Ecomondo 2026 to focus on the circular economy

Poland's ecological modernisation requires substantial alignment with European directives, particularly in the circular economy and waste management. The country is implementing structural reforms to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and strengthen municipal and industrial waste treatment facilities, with the aim of narrowing the gap with European recycling and material productivity standards. In the Blue Economy, Poland's strategy focuses on the development of the Baltic Sea and the growth of the ports of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Szczecin–Świnoujście. It also includes investment in the digitalisation of water networks to address the country's structural vulnerability resulting from limited water resources per capita. Against this background, Polish companies seeking expertise and technologies for the ecological transition will be among the potential participants in the 29th Ecomondo, organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) from 3 to 6 November 2026 at Rimini Expo Centre in Italy.

International platform for the circular economy

Ecomondo brings together industry, institutions, researchers and policy makers to discuss industrial and environmental changes affecting global markets. The event facilitates business meetings and commercial contacts while providing a platform for start-ups, scale-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the circular economy.

For the 2026 edition, the organisers intend to increase the participation of buyers, institutional delegations and trade associations from different continents. These activities are being carried out in cooperation with MAECI, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and ICE, the Italian Trade Agency responsible for promoting Italian companies abroad and supporting their internationalisation.

The event has also been presented in strategic markets through a multi-stage roadshow in Spain, Morocco, Germany, Hungary and Canada. The initiative is intended to strengthen institutional and commercial relations and forms part of a wider international network.

This network includes Ecomondo Mexico, focused on the Latin American market and Italian environmental technologies, and Ecomondo China, which in 2026 took the form of a forum held in Shanghai on 11 and 12 June. It also includes the Green Med Expo & Symposium, held in Naples at the end of May.

Regulation, technologies and international cooperation

With the participation of partners including the European Commission, the OECD and the FAO, Ecomondo's conference programme will offer an expanded number of sessions in English. The programme is being prepared by the event's International Technical Scientific Committee.

The four-day agenda will address major European regulatory dossiers, including the Circular Economy Act, the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Biotech Act II, the Pact for the Mediterranean, the RESourceEU Action Plan and the Critical Raw Materials Act, as well as new Extended Producer Responsibility provisions.

Other subjects will include healthy and circular cities, artificial intelligence and digital technologies supporting the ecological transition, the bioeconomy and bioenergy. These issues will be considered in the context of continued international cooperation and closer partnerships with the Mediterranean region and Africa.

During the first two days of the exhibition, another edition of the States General of the Green Economy will take place. It is organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and promoted by the National Council of the Green Economy.

Redesigned exhibition layout

The 2026 edition will feature a redesigned exhibition layout intended to accommodate a growing number of specialised professional communities. For the first time, one exhibition hall will be devoted entirely to the textile sector, providing a meeting point for discussions on sustainable practices in the industry.

The Waste as Resource area will be expanded, while the Water Cycle & Blue Economy sector will receive a new layout. Its Blue Economy and Trenchless District thematic areas will cover wastewater treatment and recycling systems, No-Dig technologies, and control, pumping and automation solutions used to digitalise water infrastructure and protect water resources.

The exhibition will also include the Sites & Soil Restoration, Earth Observation and Environmental Monitoring, Bio-energy & Agriculture, and Circular & Regenerative Bio-Economy sectors. Further areas will comprise the Circular & Healthy City district, a section dedicated to paper, and the Innovation District for start-ups.