: From 3^rd to 6^th November, direct services to and from Bologna Airport (single-journey tickets can be purchased online for €5 or at the desk in the Arrivals Hall at Bologna Airport and on board the bus for €30.00). A paid shuttle service is operative all year round, seven days a week, between Bologna Airport and the city of Rimini (stops: Rimini railway station, Rimini Via Fada).

Bus, shuttle and train connections to the Expo Centre are also available from the following airports: Forlì, Falconara (Ancona), Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa, Venice, Treviso, Bergamo “Orio al Serio” and Rome Fiumicino.

Passengers travelling on flights operated by Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Edelweiss, Discover) or on transatlantic flights operated by Air Canada and United can take advantage of reduced fares valid for flights up to one week before and one week after the event.

Metromare: a specific public transport system that connects Rimini and Riccione railway stations in 23 minutes, stopping at 15 stations along the way. Services run daily, approximately every 15 minutes.

Bus: The Expo Centre can be reached via bus route 5 (San Mauro Mare Rimini North – Rimini Expo), bus route 10 (Miramare Rimini South – Rimini Expo), Shuttle 9 (Rimini Railway Station – Rimini Expo, no intermediate stops) and bus route 9 (Rimini Railway Station – Rimini Expo)

Special buses: Free services connect hotels to the Expo Centre on three routes:

1. Bus AB: Rimini – San Giuliano Mare – Rivabella. See timetables and map

2. Bus CE: Bellaria – Igea Marina – Torre Pedrera – Viserbella – Viserba – Rivabella. See timetables and map

3. Bus D: Riccione – Miramare – Rivazzurra – Marebello – Bellariva. See timetables and map

Electric micromobility: Lime and BIT Mobility electric bike and scooter sharing schemes, with promotional codes LIMEXFIERA and ECOMONDOBIT2026, offer special discounts for Ecomondo visitors. The parking areas for these vehicles, clearly marked with appropriate signage, are located at the Expo Centre’s South Entrance and in the WEST 1-2 car parks.

Taxis: Telephone +39 0541/50020 for this service.

Car hire: Special rates available with AVIS Car Hire.

Private hire vehicles: Bookings can be made by calling +39 0541/600100

Helicopter: The Expo Centre is equipped with a helipad. For information: martina.mazzoli@iegexpo.it

Further information on all the different ways to get to Ecomondo 2026 can be found on the following link:

https://www.ecomondo.com/it/visitare/come-arrivare

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Comunicato n. 8 del 30/10/2026

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ECOMONDO 2026: SUSTAINABILITY BETWEEN THE EXPO CENTRE AND THE LOCAL AREA

· The Italian Exhibition Group event, scheduled for 3–6 November, confirms its status as a model of all-round sustainability

· Certified by the “green core” label and various international awards, from the design of the exhibition halls to the production of solar power, Italian Exhibition Group has been putting the circular economy vision the into daily practice for over 20 years

· Introducing BIKE TO ECOMONDO | The Sustainable Mobility Challenge, sponsored by FPZ and in collaboration with Wecity

· At the Expo Centre entrance in the South Hall, The Shades of Circularity art installation created by Ecomondo in collaboration with the Hera Group and SCART – The beautiful and useful side of waste, ahead of European Waste Reduction Week

Rimini, 28^th October 2026 – Ecomondo will be back at Rimini Expo Centre from 3^rd to 6^th November. The event will once again go beyond simply discussing the ecological transition and reaffirm its role as an active laboratory for integrated sustainability, where theoretical vision becomes organisational practice and where every element of the event, from exhibition stand design to community awareness-raising activities, is conceived with the aim of reducing environmental impact and maximising social value.

THE EXPO CENTRE: A MODEL FOR ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION

Ecomondo’s sustainability is reflected in the venue that hosts it. Rimini Expo Centre was designed, and is effectively managed, to minimise its environmental footprint: an approach that has also been recognised by the prestigious international Elca “Building with Green” award in Nuremberg. The facility boasts over 160,000 m² of green spaces with 1,600 plants and 30,000 m² of lawns with irrigation systems fed exclusively by surface water, demonstrating how exhibition architecture can become a model for the regeneration and protection of natural resources. The complex also has electric charging points for cars and motorbikes, heat pumps, modular condensing boilers and recirculating water fountains.

Furthermore, since 2022, IEG has had solar panels integrated into the roofs of its buildings for a total installed capacity of 7,345 Kwp at its Rimini and Vicenza venues, generating 8.5 million Kwh of clean electricity.

IEG’s practical focus on environmental impact can also be seen in its choice of highly efficient plant and architectural solutions. The architecture of the halls favours natural lighting thanks to large windows and ceiling skylights, complemented by a system of 4,000 LED spotlights that reduce energy consumption by up to 75%, ensuring annual energy savings of 800,000 kWh and cutting CO₂ emissions by 164 tonnes per year. In line with IEG’s investment plan and sustainability strategy, the aim is to complete the conversion to LED lighting across the entire exhibition centre by 2028.

The circular approach extends to the sustainable management of water resources. The Expo Centre’s large fountains operate on a closed-loop system with continuous recirculation; the toilets are fitted with pressure-controlled flush mechanisms; and the water used when the basins are periodically emptied is treated and reused for watering green spaces. This meticulous organisation helps to reduce waste, ensuring an overall water saving of 23 million litres per year.

STATE-OF-THE-ART AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEMS

The facility’s energy efficiency is also reflected in its state-of-the-art air-conditioning and heating systems. Rimini Expo Centre boasts a heat pump system installed above the central hall comprising 32 compressors with inverter technology for a maximum output of 1,600 kW resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared with traditional systems.

INNOVATION AND CIRCULARITY IN STAND DESIGN

IEG’s commitment to sustainability is also clearly seen in its strategies for stand outfitting through its subsidiary Prostand (the first Italian company in the sector to have carried out and published a Life Cycle Assessment conducted by Bologna University).

SPECIAL INITIATIVES

Initiatives promoted by Ecomondo in support of sustainability include this year’s BIKE TO ECOMONDO | The Sustainable Mobility Challenge aimed at exhibitors and their staff to encourage zero-impact travel. The challenge is divided into two phases to promote cycling from home to work and back from September to 2^nd November, and for the journey to and from the Expo Centre on the days of the show.

The challenge is organised by Ecomondo, sponsored by FPZ and in collaboration with the Wecity app, downloadable free of charge from the Google Play Store or the App Store. By registering on the app and entering the code ECOMONDO2026, participants can join their company’s team and log their journeys to track the number of kilometres travelled and the CO₂ emissions saved. The company that covers the most kilometres with zero emissions will be awarded during Ecomondo.

Furthermore, this year, the South Hall at the Expo Centre’s entrance will be hosting The Shades of Circularity art installation, created ahead of European Waste Reduction Week by Ecomondo 2026 in collaboration with the Hera Group and SCART – The Beautiful and Useful Side of Waste, the Hera Group’s art project that explores the value of waste materials through creativity.

Visitors will be greeted by a large textile rainbow that looks like a single image from a distance while up close, reveals the diversity of the materials – fibres, weaves, surfaces and textures – of which it is made.

Through the language of art and seven colours, the work illustrates the complexity of the textile supply chain and the main challenges facing the sector: red for responsibility (EPR, end-of-life management and social protection throughout the supply chain), orange for regeneration (repair, reuse and extending the life of textiles), yellow for innovation (new fibres, automated sorting and advanced recycling), green for sustainability (eco-design, waste prevention and low-impact materials), blue for water (water efficiency in finishing processes and water treatment), indigo for traceability (Digital Product Passport and supply chain transparency) and purple for creativity (new design languages, young talent and designers).

The Shades of Circularity is the first chapter in Ecomondo’s wider commitment to giving the textile industry ever-greater visibility and supporting the sector’s evolution in identifying practical solutions for its transition towards an increasingly sustainable and circular model.

AN ECOSYSTEM GUARANTEED BY THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Ecomondo’s commitment is reflected in an integrated system of international certifications demonstrating the adoption of high standards across various areas of corporate and event management.

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System: this certifies the commitment to minimising the environmental impact of the Group’s activities, from waste reduction to energy saving.

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System: this recognises the adoption of a management system that guarantees high standards of health and safety for workers and event visitors.

ISO 20121 – Sustainable Event Management System: specific to the events sector, this certifies that the event is organised in accordance with sustainability principles, taking into account the economic, environmental and social impacts at all stages of the organisation.

