Italy has once again confirmed its role as one of Europe’s strongest circular economy performers, combining high recycling rates, efficient use of resources, and a manufacturing system increasingly focused on reducing waste.
The 2026 Circular Economy Network report shows a country that remains first among major EU economies in several key indicators – but also one that must reduce its dependence on imported raw materials. In 2024, Italy reached a circular material use rate of 21.6%, far above the EU average of 12.2%.
