Italy circular economy and industrial transition

Efforts toward Italy’s ecological transition have been highlighted through both specific industrial operations and broader national policy discussions.

Legambiente recognized Montieco Srl, a concessionaire for the National Consortium of Used Mineral Oils, for its role in the “I Cantieri della Transizione Ecologica” campaign. The facility in Anzola dell’Emilia manages hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste, regenerating approximately 5,400 tons of used mineral oil annually and reintegrating 59% of special waste back into production cycles.

On a national scale, the XI Italian Business & SDGs Annual Forum in Bologna addressed the circular economy as a driver for innovation. Data presented at the forum indicated that Italy holds a strong position in Europe, ranking second with a circularity index of 65 and a recycling rate of 85.6%, which is more than double the EU average. Experts noted that the upcoming Circular Economy Act is expected to support the transition by fostering a single market for secondary raw materials.

Recent developments indicate mixed progress regarding funding and implementation. In Sicily, over 700 million euros have been allocated for circular economy infrastructure, yet monitoring data from the 9th Regional EcoForum shows that only 64.7% of funded interventions have met their objectives, with others facing bureaucratic delays or defunding risks. Nationally, resources for the circular economy within the Italian PNRR plan have decreased from 2.1 billion to 1.8 billion euros, with less than 21% effectively spent to date. This slow progress affects the target of recycling 65% of urban waste by 2035.

Technological advancements continue, such as the European Circular Biocarbon project in Sesto San Giovanni. Managed by ZeroC, the BioPlatform tests the integrated treatment of organic urban waste and sewage sludge to produce PHA-rich biomass for bioplastics and recover phosphorus for fertilizers.