Water is increasingly becoming the most transversal sector of the green economy — a crucial resource that embodies the urgency of circular management and sustainable innovation. At Ecomondo 2025, organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the Water Cycle and Blue Economy supply chain will stand out as one of the most dynamic areas of the entire exhibition ecosystem. With more than 320 companies participating, six thematic halls, two specialized districts and four conference areas, the sector will present cutting-edge solutions for innovation, digitalization, and water sustainability.

According to IEG’s latest figures, the sector continues to grow steadily, with a 25% increase in exhibitors compared to 2024. The exhibition area, located in the eastern wing of the Rimini Expo Centre, will host major global players including Veolia, Suez, Saint-Gobain PAM, Acciona, Aquanexa, Watertech, Vogelsang, Huber, Grundfos, Wilo, and Xylem.

International Partnerships and Strategic Dialogue

Ecomondo’s Water Cycle and Blue Economy hub continues to consolidate its international dimension through collaborations with Water Reuse Europe and Water Europe, two of the continent’s leading networks for integrated water management and reuse. This synergy between institutions, research centers, and industry players aims to promote a multilevel dialogue on the most pressing water challenges: resource scarcity, water quality, climate adaptation, and energy efficiency across treatment and distribution systems.

The upcoming edition will also emphasize the role of European and Mediterranean cooperation in building resilient, low-carbon water infrastructures. Within the context of the European Green Deal and the new Water Resilience Strategy, the exhibition will serve as a platform to share replicable models for managing hydrological risks and improving ecosystem services.

A Structure Designed for Integration

The layout of Ecomondo 2025 mirrors the complexity and interconnection of the global water system. The six thematic halls will cover the entire integrated water cycle — from collection to purification, reuse, and distribution — offering a full overview of the latest advancements in process automation, smart sensors, and real-time monitoring infrastructure.

Two thematic districts will play a central role. The Trenchless District, organized in collaboration with the Italian Association of Trenchless Technologies, will focus on no-dig solutions for pipeline installation and maintenance, technologies that minimize environmental impact and urban disruption. The Blue Economy District will gather companies and projects devoted to the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, bridging the gap between economic development and ecosystem protection.

This integrated setup reflects the ongoing shift from traditional linear models to a holistic, circular approach where water, energy, and biodiversity are managed as interconnected systems.

Innovation and Knowledge at the Core

The four dedicated arenas within the water and blue economy pavilions will host a dense program of conferences, workshops, and presentations throughout the event. Experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs will discuss the evolution of European and Mediterranean initiatives focused on water efficiency, reuse, and climate resilience.

Key themes include the deployment of nature-based solutions, the use of digital twins and cyber-physical systems for predictive monitoring, and the integration of artificial intelligence to optimize treatment and recovery processes. These discussions will highlight how innovation can transform the water sector into a driver of environmental regeneration and industrial competitiveness.

By connecting technology providers, public institutions, and research bodies, Ecomondo 2025 confirms itself as Europe’s leading platform for advancing the Water Cycle and Blue Economy — a space where sustainability moves from concept to measurable impact.

 

Cover: photo by Envato