UNI/PdR 125:2022 Gender Equality Certification: this was awarded in recognition of IEG’s commitment to promoting gender equality within the organisation, ensuring equal opportunities, pay equity and an inclusive working environment.

GBAC STAR™ (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) accreditation: this certifies the highest standards of sanitisation, prevention and control of biological risks and health emergencies within the premises.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

head of media & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Pier Francesco Bellini, Marco Forcellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; press office specialists: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Comunicato n. 7 del 28/10/2026

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THE NEW ECOMONDO LAYOUT

● A larger exhibition area with a record occupancy of approximately 170,000 m² and 30 halls

● Debuts for the new Textile sector and the Africa Investment HUB

● More space for Waste as a resource; a reorganised Water Cycle & Blue Economy area in the Expo Centre’s east wing

● Areas for national institutions in the South Hall

Rimini, 28^th October 2026 – Ecomondo 2026 (Rimini Expo Centre from 3^rd to 6^th November) will have a new layout. The exhibition offer will be arranged into themed areas and sector-specific districts spread across approximately 170,000 m² of floor space and occupying a total of 30 halls.

THE EXHIBITION ITINERARY

Halls A1–A7 and C3–C7 (the Expo Centre’s West Wing) and B1–B4 (the East Wing), will host the Waste as Resource exhibition sector for waste management and recovery, which has always been at the heart of the event. The area has been expanded and will be organised into four sections dedicated to: Collection Vehicles & Containers; Street Cleaning & Maintenance; Material Handling & Lifting; Treatment Machinery; and Recycling & Integrated Waste Management.

Halls C1, C2 and D1 will house the Sites & Soil Restoration area for remediation technologies and contaminated site management.

Hall D2 will host the debut of Textile, a new addition to the Ecomondo 2026 layout, which aims to serve as a leading international hub for the entire supply chain at a crucial moment for implementing new European regulations relating to sustainability in the sector.

Hall D3 and part of Hall D4 will feature the Circular & Regenerative Bio-economy, which focuses on processes linked to the regenerative economy and the bio-economy, chemistry from renewable sources (bioproducts, bioplastics), eco-design and repair services. Halls D5, the remaining part of D4, and Hall B5, on the other hand, will host the Bio-Energy & Agriculture sector, where visitors will not only be able to learn about bio-based circular production processes, but also keep up to date with the latest technologies for the recovery of agricultural and non-agricultural waste, the production of biogas and biomethane, and, more generally, the latest developments in the bio-economy supply chain.

In the East wing near the entrance to Rimini Expo Centre, the Water Cycle & Blue Economy sector will extend across Halls B6–B7 and D6–D8. The area, larger than in 2025, will be organised into five sub-sections: Blue Economy; Trenchless Technologies; Pumps & Flow Control Systems; Water, Wastewater & Sludge Treatment; and Water Supply Systems.

Lastly, the Earth Observation & Environmental Monitoring area (Hall B8) will focus on Earth observation and the monitoring and control of the environment, biodiversity and primary agroforestry production with new satellite monitoring technologies which, together with Big Data and AI models, offer an opportunity to tackle climate change, with particular regard to hydrogeological instability, green area protection, soil, water resources and urban health. This sector forms a natural continuation of the water cycle areas by presenting technologies for the management of this resource.

The Africa Investment HUB will also be making its debut in Hall B8. Here, a number of African associations will be hosted to promote networking and business meetings.

THE DISTRICTS

The Ecomondo 2026 layout will also include vertical districts.

As part of the Water Cycle & Blue Economy section, the Blue Economy District will showcase projects relating to the oceans, seas and coastlines, whilst the Trenchless District, in collaboration with the Italian Association for Trenchless Technologies (IATT), will highlight trenchless (No Dig) technologies for the installation, rehabilitation and renewal of underground utility infrastructure such as electricity, gas and energy networks, water mains and sewers, thereby reducing open-air excavation, construction times, socio-environmental impacts, energy consumption and accidents on construction sites.

The Circular&Healthy City District for healthy and circular cities, will also be staged. Here, the aim is to rethink construction and urban planning, explore smart technologies for the benefit of cities, and improve environmental and public health by making the most of resources and optimising their recycling.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Paper & Graphics Federation, Ecomondo will also feature a special focus on sustainability and circularity in the paper industry with a high-calibre exhibition offer and themed workshops.

The Innovation District will continue to be the hub of innovation. An area designed as an open innovation platform, it aims to connect young, cutting-edge companies in the ecological transition and circular economy fields with institutions, research centres and investors. This area will host 20 innovative start-ups and SMEs selected from a Call for Start-ups, as well as the Green Jobs & Skills project, which promotes the encounter between labour supply and demand.

The Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation will be presented to the most advanced and promising technologies in each of Ecomondo’s exhibition sectors.

The South Hall will host national institutions such as the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the GSE – Energy Service Manager, and the Emilia-Romagna Region, while international trade collectives will be accommodated in Hall B5. 14 delegations from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland will be in attendance representing over 100 companies.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Comunicato n. 6 del 28/10/2026

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FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES AND GREEN SKILLS. AT ECOMONDO 2026, INNOVATION IS SPEEDING UP THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

· From 3^rd to 6^th November, Italian Exhibition Group’s international event on the green, blue and circular economy will amass the innovation ecosystem at Rimini Expo Centre

· In the Innovation District, 20 innovative start-ups and SMEs will present cutting-edge projects and solutions for the ecological transition and the circular economy

· For the first time, a delegation of 11 Brazilian start-ups from the agri-food sector will be attending

· The Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation will be presented to exhibitors with the most advanced and promising technologies in each Ecomondo exhibition sector

Rimini 28^th October 2026 – An open innovation ecosystem designed to connect businesses, start-ups, research centres, institutions and investors by fostering technology transfer, the creation of new partnerships and interdisciplinary exchange.

This is Ecomondo’s Innovation District, the area dedicated to innovation at Italian Exhibition Group’s international green, blue and circular economy event (3^rd to 6^th November, Rimini Expo Centre).

A place where research is transformed into real-world solutions ranging from technologies and industrial plants to digital platforms, specialist scientific services for the management and recovery of water resources, the circular economy, waste recovery, environmental monitoring, the circular and regenerative bioeconomy, digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and production process sustainability.

As in previous editions, this year the Innovation District will once again host 20 start-ups and innovative SMEs, selected through a Call for Start-ups, that will present their innovative projects and solutions for speeding up the ecological transition and developing the circular economy.

Furthermore, through LIDE Italia, as part of the BRAVI2026 project (Brazilian AgriFoodTechs Innovation in Italy), a delegation of 11 Brazilian start-ups operating in the agri-food sector will be visiting Ecomondo. The initiative aims to promote the internationalisation of Brazilian agri-food tech companies by putting them into contact with Italy’s innovation, research and business ecosystem.

THE INNOVATIONS ON DISPLAY

The innovative technologies presented by the 20 organisations in the Innovation District will include solutions for: the recovery and reuse of greywater to reduce drinking water consumption in buildings; the degradation of PFAS; the decarbonisation of industrial processes; smart energy monitoring for industry using algorithms that help reduce waste; measuring biodiversity; recycling lithium batteries; the production of permanent magnets from recycled rare earths; the traceability of hazardous medical waste; the measurement of agricultural ecosystem services and the production of organic fertilisers and bio-stimulants from agro-industrial residues; urban sanitation; and production process optimisation.

THE LORENZO CAGNONI AWARD FOR GREEN INNOVATION

Alongside the Innovation District, Ecomondo also promotes innovation through the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation, which will be presented at an awards ceremony to the most promising projects – one for each of the event’s exhibition sectors – submitted by exhibiting companies selected from among the 37 that sent in applications.

SKILLS FOR THE TRANSITION

The Green Jobs&Skills initiative will be back at Ecomondo 2026 with the aim of encouraging the encounter between labour supply and demand for recent graduates, final-year students at technical colleges, young professionals, workers seeking to move into sustainability, and businesses committed to the ecological transition.

Attention to the younger generation has always been part of the event’s programme, engaging students throughout the event in workshops and initiatives designed specifically for them.

Thursday 5^th and Friday 6^th November, will see a series of meetings and workshops including the presentation of the Unioncamere Report on skills and professional needs.

According to the Report, 1,950,210 green jobs were planned for 2025, accounting for 33.6%t of the national total.

