Biggest ever Ecomondo ‘to help boost’ Italy’s green transition

Italy is among Europe’s frontrunners when it comes to recycling, according to the country’s environment minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. ‘However, looking to the future, we’re facing major challenges and more recycling is needed to help tackle these challenges,’ Fratin said at the opening ceremony of the Ecomondo trade show in Rimini.

Like all EU Member States, Italy must cut CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. The country has been witnessing the impact of climate change with severe floodings in Tuscany (late October) and the Emilia Romagna region (May) heavily impacting Bologna and Rimini among other cities.

‘Climate change is a big challenge,’ said Fratin, who believes recycling can be a tool in helping to turn the tide. He wants to ramp up the use of scrap in Italy’s steel production, currently at 70%.

‘Our challenge is decarbonisation,’ the minister added. ‘Starting from the automotive sector, where we must work to achieve emission neutrality, and on to construction, where we must intervene with tax concessions and credits but also a national strategy for more efficient buildings.’

Breaking records

Fratin used the Ecomondo stage to underline the importance of recycling technology. ‘This event is crucial in helping a green transition through technology solutions.’

Occupying all 150 000 m2 of the Rimini exhibition centre, some 1 500 equipment and tech suppliers were present at the four-day event, 10% up on 2022. According to the organisers, the show attracted a record number of visitors, including more than 300 delegates from North and Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.