Circular Economy Italy 2025: National Conference Highlights

On May 15, 2025, Rome hosted the 7th National Conference on Circular Economy Italy 2025 — a pivotal event highlighting Europe’s transition towards sustainability. Organized by the Circular Economy Network and the Foundation for Sustainable Development, the event also marked the release of the Circular Economy Italy 2025 report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of national policies and industrial trends shaping the circular transition.

Driving Innovation in Circular Economy Italy 2025 Sectors and Circular Architecture

The Mies van der Rohe Award, given by the European Union every three years to honour architectural excellence, signals a shift in how we think about architecture. Indeed, recent projects show growing environmental awareness. People now prefer designs that can be easily adapted and materials that can be reused. This is crucial because land is a limited resource. Therefore, circular architecture, which focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling within the circular economy framework, is becoming increasingly important.

Business Growth and Market Trends in Circular Economy Italy 2025

Despite ongoing industrial challenges, Italy remains a European frontrunner in circularity performance. It ranks high in material recycling, use of secondary raw materials, and value generated by reuse, repair, and rental sectors.

Key data from the 2025 report include:

Circular activities generated €34.5 billion in value added in 2023, equivalent to 1.6% of Italy’s GDP.
Circular practices helped Italian manufacturing businesses save over €16.4 billion in production costs.
The economic potential of a circular Italian economy could reach €119 billion in savings by 2030.

Policy Framework Supporting Circular Economy Italy 2025 Transition

In 2024, Italian industrial production fell by 3.5%. However, the report highlights how boosting circularity is key to restoring competitiveness, especially by reducing dependency on imported raw materials (currently 48% of Italy’s total demand vs. an EU average of 22%).

Investing in circularity is more than a sustainability strategy — it’s a way to mitigate geopolitical risk, reduce costs, and strengthen industrial autonomy.

Italy’s National Strategy for Circular Economy and the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) provide a clear roadmap for this transition. The 2025 report highlights:

€2.1 billion allocated to recycling infrastructure and innovation.
The EU Clean Industrial Deal aims to double circularity by 2030.
The upcoming Circular Economy Act (2026) will harmonize legislation and boost the market for recycled and circular products

Circular Economy Italy 2025: Italy as a Strategic Market for Sustainable Innovation

With strong industrial potential, evolving regulations, and rising investments, Italy is a strategic hub for circular innovation in Europe. The country offers multiple opportunities for technology providers, recyclers, sustainable designers, and investors across construction, waste management, and renewable energy sectors.

How Proaxxes Can Support You

In this evolving landscape, Proaxxes helps foreign companies explore and expand in Italy’s circular economy. From market assessments and partner selection to public tenders and regulatory guidance, we provide hands-on support to deliver measurable results and long-term success. Contact us!