57.2% of businesses were investing in green skills and of these, 24.5% were textile firms that focus investments on recycling waste and reducing consumption with 23.5% of recruitment in 2025 relating to green jobs. However, the skills mismatch is still evident. The difficulty in finding suitable candidates was around 53% due, in 60% of cases, to a shortage of candidates. Almost 80% of planned recruitment required skills relating to energy saving and sustainability; 58.8% required skills relating to green technology management.

Ecomondo 2026 will also feature in-depth sessions to explore the evolution of Italy’s academic training programmes in response to the challenges of the circular economy, as well as the incentive scheme for businesses to employ green skills. Unioncamere will also be presenting awards to schools that have produced the best circular economy Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTOs) projects, formerly known as the school-work alternation scheme.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

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Comunicato n. 5 del 28/10/2026

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ECOMONDO 2026: THE GREEN, BLUE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY NUMBERS

● Italy ranks among the European leaders in circular resource use: in 2024, the circular material utilisation rate (CMU) reached 21.6% compared with an EU average of 12.2%

● Textiles still have significant potential for recovery: in 2024, approximately 1.4 million tonnes of textile products were released onto the market in Italy

● The challenge of water resilience is increasing: the availability of fresh water in Italy has fallen by 18–20% over the last thirty years. Around 30% of the EU’s territory is affected by seasonal water scarcity every year

● Circular economy and jobs: between 2025 and 2029, the Italian labour market will require a total of between 3.3 and 3.7 million workers. In Europe, the circular economy could generate 2.5 million new jobs by 2030

Rimini, 28^th October 2026 - The eighth edition of the Report on the Circular Economy in Italy, commissioned by the Circular Economy Network (CEN) in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Development and ENEA, and presented last May, confirmed Italy’s position as one of Europe’s leading countries in terms of circularity.

The analysis, based on five dimensions of the European circular economy monitoring framework – production and consumption, waste management, secondary raw materials, competitiveness and innovation, and ecological sustainability and resilience – puts Italy in second place overall with 65 points, just behind the Netherlands (with 69.3). This result is especially supported by performance in waste management and production and consumption, where high resource productivity is the key factor. The competitiveness and innovation category, where investment linked to circular economy activities is still limited, has room for improvement. Next come Belgium (59.6 points) and Germany (58.8), while France and Spain occupy sixth and tenth place respectively with 57.9 and 54 points.

Efficient use of materials is one of the Italian system’s key strengths. In 2024, Italy generated 4.7 euros of GDP for every kilogramme of resources consumed, 32% more than in 2019 and significantly higher than the EU average of 3 euros/kg. Among the other major European economies, Spain and Germany stood at 3.9 euros/kg and France at 3.6 euros/kg. This performance is, however, offset by a heavy reliance on foreign sources: in 2024, 46.6% of the materials used by the Italian economy came from imports, more than double the European average of 22.4% and a higher proportion than that of Spain (39.8%), Germany (39.5%) and France (30.8%).

ITALY AMONG THE EUROPEAN LEADERS IN THE CIRCULAR USE OF MATERIALS

A key indicator for the circular economy is the circular material utilisation (CMU) rate which measures the ratio between the use of secondary raw materials generated through recycling and total material consumption. In 2024, Italy reached 21.6%, an increase of 2.9 percentage points compared with 2019 and a figure well above the EU average of 12.2%. Of the four main European economies analysed, Italy retains the top position ahead of France (17.8%), Germany (14.8%) and Spain (7.4%).

Italy also leads the way in the proportion of total recycled waste managed. According to Eurostat data for 2022, out of 160 million tonnes of municipal and special waste treated, Italy sent 137 million tonnes for recycling, the equivalent of 85.6%, more than double the European average of 41.2%. A more than 30 percentage point gap compared with other major EU economies: Spain 54.7%, France 52.3% and Germany 44.4%.

According to CONAI, in 2025, Italy achieved a recycling rate of 92.6% for paper and cardboard (4,612,000 tonnes), 82.2% for steel (over 442,000 tonnes), more than 82% for glass (2,155,000 tonnes), 69.5% for aluminium (56,000 tonnes) and 69.7% for wood (2,493,000 tonnes).

CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS AND WEEE: RECOVERY AS A STRATEGIC LEVER

Access to critical and strategic raw materials is increasingly central to industrial competitiveness and Europe’s ecological and digital transition. Materials such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths are essential for numerous strategic technologies, while copper and nickel, although not classified as critical, are also seen as strategic raw materials. The Critical Raw Materials Act aims to strengthen Europe’s self-sufficiency by setting benchmarks for 2030: 10% of demand to be met through extraction within the EU, 40% through processing, and 25% through recycled materials.

In this context, WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is a significant source for the recovery of metals and critical raw materials. In Italy, however, the sector’s potential is still limited by collection rates. In 2023, this rate stood at 30% of the average volume released onto the market over the previous three-year period compared with an EU average of 37.5% and a European target of 65% set for 2019. Once collected, however, WEEE performs very well: in the same year, 84.2% of separately collected waste was sent for recycling or preparation for reuse, a figure that puts Italy in second place among the four major European economies, behind Germany (84.5%) and ahead of France (79.1%) and Spain (70.6%).

The latest figures from the WEEE Coordination Centre point to further progress. In the first six months of 2026, over 177,500 tonnes of WEEE were collected in Italy, 3.3% more than in the same period of 2025. The growth is driven primarily by the category that comprises washing machines, dishwashers and ovens with nearly 69,000 tonnes collected and an annual increase of 10.5%.

TEXTILES: CIRCULARITY’S NEW FRONTIER

Textile waste management is one of the emerging challenges of the transition to a circular economy. In the European Union in 2022, as shown in the 2025 Recycling in Italy Report, compiled by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with CONAI and with the support of ISPRA, 6.94 million tonnes of textile waste were generated, equivalent to 16 kg per inhabitant. In the same year, the average rate of separate collection was still below 15% with around 85% of household textile waste ending up in the unsorted waste flow with no possibility of being recovered for reuse or recycling.

However, there is still significant potential for recycling in Italy. In 2024, approximately 1.4 million tonnes of textile products were put on the market, 63.7% of which was clothing. In terms of end-of-life, in 2023 separate collection reached 171,600 tonnes, around 7% more than in 2022, but the service was operational in only 81% of Italian municipalities and over one million tonnes of municipal textile waste continued to end up in unsorted waste. The recovery system still has limitations in terms of plant capacity and sorting, while a significant proportion of recycled material is used for applications other than textiles through downcycling processes.

The European regulatory framework now aims to speed up the supply chain’s transformation. The revised Waste Framework Directive introduces a harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles and footwear that requires producers to finance and organise end-of-life product collection, sorting, preparation for reuse and recycling. This is accompanied by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR), which introduces requirements relating to durability, reparability, recyclability and the use of recycled materials, and foresees a Digital Product Passport. On 19^th July 2026, a ban on the destruction of specific categories of unsold textiles and clothing also come into force - a particularly significant measure given that, in Europe, it is estimated that between 4% and 9% of textiles released onto the market, amounting to 264,000–594,000 tonnes each year, are destroyed before use.

PACKAGING: THE CHALLENGES OF THE PPWR REGULATION

Over three-quarters of the packaging waste generated in Italy is sent for recycling. In 2023, the recycling rate reached 75.6%, more than 7 percentage points above the EU average of 67.5% and the highest figure among the four major European economies. Data from CONAI show further progress in 2024 with the overall rate rising to 76.7% and in 2025, when Italy recycled 10,970,000 tonnes of packaging, equivalent to 77.3% of the 14,200,000 tonnes released onto the market.

A key challenge, however, is still plastic, which in 2023 accounted for 18% of packaging waste generated in Italy, the equivalent of approximately 2.3 million tonnes, with per capita generation standing at 38.8 kg. In terms of recycling, however, Italy has seen a gradual improvement from 45% in 2019 to 49% in 2023, rising to 51.1% in 2024 and 50.5% in 2025, according to the latest figures released by CONAI. In other words, 1,161,000 tonnes of conventional plastic and over 44,000 tonnes of compostable bioplastic.

2026 also marks an important milestone in terms of regulation with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Regulation (EU) 2025/40, which came into force in February 2025, introduces stricter requirements regarding the design and recyclability of packaging, waste prevention, reuse and recycled content with a particular focus on plastics, as well as new provisions for labelling and collection. As of 12^th August 2026, many of its provisions have been directly applicable in all Member States, ushering in a new phase for European packaging circularity.

