The current context of recycling in Italy
The recycling industry in Italy stands out as an excellence at European level, contributing significantly to the circular economy and environmental sustainability. However, since 2020, there has been a contraction in the circular use of materials, a phenomenon that raises concerns for the future of the sector. According to the report “Italy that Recycles 2024”, prepared by Ref for Assoambiente, the pandemic had a negative impact on the transition to a circular economy, despite the fact that Italy remains among the leaders
of the European Union.
In 2022, the circularity rate of materials in Italy reached 18.7%, exceeding the European average of 11.5%. However, the signs of a slowdown are already evident, with an increase in the consumption of virgin raw materials at the expense of recycled materials, aggravating the environmental impact
of Italian production.
The challenges to be faced
An emblematic fact is the increase in the material footprint, which in 2023 reached an average of 11.1 tons for every Italian. Compared to 2019, the material footprint of the Italian economy grew by 5.5%, while in Europe there was a reduction of 6.3%. This highlights Italy’s inability to decouple economic growth from environmental impacts, a crucial objective
for sustainable development.
In addition, the share of GDP allocated to the circular economy stands at 0.7%, lower than the European average and that of other large countries. This slowdown is also reflected on the employment front, with a loss of more than 30 thousand jobs in the recycling sector since 2020, the only decline among the main
EU economies.
Proposals for a sustainable future
To meet these challenges, a change of course is needed. The call for the adoption of a ‘2030 Agenda for Recycling’ is fundamental. This agenda proposes to harmonize legal discipline and bureaucratic procedures between different EU countries, in order to strengthen the single market for recycled goods. The implementation of effective EU regulations for strategic supply chains, such as plastics, paper, metals and rare earths, is desirable
.
In conclusion, the recycling industry in Italy has the potential to continue to thrive, but it is essential that targeted interventions and significant investments are implemented to ensure a sustainable and competitive future. Only through a collective commitment between institutions and operators in the sector will it be possible to reverse the current trend and promote a truly effective circular economy
.