The Italian approach to the circular economy is progressing in stages. As in any competition that ends with a winner, by the end of this year we will know if our companies are capable of reaching the finish line, and how. Seize the opportunities of the first EU-branded subsidy packages, starting with the most delicate and driving sector: energy.
Thirteen companies and consortia have created the first network together with the Foundation for Sustainable Development, to be ready for the first measures announced as early as June. For now, the initiative has the characteristic of an observatory with a spirit of aggregation, but it is clear that the participation of companies such as Hera, Procter & Gamble, Angelini, Conai suggests something more. In times like these, in which national interests are massively defended, Italy has a unique opportunity to affirm the ability of a country attentive to epochal changes. In the energy-environmental field this means encouraging the transition to new sources, seeking new opportunities, reviewing production systems, investing in research.
The network brings together service companies, bioplastics producers, multi-utility companies to grow the already established 18,5 percent of raw material recycling. When the first European acts can be consulted in the coming months, Italian companies will be able to measure the challenge with the country that now faces them: Holland which, with its 26,7%, is the first in Europe. There, and beyond, the associative spirit is definitely ahead with the support of adequate policies that are starting to take their first steps here. On the contrary, let's pay attention to what the new government will be able to implement, after so many declared good intentions.
The economic value of the savings of a circular system, according to Ellen McArthur is 640 billion dollars with the possibility of creating half a million jobs in less than three decades. These are credible estimates, partly also evaluated by Confindustria which is raising awareness among its members on the circular system. However, after the sighting round, the network wants to create a prize for itself to select the start-up dynamics and show up with a more organized profile at the Ecomondo event in November. If the track is established let's hope not to see road exits, or rather that the competitors increase.
Networking is the right way