WATER AND SOIL: NATURAL RESOURCES UNDER PRESSURE

Water management is becoming an increasingly important priority for European resilience. Every year, around 30% of the EU’s territory is affected by seasonal water scarcity with this figure rising to as much as 70% of the population in southern Europe during the summer months. In Italy, freshwater availability has fallen by 18–20% over the last thirty years and stood at around 112.4 billion cubic metres in 2023. The new European Water Resilience Strategy therefore aims to improve water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030 by promoting the reuse of treated wastewater, the recovery of materials and energy and network digitalisation.

At the same time, pressure on soil is still a critical issue. In 2024, 83.7 km² of Italian land was converted into new artificial surfaces, 15.6% more than in 2023, while net land take reached 78.5 km², the highest figure in the last twelve years. Buildings, infrastructure and other artificial coverings account for a total of more than 21,500 km², equivalent to 7.1% of the national territory compared with a European average of 4.4%. Added to this are the costs of land take resulting from the loss of ecosystem services, estimated to be between 8.66 and 10.59 billion euros annually due to land take that occurred between 2006 and 2024.

THE GREEN ECONOMY: THE POTENTIAL FOR EMPLOYMENT

The ecological transition is having an increasingly wide-ranging impact on the demand for skills in Italian businesses. The Green Skills 2025 report compiled by Unioncamere indicates that, in the period analysed, an attitude towards energy saving is required for over 4.6 million planned new hires, accounting for 79.8% of the total, whilst specific skills in the management of green products and technologies are required for over 3.4 million roles, representing 58.8% of planned new hires.

The outlook confirms the central role of skills in the labour market’s transformation. According to the publication entitled “Medium-term forecasts of employment and professional needs in Italy (2025–2029)”, the Italian labour market will have a total demand for between 3.3 and 3.7 million workers with particularly high demand for highly specialised and technical-professional roles. In this context, training and upskilling are key drivers in supporting companies’ green and digital transition.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Press Release n. 4 of 28/10/2026

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ECOMONDO 2026 EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL NETWORK. INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY IS INCREASING

· Over 1,000 hosted buyers, 14 international collectives and more than 60 representatives from associations around the world at Italian Exhibition Group’s event from 3^rd to 6^th November at Rimini Expo Centre

· For the first time at Ecomondo, a guest country: Mexico

· The Africa Investment HUB debut, an area for business and networking with African associations

· The conference programme with considerable focus on international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with Africa and the Mediterranean basin

Rimini, 28^th October 2026 – Ecomondo 2026 is consolidating its international standing and expanding its ecosystem of partnerships, thus reaffirming its status as a global reference point for businesses, institutions, associations and operators working towards the ecological transition and the circular economy.

From 3^rd to 6^th November, at Rimini Expo Centre, the 29^th edition of the event organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) will welcome increasingly high-calibre participants from key strategic markets, ready to discuss new regulations, innovative technologies and emerging supply chains.

Through collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) for the promotion and internationalisation of Italian businesses abroad, over 1,000 hosted buyers are expected from Europe, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, South-East Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, North America and Latin America. The event will also see the participation of over 60 representatives from international associations and numerous member organisations from the show’s product sectors. The various countries in attendance will include Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Serbia, Hungary, Spain, South Africa and others.

Furthermore, for the first time, Ecomondo will welcome a foreign country, Mexico, bringing to Italy the challenges and opportunities of one of Latin America’s most dynamic economies.

The Africa Investment HUB will be making its debut in Hall B8 with a number of African associations intent on promoting networking and business meetings. The area for international collectives, located in Hall B5, has been confirmed and will feature 14 delegations from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland with over 100 companies in attendance.

A GLOBAL NETWORK BUILT AROUND STRATEGIC MARKETS

For its 2026 edition, Ecomondo will be increasingly looking beyond its traditional boundaries and broadening its horizons to new areas. With this in mind, the event has been promoting itself abroad through a multi-stop Roadshow that visited Spain, Morocco, Germany, Hungary and Canada. An initiative that has further strengthened Ecomondo’s international network, which already includes Ecomondo Mexico and Ecomondo China, which this year evolved into a forum in Shanghai, and the Green Med Expo & Symposium in Naples.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

The conference programme, drawn up by Ecomondo’s Technical and Scientific Committee and chaired by Professor Fabio Fava, will be further enhanced this year with events held in English thanks to the involvement of public and private European and international institutional partners.

In particular, as part of the ongoing focus on international cooperation and the strengthening of partnerships in Africa and the Mediterranean basin, the sixth edition of the Africa Green Growth Forum, organised in collaboration with the Task Force for the Implementation of the Presidential Council of Ministers’ Mattei Plan, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo and RES4Africa, is an event to remember.

The constantly updated programme of Ecomondo events is available on the show’s website at the following link: https://www.ecomondo.com/it/eventi/palinsesto-convegnistico/programma

THE STATES GENERAL OF THE GREEN ECONOMY

On Tuesday 3^rd and Wednesday 4^th November, the States General of the Green Economy event will be held once again. Organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and under the patronage of the European Commission and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, the event will feature a second international session (4^th November) in English, in collaboration with Italy for Climate.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Press Release n. 3 of 28/10/2026

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ECOMONDO 2026: THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMME GUIDES THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY DISCUSSION

· At Italian Exhibition Group’s circular economy and ecological transition event, scheduled for 3 to 6 November at Rimini Expo Centre: European policies, research and innovation for the main industrial sectors

· Over 70 events organised by the International Technical Scientific Committee, chaired by professor Fabio Fava. Considerable focus on international cooperation in the Mediterranean basin and Africa

· On 3 and 4 November, the 15^th edition of the States General of the Green Economy

Rimini, 28^th October 2026 – A high-profile scientific and institutional conference programme awaits companies, associations, institutions, researchers and players in the circular and regenerative economy at Ecomondo 2026, Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) international event, now at its 29^th edition, scheduled to take place from 3^rd to 6^th November at Rimini Expo Centre.

Over 70 events, conferences and workshops, organised by the event’s International Technical Scientific Committee, chaired by professor Fabio Fava, in collaboration with public and private European and international institutional partners, will provide a comprehensive overview of the major challenges that are reshaping the global ecological transition with numerous sessions in English to increasingly project Ecomondo beyond the borders of the Euro-Mediterranean region. Further events organised by partners and exhibitors will also be featured.

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, PACKAGING AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Focus on WEEE: The “Circular Economy in Action: e-waste and waste batteries best practices” event, organised with ERION, will provide an overview of the most advanced European experiences in the recycling of Critical Raw Materials by analysing the situation in Italy and assessing the role of WEEE and battery recycling in reducing Europe’s dependence on imports.

Plastic materials: The “Plastic circularity: new perspectives and critical issues” and “Eco-design of composite materials” events will focus on European measures aimed at supporting the transition towards an increasingly circular economy by promoting the efficient use of resources.

Circular economy in buildings: “Scaling the circular economy in the built environment: urban mining”, organised in collaboration with the Green Building Council Italy and the Polytechnic University of the Marche, will analyse the current regulatory framework, the opportunities and technologies supporting the implementation of urban mining models, whilst the “Tools to accelerate the development of the circular economy in the construction and infrastructure sector” event, organised with ANPAR/ASSOAMBIENTE, will facilitate dialogue amongst sector stakeholders. The event entitled “Advancing the EU’s sustainable construction framework through the Circular Economy Act” is scheduled with Recycling Europe, Construction & Demolition Branch.

Critical Raw Materials: “EU-Africa Strategic Corridors to a mutually beneficial cooperation for critical raw materials” is organised in collaboration with Turin University, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy.

Measuring circularity: “Measuring circularity from a systemic perspective across the entire value chain” is the fifth edition of the workshop organised with the Sant’Anna High School in Pisa, ENEA and UN Global Compact Network Italy, which, with Ecomondo’s TSC, will also be organising “Strategic planning and measurement in corporate decarbonisation pathways through innovative tools”.

With regard to the Circular Economy Act, the Technical Scientific Committee will organise discussions on the challenges, opportunities and implications for European packaging (in collaboration with CONAI) and on what will actually change for those involved in waste management (in collaboration with UTILITALIA).

