The 28th edition of Ecomondo, organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), concluded in Rimini with remarkable results. The event, which has become Europe and the Mediterranean’s reference platform for the green, blue, and circular economies, recorded a +7% increase in total attendance, including a 10% rise in foreign participants.
This surge underscores the growing international relevance of sustainability as a guiding principle for governments, enterprises, and researchers alike. Covering 166,000 square meters, the 2025 edition hosted over 1,700 exhibiting brands, 18% of which came from abroad, alongside 600 accredited journalists (15% international), confirming Rimini’s pivotal role in the global ecological dialogue.
Minister Pichetto Fratin: “Ecomondo, a Symbol of Innovation and Sustainability”
During his visit on November 6th, Italy’s Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, emphasized the event’s crucial role:
“We are among the world leaders in recycling capacity. The greatest resource we have is our waste — and the ability to recycle it is fully demonstrated here at Ecomondo.”
His words highlight Ecomondo’s identity as a showcase of innovation, sustainability, and circular practices, supporting Europe’s pursuit of a sustainable economic model.
The Most International Edition Ever
Ecomondo 2025 achieved unprecedented global reach through strategic partnerships with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The event brought together over 800 hosted buyers and delegations from 65 countries, including Spain, Turkey, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.
The presence of 90 international associations facilitated 3,800 business matches, encouraging cooperation and the spread of best practices for ecological transition. This network reinforced Ecomondo’s standing as a true global hub for green collaboration.
Green Transition: A 360° Vision on Sustainability
Over 200 events enriched the four-day programme, with 70 organized by the Technical and Scientific Committee chaired by Professor Fabio Fava. The sessions addressed key areas such as:
- WEEE and critical raw materials,
- Circular textile industry,
- Sustainable finance and ecological transition,
- Water management and blue economy,
- Bioenergy and circular economy,
- AI applications for resource efficiency,
- Earth observation and green communication strategies.
The Mediterranean green transition and African energy access were major focal points, aligned with the Mattei Plan and the “Mission 300” initiative, showcased during the 5th Africa Green Growth Forum.
The 14th States General of the Green Economy opened the event with the release of the 2025 Green Economy Report, offering a sharp analysis of Europe’s ecological transition in today’s complex geopolitical context. Notably, for the first time, the plenary session on the second day was held entirely in English, emphasizing the event’s international scope.
Sal.Ve and the Innovation Laboratory: Where Technology Meets Sustainability
The return of Sal.Ve, the biennial Exhibition of Ecological Vehicles, organized in partnership with ANFIA, showcased the full range of industrial and special-purpose vehicles for waste collection, street sweeping, and wastewater management.
In parallel, the Innovation District presented 40 high-tech start-ups, including 20 from Morocco and Tunisia, part of the “Luca Attanasio Lab Innovates for Africa” initiative. This project, promoted by the Italian Trade Agency and MAECI, bridged science, technology, and market opportunities between Europe and Africa.
To reward outstanding innovation, the “Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation” was presented to seven companies, one per sector, recognizing their pioneering technologies for sustainable development.
Ecomondo 2026: The Future of Sustainability Awaits
After this record-breaking edition, Ecomondo will return to the Rimini Expo Centre from 3rd to 6th November 2026, once again serving as a global meeting point for innovation, sustainability, and the circular economy.
