Ecomondo 2026 attracts growing international audience to Rimini

Ecomondo 2026 concluded on November 6 at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy, recording an increase in international attendance and further strengthening its position as a meeting point for companies involved in environmental technologies, recycling and the circular economy.

The four-day exhibition, organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), brought together more than 1,800 exhibiting brands, 21% of which came from outside Italy. International visitor numbers increased by 14% compared with the previous edition, while domestic attendance rose by 1%.

Covering 171,000 square metres of exhibition space, the event focused on technologies and industrial solutions designed to improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and support the transition towards more sustainable production systems.

Circular economy and industrial competitiveness

The exhibition programme reflected the growing importance of recycling and resource management for European industry.

Topics included the recovery and reuse of industrial materials, waste processing, water management, sustainable packaging and new approaches to resource-efficient manufacturing.

The event also addressed the relationship between environmental regulation, technological innovation and industrial competitiveness.

Around 200 conferences and technical sessions took place during the exhibition, including 70 organised by Ecomondo's International Technical Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava.

Discussions covered developments in European environmental policy, sustainable finance, bioenergy, climate adaptation and the role of circular production models in strengthening industrial resilience.

The Innovation District provided a platform for 20 start-ups and innovative SMEs presenting technologies and business models aimed at accelerating the ecological transition.

International participation continues to expand

Ecomondo's international activities also gained momentum. In cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Trade Agency, the event welcomed approximately 1,300 hosted buyers and delegation members.

Fourteen international collective exhibitions were represented, while more than 10,000 business matchmaking meetings connected companies, research institutions and potential partners.

Mexico participated as the event's first official guest country, reflecting closer cooperation between European and Latin American businesses in environmental technologies and circular economy solutions.

The exhibition also introduced an Africa Investment HUB to facilitate industrial cooperation and investment opportunities across the African continent.

A delegation of 11 Brazilian agri-food start-ups added another international dimension to the event.

Green economy faces changing global conditions

The 15th States General of the Green Economy, held alongside Ecomondo, examined the economic and political conditions shaping the environmental transition in Italy and internationally.

The programme included the presentation of the 2026 State of the Green Economy Report, which identified positive developments in Italy alongside continuing structural challenges.

International discussions considered developments in Europe, China, the United States and Africa, highlighting the increasingly complex relationship between climate objectives, industrial policy and economic growth.

For manufacturers and materials producers, the debates underlined the importance of combining environmental improvements with competitive production conditions and reliable access to resources.

Ecomondo will return to Rimini from November 9 to 12, 2027, when the exhibition will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Source and Photo: Ecomondo