This article is also available in Italian / Questo articolo è disponibile anche in italiano
The Waste Management Europe Exhibition & Conference 2025 will take place in Bologna, from the 10th to the 12th of June. Now in its 4th edition, the conference organised by IES Events will address the challenges and opportunities facing the European waste sector. One of its key themes will be the role of AI. Renewable Matter spoke with Gavin Sutcliffe, Conference Manager of the event.
This year the event is changing venue. Why Bologna?
For the first four years, Waste Management Europe was held in Bergamo, in northern Italy. We decided to move to Bologna to improve accessibility and foster stronger connections. Bologna is a well-connected city both on a European and national level, making it easier for people to participate. Moreover, the city council and mayor are extremely proactive and it is one of Europe’s 100 greenest cities. We know we can count on solid support to organise a successful event.
What is the main goal of the 2025 edition?
We want to foster a greater understanding of how we can live more harmoniously, reducing waste, recycling more, and increasing circularity – a crucial aspect in a world with finite resources. Besides reducing CO2 emissions, we need to preserve what we have left. The European Union is working hard to minimise waste and reduce its environmental impact. The conference aims to bring passionate people together to discuss solutions that will lead to a better world. Future generations want to see less waste, less destruction, and less resource consumption.
How important is it to involve policy makers and other stakeholders?
Circularity and waste management are strongly influenced by policies and regulations. It is essential that companies, organisations, and municipalities understand the significance of these regulations. By bringing together industry leaders, NGOs, local governments, and policy makers, we can promote joint innovation and develop workable strategies.
A cooperation that will benefit people?
The event is not designed for large companies to talk about their sustainability or waste management plans. This is not a greenwashing exercise. We want to focus on how everyone who fits into this waste management puzzle can work together and really make a difference.
What are the key themes of the 2025 edition?
In Bologna, we will be focusing on several topics. From a regulatory point of view, we will delve into policy synergies, European circular economy frameworks, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. On the technological side, we will explore how to convert waste into valuable energy, especially from organic waste and biomass.
What else?
We will discuss everlasting issues such as plastic waste and microplastics entering our food and water systems. The circular transition of the fashion industry is another hot topic, especially in Italy. Finally, we have designed tailored sessions on the role of artificial intelligence. This is a big year for AI, as everyone is wondering how it will revolutionize waste management by improving processes and efficiency.
How can the event help municipalities and local sectors achieve Zero Waste goals?
We have invited local associations and representatives to show how national and European policies translate into tangible actions at the local level. Several European green cities, including Bologna, will join in to share their successful practices. The “local” aspect is essential to us because it helps understand what municipalities are actively achieving.
What other results are you hoping to achieve from this year’s edition?
We hope to draw even more international participation, with contributions from all over the world. We want Waste Management Europe to be a platform for sharing European and global best practices. Our goal is to bring together the best minds from academia, industry, local authorities, and technological innovation. Against a complex global challenge, we have to enlist everyone’s help.
What do you want to say to those who have not decided whether to participate yet?
We believe that everyone has something to teach us, from large companies to small municipalities. Bringing together different perspectives is crucial to meet the challenge of circularity and build a more sustainable future.
This content is produced thanks to the support of sponsors
Cover: Gavin Sutcliffe