Italy’s Ecomondo event highlights recycling and circular economy solutions
The 29th edition of Ecomondo 2026, organized by Italian Exhibition Group, will convene over 70 events centered on recycling, resource efficiency, and the circular economy at Rimini Expo Centre from November 3–6. The program has been shaped in collaboration with public and private partners through Ecomondo’s International Technical Scientific Committee.
Key themes: e-waste, batteries, and plastic
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and battery recycling will dominate discussions. A session titled Circular Economy in Action: e-waste and waste batteries best practices will assess European strategies for recovering critical raw materials, including Italy’s advancements and how recycling can cut dependence on imports. Another discussion, EU-Africa Strategic Corridors to a mutually beneficial cooperation for critical raw materials, will examine partnerships to strengthen supply chains.
Plastic recycling takes center stage in Plastic circularity: new perspectives and critical issues, where European policies to enhance resource efficiency will be evaluated. The event will also analyze the Circular Economy Act and its effects on packaging and waste management.
The textile sector’s contribution to circularity will be explored through discussions on reuse, repair, and extended producer responsibility. Topics will include traceability, transparency, the European Sustainable Products Regulation, and digital product passports.
Built environment, paper, and bioeconomy
Urban mining, regulatory frameworks, and circular construction technologies will be addressed in talks on the built environment. A separate session will advocate for accelerating circular models in infrastructure, while another workshop will focus on measuring circularity across supply chains.
Paper recycling will be a highlight at the Paper District GDO & Grocery Summit, covering sustainability, regulations, and market trends. Comieco, working with Nomisma, will present data on the economic and environmental gains from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan-backed paper recycling initiatives.
Bioplastics, soil health, and agricultural innovation will also feature prominently. The 28th National Conference on composting and anaerobic digestion and the fifth States General for Soil Health conference will run concurrently.
Water, international cooperation, and financing
Water management will be a major focus, with sessions on coastal regeneration, urban water services, and pollution prevention. International talks will address resource recovery in the Mediterranean, oil pollution, and sustainable materials. The sixth Africa Green Growth Forum will discuss the Mattei Plan and sustainable development in Africa, particularly in water and agriculture.
Financing discussions will cover climate transition plans, environmental risk management, and investment strategies for innovation. Regulatory debates will include waste management, traceability, and landfill standards.