TEXTILES TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN EUROPE’S NEW CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The events “Reuse, repair and eco-design. The heroes of "magic" circles of Circular Economy in the textile sector”, “Textile EPR in Italy and Europe: system harmonisation and new challenges for the supply chain” with ASSOAMBIENTE-UNIRAU, “ESPR and Digital Product Passport in textiles: traceability and transparency along the value chain” with AISEC, and “Eco-design: challenges, tools and opportunities for textile sector enterprises” with the European Commission’s JRC and ENEA, confirm the textile industry’s central role in the European circular economy. Moreover, Ecomondo’s Textile Working Group will also define a specific programme of events on the sector.

HEALTHY CIRCULAR CITIES

The event entitled “Building healthy cities: from vision to action” will be organised in collaboration with the CNR, the UNESCO Chair on Urban Health and ANCI. The programme will be further enriched by the “Circular city-making” session (with Materia Rinnovabile – Renewable Matter and FROM srl) on how cities can speed up the circular transition; “Smart Circular Cities” (organised with Bologna University), on digital technologies, sustainable infrastructure and new governance models to make cities more resilient and climate-neutral; “From data to decisions: national infrastructure and local applications for a data-driven Public Administration” (with Turin Polytechnic); “Indoor air quality and health: Trends and changes to know for a national plan” (with the Emilia-Romagna Region and ART-ER); and “Odour emissions: from abatement technologies to new control strategies” (with ISPRA, Italian Chemical Society – CABC Division: Chemistry of the Environment and Cultural Heritage).

FOCUS ON PAPER

Federazione Carta & Grafica and Largo Consumo will be organising the Paper District GDO & Grocery Summit entitled “Towards a new synergy between the paper industry and large-scale retail: sustainability, regulatory compliance and market trends”.

Comieco, in collaboration with Nomisma, will also present a final assessment of the environmental and economic benefits of projects co-funded by the NRRP that relate to the paper recycling sector.

NATURAL RISK PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

Organised by Ecomondo’s TSC in collaboration with the Italian Geotechnical Association (AGI-IGS), the events entitled “Recent developments in geotechnical engineering for environmental protection and land safeguarding” focusing on the design of sustainable and resilient structures and interventions, and “Innovative and sustainable technologies for the rehabilitation and maintenance of concrete and earth dams” will be held. The latter will also involve the National Italian Committee for Large Dams – ITCOLD.

SOIL RESTORATION, REGENERATIVE BIOECONOMY AND BIOENERGY

The programme will include: “The farm of the future: a biorefinery that generates collective value” in collaboration with the Italian Biogas Consortium; “What science says on biodegradable and compostable bioplastics for soil protection” with Novamont, Coldiretti, the Re Soil Foundation and Biorepack; “Agrifood Next: start-ups, Artificial Intelligence and new investment models in the bioeconomy landscape” organised with Confagricoltura, Federalimentare, ENEA and Cluster CL.A.N.; and “Innovation for the Circular Bioeconomy” with the European Commission’s JRC and ENEA.

Now at its fifth edition, the “States General for Soil Health” conference, organised in partnership with the Re Soil Foundation, will explore the links between soil health, urban development and agri-food system resilience. The “National Conference on composting and anaerobic digestion”, organised in partnership with the Italian Composting Consortium, will be holding its 28^th edition.

“Deforestation and international agreements, nature restoration and poplar cultivation, ecosystem services and carbon farming: let’s give value to forest resources and woody crops”, organised by Confagricoltura, the AlberItalia Foundation and the National Forest and Timber Cluster, will highlight how the sustainable management of forest resources is crucial for conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

“Remediation in Italy in the regulatory transition: between the revision of the annexes and the new European Soil Directive” and “New strategies for the remediation of contaminated sites: applied research between technological innovation and sustainability” are the events organised in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, UNEM, Legambiente and ISPRA, whilst “Remediation and background values for the management of contaminated sites” is the conference organised in collaboration with ARPAE and the Emilia-Romagna Region,

Lastly, “Fertilisers from sewage sludge: production, quality and applications” with UTILITALIA, ASSOAMBIENTE and CIC, and “The algae potential: industrial and market challenges”, organised in collaboration with AISAM (The Italian Association for the Study and Applications of Microalgae), which will bring together sector experts and stakeholders and focus in particular on future prospects and political support for a resilient algae supply chain.

THE WATER CYCLE AND THE BLUE ECONOMY

Ecomondo 2026 will feature numerous events on the regeneration of marine ecosystems and the sustainable, efficient and safe use of water resources. Those organised by the TSC in collaboration with key sector partners, including the Emilia-Romagna Region, ARERA, the Po River Basin Authority, CNR-IRSA, UTILITALIA, the Polytechnic University of the Marche, Bologna University and Brescia University, will include: “Adaptive regeneration of coastal areas and territory: what opportunities from the new European climate resilience framework?”; “Urban Water Services in Transition: from integrated assessment to applicable solutions for emerging contaminants, circular resources and climate-neutral utility”; “Restoring the water cycle through basin governance: nature-based solutions, crisis management, pollution prevention and biodiversity”; “Water efficiency first: transforming industry, agriculture and circular water use”; “Water infrastructure of the future: smart networks, digitalisation and security”; “Impact of climate change on fishery resources and the fisheries and aquaculture sector”; and “FishNoWaste: united for a sustainable Adriatic Sea”.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

As part of Ecomondo’s ongoing focus on international cooperation and collaboration with Africa and countries bordering the Mediterranean, the following panel discussions will be held: “Water resilience in and beyond Europe: Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, innovation and global leadership” with Water Europe, the Imperial College London, BETA Tech Centre, the Polytechnic University of the Marche, UTILITALIA and the Italian National Institute of Health; “Technological solutions for resource recovery from end-of-life products and materials in the Mediterranean landscape” with the Italian Chemical Society, ISWA International and ATIA – ISWA; “Oil Pollution in the Mediterranean: Status and actions needed” with CMCC and the European Commission’s DG RTD; “Beyond Plastic: The Mediterranean Bioeconomy for a New Generation of Sustainable Materials” with the SPRING Cluster; “From source-to-sea to scale: Mediterranean pathways for water resilience and the Ocean Pact” in collaboration with the CNR, the European Commission, the UfM, the CPMR, SEACURE, Interreg MED stakeholders and the BlueMissionMed legacy network; “Blue Economy Clusters and policy priorities: a strategic framework to drive innovation and industrialisation in blue economy in the Mediterranean” with Cluster BIG Blue Italian Growth, Union for the Mediterranean; and “Strategic EU R&I Projects for the Green Transition in the Mediterranean and Africa” with APRE (Agency for the Promotion of European Research).

AFRICA GREEN GROWTH FORUM

The sixth edition of the Africa Green Growth Forum, organised in collaboration with the Task Force for the Implementation of the Presidential Council of Minister’s Mattei Plan, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo and RES4Africa, will spotlight the Mattei Plan with a session entitled “The Mattei Plan: dialogue between institutions and the private sector for Africa’s sustainable development”.

FINANCING

On the topic of financing, Ecomondo’s TSC and the Forum for Sustainable Finance (ItaSIF) will present an analysis of transition plans as a competitive advantage at the conference entitled “Climate transition plans for ESG risk management: what role for companies and investors?”

The programme will feature further in-depth discussions on ESG and risk management, bankability and new investment models for innovation, broken down by sector (e.g. water services and the bioeconomy).

KEY EVENTS

Ecomondo will once again be hosting the Forum on Responsible Communication, organised in collaboration with Ferpi and with the participation of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and Emilia-Romagna’s Order of Journalists. Now at its fifth edition, the event will be entitled “Communication on a razor’s edge. The sustainable transition between environmental urgency and social cohesion”.

The ESG CEO Summit (third edition) will also be back. Organised by Ecomondo in collaboration with TEHA – The European House Ambrosetti and IPSOS-DOXA, it will feature a session entitled “A sustainable future between compliance and competitiveness: from reporting to industrial transformation”.

THE STATES GENERAL OF THE GREEN ECONOMY

On Tuesday 3^rd and Wednesday 4^th November, the States General of the Green Economy event will be held once again, organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and under the patronage of the European Commission and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy.

On Tuesday 3^rd November, the 2026 State of the Green Economy Report will be presented during the opening plenary session entitled “International drivers of the green economy in a critical geopolitical context” with a specific focus on the drivers of the green economy and all the latest data on the key strategic issues and cornerstones of the ecological transition: decarbonisation, circularity and nature-positive development.

On Wednesday 4^th November, the international plenary session “The geopolitics of the Green economy: a window to the world” in collaboration with Italy for Climate, will offer a real-time analysis of the main dynamics of the ecological transition at a global level thanks to contributions from internationally renowned speakers and institutional representatives from Europe, the United States, China and Africa, as well as top management from several leading Italian companies.

POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

Ecomondo’s programme will also cover: water service regulation and governance (with REF Ricerche and Utilitalia), regulatory updates on waste management (with Utilitalia and ReteAmbiente), traceability and compliance requirements for companies, new BATs for landfill sites (with Assoambiente) and end of waste. Programmed events will include “Strategic and operational aspects of implementing the Industrial Emissions Directive 2.0”, organised by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security’s EIA Commission.

CALL FOR PAPERS, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

“Innovative waste prevention systems and circular resource management” and “Industrial symbiosis, resource diagnosis and circular eco-districts in Italy through the implementation of a National Plan: opportunities and challenges”, featuring technical and scientific contributions, practical examples and case studies, are just some of the conferences for which a call for papers has been issued.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Imperial College London, the European Innovation Council and ART-ER, Ecomondo’s TSC will organise the “Scaling Impact: Cleantech’s path to growth. Unlocking opportunities for cleantech companies to scale, innovate and transform industries” event at which experts, companies, investors and institutions will discuss strategies, real-world cases and solutions to hasten the scale-up of cleantech innovation.

At the event “EU Funding Opportunities – Meet the European Executive Agencies”, representatives from the European Executive Agency for Innovation and SMEs (EISMEA), the European Executive Agency for Health and Digital (HaDEA), the European Executive Agency for Climate, infrastructure and the environment (CINEA) and the European Research Executive Agency (REA), which have been tasked by the European Commission with implementing EU funding programmes to support research, innovation and industrial competitiveness, will present the main funding opportunities, priorities and EU programmes, offering insights into how to access European support for projects and innovations.

TRAINING AND GREEN JOBS

On Thursday 5^th and Friday 6^th November, a number of events will be dedicated to developing skills and careers in the sustainable transition field.

The academic training provision designed to address the challenges of the circular economy will be explored in depth. Moreover, the Unioncamere Report on skills and career needs will also be presented.

The constantly updated programme of events is available on the event’s website at the following link: https://www.ecomondo.com/it/eventi/palinsesto-convegnistico/programma

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

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Comunicato n. 2 del 28/10/2026

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ECOMONDO 2026 A GLOBAL STAGE FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

· The 29^thedition of the Italian Exhibition Group event, to be held from 3^rd to 6^th November at Rimini Expo Centre

· An increasing number of vertical communities, buyers, delegations and associations from abroad and innovative technologies on display, are enhancing the event’s international profile and its cross-sectoral perspective on the ecological transition

· The event will open with the 15^th edition of the States General of the Green Economy

Rimini, 28^th October 2026 – With an increasingly cross-sectorial perspective, thanks to the participation of a growing number of vertical communities and the presence of ever more innovative technologies for the ecological transition, the 29^th edition of Ecomondo reaffirms its role as the ecosystem of reference for industries, institutions, research organisations and policymakers ready to discuss the major industrial and environmental transformations that are redefining global markets. The event, organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), will be back from 3^rd to 6^th November at Rimini Expo Centre with an even greater international profile, thanks in part to collaboration with new public and private European and international institutional partners and their contributions to enriching the event’s conference programme.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2026 EDITION

· Record Expo Centre occupancy: approximately 170,000 m²of exhibition space and 30 halls.

· More than 1,800 exhibiting brands expected with a 19% increase in foreign exhibitors compared to 2025.

· More than 1,000 hosted buyers from Europe, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, Southeast Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, North America and Latin America, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) for the promotion and internationalisation of Italian companies abroad. Over 60 representatives from international associations and numerous member organisations from Ecomondo’s product sectors. The various countries in attendance will include Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Serbia, Hungary, Spain and South Africa.

· Ecomondo will have a guest country for the first time: Mexico.

· New layout: an exhibition space entirely for textiles will be making its debut in Hall D2, a strategic international hub for supply chain stakeholders.

· Created by Ecomondo in collaboration with the Hera Group and SCART – The beautiful and useful side of waste, ahead of the European Waste Reduction Week, The Shade of Circularity art installation will be assembled in the entrance: a large rainbow which, through the language of art and seven colours, represents the complexity of the textile supply chain and the sector’s main challenges. A first tangible step in Ecomondo’s broader commitment to supporting the sector’s transition to a circular economy.

· In Hall B8, a first-time feature: the Africa Investment HUB for African associations’ networking and business meetings.

· An area in the South Hall will once again host national institutions such as the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the GSE – Energy Services Operator, and the Emilia-Romagna Region, while Hall B5 will feature an area for international collectives from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland with over 100 companies taking part.

· Over 70 events, conferences and workshops organised by Ecomondo’s International Technical Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava, as well as further events organised by partners and exhibitors.

· A strong focus on European policies, research and innovation for key industrial sectors, international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with the Mediterranean and Africa. The programme will include high-level in-depth discussions on developments in the European regulatory landscape, resource efficiency, packaging and the circular economy, sustainable textiles, the water cycle and the Blue Economy, paper recycling, finance, healthy and circular cities, the prevention and management of natural risks, soil restoration, the regenerative bioeconomy and bioenergy.

· Further focuses will be on climate change and adaptation, how to build more resilient economic systems and territories, and environmental monitoring and Earth observation using the most innovative digital technologies.

· The sixth edition of the Africa Green Growth Forum, organised in collaboration with the Task Force for the Implementation of the Presidential Council of Minister’s Mattei Plan, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo and RES4Africa will also be held.

· Themed tours with over 500 free places available each day have also been confirmed.

· The Innovation District will be back with 20 innovative start-ups and SMEs as well as the Green Jobs & Skills initiative to foster the encounter between labour supply and demand. The Lorenzo Cagnoni Awards for Green Innovation, assigned to the most advanced and promising technologies across Ecomondo’s various exhibition sectors, will once again be featured.

· As part of BRAVI2026 (Brazilian AgriFoodTechs Innovation in Italy), a delegation of 11 Brazilian start-ups operating in the agri-food sector will be visiting Ecomondo.

THE EXHIBITION ITINERARY: SECTORS AND THEMED AREAS

In addition to the new Textile hall, Ecomondo 2026 will also be extending the Waste as Resource area and reorganising the Water Cycle & Blue Economy section with areas specifically for the most advanced solutions in the field of control systems for smart network monitoring and sustainable water resource management.

The following sectors have been confirmed: Sites & Soil Restoration, Earth Observation and Environmental Monitoring, Bio-energy & Agriculture and Circular & Regenerative Bio-Economy, as well as the Blue Economy, Trenchless and Circular & Healthy City districts and, of course, the Innovation District.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Paper & Graphics Federation, Ecomondo will be dedicating a special focus to sustainability and circularity within the paper industry, featuring a high-calibre exhibition offer and themed workshops.

THE STATES GENERAL OF THE GREEN ECONOMY

The States General of the Green Economy, organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, and under the patronage of the European Commission and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, will be held on the first two days of the event.

On Tuesday 3^rd November, the 2026 Report on the State of the Green Economy will be presented during the opening plenary session entitled “International drivers of the Green Economy in a challenging geopolitical context”.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Stampa estera – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Press Release n. 1 of 28/10/2026

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ECOMONDO – DAILY NEWS – 4TH NOVEMBER

STATES GENERAL OF THE GREEN ECONOMY: THE STRATEGIC ISSUES

As of yesterday, Ecomondo 2026 has been hosting the 15^th edition of the States General of the Green Economy, organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the European Commission and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy. “On an international scale, significant factors are driving the green economy and the 2025 Annual Report entitled ‘Partnership for Action on Green Economy’, produced through a collaboration between five UN agencies, states that the ecological transition has become a structural necessity for the socio-economic stability of many countries and can be a concrete force towards social inclusion and economic growth,” said Edo Ronchi, President of the Foundation for Sustainable Development, in his opening address yesterday. “In Italy, the overall situation regarding the transition is critical with only a few limited positive signs, although an IPSOS survey shows that the push for green initiatives among citizens and businesses has grown.” Today’s proceedings were dedicated to the international session organised in collaboration with Italy for Climate. “In a world plagued by wars, social inequalities and geopolitical tensions,” said Raimondo Orsini, Director of the Foundation, “the green economy offers a concrete response because it reduces climate crisis risks and ensures less dependence on imported fossil fuels and raw materials, which are often the cause of these global problems.”

