Italian Business & SDGs Annual Forum focuses on circular economy

The XI edition of the Italian Business & SDGs Annual Forum concluded in Bologna, hosted by UN Global Compact Network Italia (UNGCNI) in collaboration with Hera Group, TPER, and Chiesi. The event brought together businesses, institutions, and academia to discuss sustainable development, with a specific focus on the circular economy as a driver for innovation and industrial growth.

Data presented at the forum highlights Italy's strong position in the European circular economy. Italy ranks second in Europe with a circularity index of 65, following the Netherlands, and ahead of Germany, France, and Spain. The country reports a recycling rate of 85.6%, which is more than double the EU average of 41.2%. Additionally, Italy leads Europe in the quantity of materials recovered and reintroduced into the production system.

Filippo Bettini, President of UNGCNI, noted that the challenge lies in transforming Italy's leadership into a concrete competitive advantage for the productive system. The upcoming Circular Economy Act is expected to support this transition by fostering a single market for secondary raw materials. Daniela Bernacchi, Executive Director of UNGCNI, observed that circularity practices show similar levels of maturity between large corporations and SMEs, offering opportunities to integrate technological innovation with industrial efficiency.