SOWISE+ was highlighted at Ecomondo 2026, the international exhibition dedicated to green technologies and the circular economy, held from 3 to 6 November 2026 in Rimini, Italy. The event brought together companies, researchers, institutions and industry representatives to exchange knowledge, showcase innovative technologies and explore opportunities for collaboration towards a more sustainable and circular economy.
Connecting SOWISE+ with the European bioeconomy community
During Ecomondo 2026, SOWISE+ was highlighted through the participation of its Project Coordinator, Contarina S.p.A., bringing the project's innovative approach to urban waste valorisation into discussions with the wider circular economy community.
Novamont, another key partner of the SOWISE+ consortium, was also present at the event, providing an opportunity to highlight connections with other European projects and initiatives working on sustainable materials and circular bio-based value chains.
These exchanges are particularly relevant for SOWISE+, as collaboration between research organisations, technology providers, waste management operators and industry is essential for advancing innovative solutions towards industrial implementation.
From urban waste to valuable bio-based materials
SOWISE+ brings together 25 organisations from nine European countries to demonstrate a first-of-its-kind multipurpose biorefinery in Italy.
The project aims to transform two challenging urban waste streams into valuable resources: -Urban biowaste will be converted into PHBV, a bio-based and biodegradable polymer. -Post-consumer absorbent hygiene products, including used diapers, will be processed to recover and upgrade high-quality cellulose.
These materials will support the development of new bio-based products for applications in packaging, agriculture, construction, 3D printing and other industrial sectors.
Within the consortium, Contarina coordinates the project and hosts the flagship biorefinery, while Novamont contributes its expertise in the development of innovative PHBV-based material formulations and their potential applications.
Strengthening synergies and future collaboration
Ecomondo provided a valuable opportunity to increase the visibility of SOWISE+ and highlight its connections with other European research and innovation initiatives.
By encouraging knowledge exchange and identifying potential synergies between projects, such events help strengthen the European circular bioeconomy ecosystem and support the wider adoption of sustainable technologies.
The participation of Contarina and Novamont reflects the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain, from waste collection and treatment to material development and industrial applications.
As SOWISE+ progresses, these connections will remain important for sharing expertise, exploring new opportunities and supporting the transition from urban waste to sustainable bio-based products.