ESG CEO SUMMIT: TRANSFORMING SUSTAINABILITY INTO COMPETITIVENESS

How to combine sustainability and competitiveness; where to accelerate and where to simplify; which investments generate the greatest strategic value; what to stop doing, what to continue doing and what to start doing. There were the questions posed by leading companies at the third edition of the ESG CEO Summit, held yesterday at Ecomondo 2026. The meeting focused on how to turn the transition into a growth factor, the effectiveness of direct claims compared to strategic silence, the challenge of the demographic winter, the development of human capital and the need for networking. The analysis, commissioned by Ecomondo and TEHA Group (The European House-Ambrosetti), was introduced by Carlo Cici from TEHA Group and Andrea Alemanno from Ipsos and began with a speech by Corrado Peraboni, CED of IEG. The round-table discussion was attended by the CEOs of Acea Ambiente, Gabriele Di Cintio; Toyota Material Handling Italia, Maria Cristina Iacazio; Aquanexa, Andrea Lanuzza; Suez Italia, Patrizia Rutigliano; and the managing director of the Caviero Group and CEO of Caviro Extra, Valentino Tonini.

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF EUROPEAN RECYCLING IS WORTH 555 BILLION EUROS

The role of the circular economy in European industrial competitiveness and the prospects for the future Circular Economy Act were the focus of the “Circular Economy Act: challenges, opportunities and implications for European packaging” conference, which took place yesterday at Ecomondo. The event featured the presentation of “A new European industrial policy for the circular economy”, a study conducted by CONAI and TEHA Group, and explored the prospects for the development of a European market for secondary raw materials with a particular focus on the balance between supply and demand, the interoperability of national systems, and the investments required to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. The debate was attended by representatives from European institutions, including Eric Mamer from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment, and MEP Pierfrancesco Maran, alongside Massimo Milani, secretary of the Chamber of Deputies’ Environment, Territory and Public Works Committee, and Tullio Patassini, head of the secretariat to the President of the Productive Activities Committee. Speakers also included Edo Ronchi, President of the Foundation for Sustainable Development, and representatives from Verpact and EXPRA, organisations operating in the management and recycling of packaging waste. The discussion on the future Circular Economy Act continued in the afternoon with the session entitled “Closing the loop in waste management: the new challenges of the Circular Economy Act” on new waste management perspectives within the framework of evolving European legislation.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE FROM EUROPE TO LOCAL AREAS: NETWORKING FOR REGENERATION

One year on from the launch of the manifesto “Strengthening the climate resilience of maritime regions”, a meeting entitled “Adaptive regeneration of coastal areas and territory - what opportunities from the European climate resilience framework?” took place yesterday at Ecomondo 2026. The event was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), ISPRA, the Emilia-Romagna Region, GNRAC and the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe. The event explored the opportunities offered by the new European framework for climate resilience and involved representatives from the European Commission, European agencies and national institutions, including the Italian Government’s special envoy for climate change and the president of the NRRP-NIPEC Technical Committee, alongside representatives from MASE, the European Investment Bank, academia and regional and local authorities. The main focus of the debate was the importance of multi-level governance and collaboration with local territories for the implementation of European strategies on climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration with particular attention to Emilia-Romagna Region’s role in launching the Water Resilience Alliance, and local initiatives.

THE DIGITAL PASSPORT FOR A MORE TRANSPARENT AND CIRCULAR TEXTILE SUPPLY CHAIN

The textile industry, a key player at Ecomondo 2026, has its own programme of events. Yesterday saw the conference entitled “ESPR and Digital Product Passport in textiles: traceability and transparency along the value chain”, which focused on the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in improving product traceability, textile waste collection, and the quality of secondary raw materials. The discussion centred on the information to be included in the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and how to ensure its quality, reliability and interoperability throughout the supply chain. The meeting, opened by AISEC and featuring institutional addresses from the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and EURATEX, involved representatives from research, academia, industry associations and companies such as Bulgari, Calzedonia, Brandart and Saipem. The third edition of the conference entitled “Reuse, repair and eco-design. The heroes of the ‘magic’ circles of the Circular Economy in the textile sector” also took place yesterday with a focus on circular economy practices in the textile industry, from reuse to durability, reparability and eco-design.

Unmissable events scheduled for tomorrow include:

· Sixth edition of the Africa Green Growth Forum: The Mattei Plan: dialogue between institutions and the private sector for Africa’s sustainable development, organised by Ecomondo’s Technical Scientific Committee in collaboration with the Task Force for the Implementation of the Presidential Office’s Mattei Plan, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo and RES4Africa

· The Lorenzo Cagnoni Awards for green innovation

· Strategic and operational aspects of adopting the Industrial Emissions Directive 2.0: the new permitting framework between environmental and health assessments with case-law guidelines”, organised by the Ecomondo’s TSC and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security’s EIA Commission.

· “EU-Africa Strategic Corridors to a mutually beneficial cooperation for critical raw materials”, organised by Turin University, JRC, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy.

The full programme of Ecomondo 2026 events is available on the following link: www.ecomondo.com/eventi

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2026

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

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Press release 04/11/2026

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IEG: ECOMONDO 2026 EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL REACH. AN EVOLVING AND DIVERSIFYING ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION ECOSYSTEM

· The Italian Exhibition Group's event on the green, blue, and circular economy, taking place from 3 to 6 November at Rimini Expo Centre

· Roadshows across multiple continents, events in English, and a growing number of buyers, delegations, and associations from around the world are accelerating the international expansion journey

· A new layout with an entire hall dedicated to textiles. Enhanced and reorganised spaces for waste, resource regeneration, water, and the Blue Economy

· Spotlight topics include the regulatory landscape, bioeconomy and bioenergy, healthy and circular cities, and artificial intelligence

Rimini, 8 June 2026 – A more global outlook, innovative-driven, and increasingly cross-sectoral. From 3 to 6 November, the 29^th edition of Ecomondo, the Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) international event on the green, blue, and circular economy, is scheduled to take place at Rimini Expo Centre.

As European policies driving the ecological transition continue to gain momentum, Ecomondo confirms its role as the leading ecosystem where industry, institutions, the research community, and policymakers come together to address the major industrial and environmental transformations reshaping global markets. The event provides a strategic platform for companies to foster dialogue, build partnerships, and unlock new business opportunities. It also serves as a catalyst for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs operating in the circular economy, supporting their growth and accelerating innovation.

INTERNATIONAL REACH: A GROWING SUSTAINABILITY PLATFORM

For the 2026 edition, Ecomondo is further strengthening its international profile, with the aim of attracting an increasing number of buyers, delegations, and industry associations from all continents, in collaboration with the MAECI - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - and ICE - the Italian Trade Agency.

Through a multi-stop Roadshow spanning Spain, Morocco, Germany, Hungary, and Canada, the event aims to strengthen institutional and commercial ties while expanding its international network. This network already includes Ecomondo Mexico, a strategic platform for the Latin American market and a key showcase for Made in Italy environmental technologies; Ecomondo China, which this year has evolved into a Forum held in Shanghai on 11–12 June; and the Green Med Expo & Symposium (27–29 May) in Naples.

With the involvement of new European and international institutional partners, including the European Commission, as well as leading continental agencies and key stakeholders such as the OECD and FAO, Ecomondo’s conference programme—curated by its international Technical and Scientific Committee—will feature additional summits, conferences, and conventions held in English. Strong focus will be placed on key European regulatory dossiers, with high-level insights into the Circular Economy Act, Bioeconomy Strategy, Biotech Act II, the Pact for the Mediterranean, the RESourceEU Action Plan, and the Critical Raw Materials Act, as well as new provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Other key themes at Ecomondo 2026, with a continued focus on international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with the Mediterranean and Africa, will include healthy and circular cities, artificial intelligence and new digital technologies to support the ecological transition, as well as the bioeconomy and bioenergy – two sectors that form one of the pillars of the transition to low-emission, highly circular production systems.

During the first two days of the event, the States General of the Green Economy will return. This event is organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and promoted by the National Green Economy Council, with a second plenary session held entirely in English.

The presence of a growing number of vertical communities, united by the shared goal of accelerating the ecological transition, confirms Ecomondo’s role as an increasingly cross-cutting global platform.

A NEW LAYOUT DEDICATES AN ENTIRE HALL TO THE TEXTILE SUPPLY CHAIN

One of the key new features of the 29^th edition of Ecomondo is a dedicated exhibition sector for Textiles, which will take up an entire hall. It will act as an international hub for the full supply chain at a crucial moment in the rollout of new European regulations on sustainability in the sector.

