ITALY, ECOMONDO 2026: CIRCULAR ECONOMY DRIVEN BY INNOVATION AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

RIMINI, Italy, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecomondo 2026, the international event organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and dedicated to the circular and regenerative economy, will return to Rimini Expo Centre from 3 to 6 November for its 29th edition.

"We expect around 1,800 exhibiting brands, including a 10% increase in international exhibitors, across 169,000 square metres and 30 exhibition halls," said Event Director Alessandra Astolfi. More than 1,000 hosted buyers from around the world will attend thanks to the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).

The event will feature a comprehensive conference programme organised by Ecomondo's International Technical Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava, in collaboration with leading institutional and industry partners. More than 70 conferences and events will explore European policies, innovation, research and international cooperation, with particular attention to the Mediterranean region and Africa.

The programme opens with the States General of the Green Economy (3–4 November), organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and promoted by the National Council for the Green Economy.

A major focus will be the European Circular Economy Act, including discussions on its impact on packaging and waste management, organised respectively with CONAI and UTILITALIA. The textile sector, a strategic pillar of Europe's circular economy transition, will also feature prominently through a dedicated programme developed by Ecomondo's Textile Working Group.

Additional topics include healthy and circular cities, paper recycling, soil restoration, regenerative bioeconomy, bioenergy, water management and the Blue Economy. In collaboration with Comieco and Nomisma, Ecomondo will also present an assessment of the environmental and economic benefits generated by NRRP-funded projects in the paper recycling sector.

International cooperation remains a key theme, particularly with Africa and Mediterranean countries. Highlights include the 6th Africa Green Growth Forum, organised with the Task Force for the implementation of Italy's Mattei Plan, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo and RES4Africa.

The programme will also examine sustainable finance, ESG strategies, risk management, investment models and innovation funding, alongside sessions dedicated to policies, regulatory frameworks, research and technological development.

The continuously updated conference programme is available on the official Ecomondo website here.