More than 1,800 exhibiting brands, 1,300 international buyers and delegation participants, and over 10,000 business meetings – ECOMONDO 2026 concluded in Rimini on 6 November with impressive results. This year, the Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises (HAEE/KSZGYSZ) brought its largest-ever professional delegation to one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for environmental technologies and the circular economy. Hungarian companies participated as hosted buyers, exhibitors and professional visitors, strengthening their international business networks and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
ECOMONDO Continues to Expand Its International Reach
Held from 3–6 November, the 29th edition of ECOMONDO once again brought together key players in the green economy, water management and circular economy sectors. Organised by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the event covered 171,000 square metres and featured more than 1,800 exhibiting brands, 21% of which came from outside Italy.
International attendance increased by 14% compared to the previous edition. With the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the organisers welcomed 1,300 international buyers and delegation participants, facilitating direct business connections across markets.
One of this year’s key messages was clear: circularity and resource efficiency are no longer simply environmental objectives – they are increasingly essential to industrial competitiveness, resource security and economic resilience.
Three Ways to Participate, One Shared Goal: International Business Opportunities
Through its cooperation with the Italian Exhibition Group, HAEE once again supported Hungarian environmental companies in expanding their international presence. Together with the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) and the professional community of HOSZ, the Association mobilised its largest delegation to date.
Eight Hungarian companies participated in the Hosted Buyer Programme: Waterscope Zrt., HWD Kft., Palota Kft., Fermentia Kft., Kristály Kft., Geogold-Kárpátia Kft., Ladó-Rec. Kft. and Pureco Kft.
Supported by the Italian Trade Agency, the programme offered participants pre-arranged B2B meetings with exhibitors, potential technology suppliers and future business partners. This format provides valuable opportunities to explore new markets, identify innovative solutions and lay the foundations for long-term commercial partnerships.
The trade visitor delegation included representatives of the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP), Kristály Kft., BDL and Palota Kft. The group explored emerging technologies and market developments, particularly in water management and environmental solutions, while exchanging knowledge and building professional connections.
Austin AI Europe represented Hungarian innovation as an exhibitor. The company’s laser-based sorting technology, using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), enables highly accurate separation of aluminium alloys, supporting the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials and higher-value recycling.
Technology, Business Connections and International Cooperation
ECOMONDO’s unique value lies in bringing technology developers, manufacturers, industrial users, investors and policymakers together under one roof. For the Hungarian delegation, waste management, material recovery, water and wastewater treatment, and innovative environmental technologies were among the key areas of interest. The event provided a valuable platform for exploring practical solutions, identifying market trends and engaging directly with international industry players.
Stronger Together on the International Stage
ECOMONDO 2026 once again demonstrated the added value of presenting Hungarian environmental expertise through a coordinated professional delegation. Beyond individual business opportunities, this collective presence helped increase the visibility of Hungarian technologies, expertise and innovation in the international marketplace.
One of HAEE’s key international priorities is to turn these connections into lasting professional partnerships and tangible business opportunities for its member companies.
We would like to thank all participating companies and professional partners for their active involvement, the Italian Exhibition Group and the Italian Trade Agency for their support, and Italy Expo for coordinating the Hungarian delegation’s participation.