The Waste as a Resource exhibition area is also expanding, while the Water Cycle & Blue Economy sector will be reorganised into the Blue Economy and Trenchless Districts, focusing on wastewater recovery and reuse, trenchless (No-Dig) technologies, and advanced solutions for pumps, valves, and control systems supporting smart network monitoring and sustainable water resource management.

The other following sectors have been confirmed – Sites & Soil Restoration, Earth Observation and Environmental Monitoring, Bio-energy & Agriculture, and Circular & Regenerative Bio-Economy – as well as the Circular & Healthy City and Paper District, and the Innovation District, dedicated to start-ups, innovation, and sustainable expertise.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

Ecomondo 2026 is curated by Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with: the European Commission; UNIDO ITPO; the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security; MAECI – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy; ICE – the Italian Trade Agency; the Emilia-Romagna Region; the Municipality of Rimini; ANFIA (the National Association of the Automotive Industry); ART-ER; Assoambiente; CBE JU (the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking); CIB (the Italian Biogas Consortium); CIC (the Italian Composting Consortium); CIHEAM (the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies); CONAI (the National Packaging Consortium); EBA (the European Biogas Association); ENEA; ESWET (the European Supplier of Waste-to-Energy Technologies); the European Environment Agency; FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations); FEAD (the European Waste Management Association); the Foundation for Sustainable Development; ISPRA (the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research); ISWA (the International Solid Waste Association); Legambiente; the OECD; RECYCLING EUROPE; UNACEA (the National Union of Construction Equipment & Attachments Companies); UNICIRCULAR (the Assoambiente section); UTILITALIA; and Water Europe.

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2026

Event: international trade show; Organiser: Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A.; Frequency: annual; Edition: 29^th; Dates: 3-6 November 2026; mail: ecomondo@iegexpo.it ; Website: www.ecomondo.com ; Facebook: www.facebook.com/EcomondoRimini ; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ecomondo-the-green-technologies-expo

IEG/ECOMONDO 2026 PRESS CONTACTS

head of media & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Pier Francesco Bellini, Marco Forcellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; press office specialists: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Sara Scatena, s.scatena@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 338 7836985; Francesca Pericolo, f.pericolo@smartitaly.it, mob. +39 327 986 1860.

Foreign press – Giacomo Tortora, +39 320 7948164 – g.tortora@smartitaly.it

Immagine che contiene testo, Carattere, schermata

Il contenuto generato dall'IA potrebbe non essere corretto.

Press release 08/06/2026

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Final press release WONDERFUL ECOMONDO! AT THE 2025 EDITION, +7% IN TOTAL ATTENDANCE. FOREIGN ATTENDANCE up by 10%. THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION HUB IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY GLOBAL

· Today marks the end of the 28^th edition of Italian Exhibition Group’s green, blue and circular economy event: the most international ever

· Minister Pichetto Fratin’s visit: “Ecomondo symbol of innovation and sustainability”

· More than 800 hosted buyers and delegations from 65 countries

· Over 1,700 exhibitors, of which 18% from abroad.

Rimini, 7^th November 2025 – In an increasingly volatile global context, sustainability is the compass that guides governments, businesses and the scientific community. Ecomondo 2025, Europe and the Mediterranean basin’s leading international event for the green, blue and circular economies, organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), came to a close today at Rimini Expo Centre, reaffirming its status as a global hub for ecological transition. A role reflected in the concrete results of an expanding 28th edition.

Total attendance grew by +7%, with +10% from abroad. Over 1,700 exhibiting brands, of which 18% from abroad, covering 166,000 square metres of exhibition space. More than 600 journalists accredited (15% from abroad), brought Rimini Expo Centre to the attention of the global community.

Underlining Ecomondo's central role on the international scene as a guide along the path towards a sustainable future that, starting in Italy, Europe is continuing to pursue with determination, was the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who toured the exhibition halls on Thursday 6^th November. “We can count ourselves among the leading countries in the world in terms of recycling capacity,” the minister explained. “There is a lot of talk about rare earths and critical raw materials, but the largest deposit we have is our waste... And the ability to recycle is fully demonstrated at this show, a symbol of innovation and sustainability.”

ECOMONDO 2025, THE MOST INTERNATIONAL EDITION EVER

Ecomondo 2025 confirmed its status as a privileged venue for exchange between companies, researchers and professionals from around the world, also thanks to its collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). A global crossroads with over 800 hosted buyers and international delegations from 65 countries. The most represented markets included Spain, Turkey, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt. To complete the picture, around 90 international associations were also involved. During the event, this network generated 3,800 business matches, promoting cooperation and the dissemination of best ecological transition practices.

GREEN TRANSITION, A TRANSVERSAL OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL CONTEXT

Over 200 events took place over the four days, around 70 of which organized by Ecomondo's Technical and Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava, in a programme packed with initiatives, offering an up-to-date interpretation of the green transition across a range of sectors. Key topics included: WEEE and critical raw materials, the circular textile industry, sustainable finance in support of the ecological transition, water management and the blue economy, bioenergy, the circular economy, AI applied to resource enhancement and data monitoring, Earth observation and the role of communication in overcoming false ecological transition dilemmas.

Considerable attention was paid to international cooperation and the green transition in the Mediterranean, as well as initiatives for accessing clean and sustainable energy in Africa, as part of the Mattei Plan and the “Mission 300” programme, with the fifth edition of the Africa Green Growth Forum.

The 14^th edition of the States General of the Green Economy once again opened Ecomondo with a presentation of the Report on the State of the Green Economy 2025, placing the state and prospects of the European ecological transition in the new global context at the centre of the debate. The plenary session on the second day, held entirely in English for the first time, further broadened the international scope of the event.

The return of Sal.Ve, the biennial Exhibition of Ecological Vehicles, in partnership with ANFIA, showcased the entire product range of equipment for industrial and special vehicles for collecting solid and liquid waste, street sweeping and sewage disposal.

THE INNOVATION LABORATORY

At Ecomondo 2025, innovation bridged the gap between science and market: the Innovation District provided space and visibility to 40 Italian and international high-tech start-ups, including 20 from Morocco and Tunisia selected as part of the “Luca Attanasio” Lab Innovates for Africa project, promoted by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. To accompany the exhibition, Ecomondo presented the “Lorenzo Cagnoni” Award for Green Innovation to seven exhibiting companies, one from each of the event’s sectors, for the most advanced and promising technologies.

ECOMONDO WILL BE BACK AT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP’S RIMINI EXPO CENTRE FROM 3^RD TO 6^TH NOVEMBER 2026.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

Ecomondo 2025 is organized by Italian Exhibition Group with the collaboration of: the European Commission; Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security; Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy; Agenzia ICE - Italian Trade & Investment Agency; Emilia-Romagna Region; Rimini Municipal Council; ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities); ANFIA (National Automotive Industry Association); ART-ER; CIB (Italian Biogas Consortium); CIC (Italian Composter Consortium); CONAI (National Packaging Consortium); ENEA; Assoambiente; Sustainable Development Foundation; ISPRA (Environmental Protection and Research Institute); Legambiente; UNICIRCULAR (Assoambiente section); UNACEA (National Union of Construction Equipment & Attachments Companies); UTILITALIA; CIHEAM (International Centre For Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies); CBE JU (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking); EBA (European Biogas Association); European Environment Agency; ISWA (International Solid Waste Association); WBA (World Biogas Association); Water Europe.

ABOUT ECOMONDO 2025

Event: International trade show; Organization: Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A.; Frequency: annual; Edition: 28^th ; Dates: 4-7 November 2025; mail: ecomondo@iegexpo.it ; Website: www.ecomondo.com ; Facebook: www.facebook.com/EcomondoRimini ; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecomondo-the-green-technologies-expo/

PRESS CONTACT IEG/ECOMONDO 2025

head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Pierfrancesco Bellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY IEG/ECOMONDO: Smartitaly Communications

Edoardo Chiesa, +39 333 8744340 - e.chiesa@smartitaly.it; Paola Gervasio, +39 346 6064272 - p.gervasio@smartitaly.it; Francesca Pericolo, +39 327 9861860 - f.pericolo@smartitaly.it; Stampa estera - Andrea Indiano, +39 349 3232557 – a.indiano@smartitaly.it

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management’s current opinions (“forward-looking statements”), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

Press release 07/11/2025

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hubyt-remote-session-name	www.ecomondo.com	2 years	Youtube