Erion Network - Erion Essere Sostenibili

The Erion System operates within a broad and complex network of stakeholders, including Producer members, Italian and European institutions, coordination centres, associations, universities, research centres, the media, distributors, local authorities, waste collection companies, suppliers, and citizens and consumers. Engaging in dialogue with these partners is crucial to supporting the evolution of the sector, maintaining high-quality standards, and identifying effective responses to emerging needs. Ongoing dialogue enables the System to oversee processes more effectively, recognise changes, and make more informed operational and strategic decisions.

This approach was further strengthened in 2025. The role of institutional and sectoral stakeholders remains central, particularly in areas where the regulatory framework directly affects the Collective Schemes’ operations. However, the relationship with stakeholders has increasingly taken the form of concrete oversight of processes that can link the needs of Producers with those of the entire operational chain.

The stakeholder categories that Erion engages with are illustrated below.

Research and Innovation

Innovation is a core value within the Erion System, driving continuous process improvement and service evolution in support of EPR systems. This commitment takes shape through two complementary channels: (i) conducting studies and research initiatives promoted by ECO and the individual Collective Schemes within the System, aimed at analysing operational issues relevant to day-to-day activities, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the effectiveness of actions undertaken and supporting informed decision-making; and (ii) participating in research and innovation projects funded by the European Commission, which promote international cooperation and knowledge transfer, and keep us up to date with emerging technologies and solutions in the recycling sector.

Numerous studies and research projects were carried out for the Erion system in 2025. While some were conducted to enhance the body of knowledge on strategic issues for the benefit of its Members, other initiatives had a public dimension, such as the following:

assessment of the risk of fires caused by batteries in treatment facilities

In 2025, Erion Energy and Erion WEEE developed a structured programme to prevent and analyse fire risks in facilities treating WEEE and Waste Batteries (WB), paying particular attention to the risks posed by lithium batteries. The initiative has been launched in response to the growing number of recorded fire incidents in the sector, and it is one of the operational procedures used to select and qualify waste treatment service providers;

sampling campaign for unsorted municipal waste

The study, ‘Untapped potential in unsorted waste’ – conducted by Erion, with operational support from the Institute for Wood Plants and the Environment (IPLA), and with methodological consultancy from Politecnico di Milano – was presented at E-Waste Day 2025. It provides a detailed overview of the valuable materials that are still present in residual municipal waste. The study highlights the potential for improving the effectiveness of separate waste collection and, consequently, the circularity of EPR systems.

The following diagram illustrates the funded projects in which Erion is involved, organized across the different phases of the product life cycle.

Erion's circular culture communication

In 2025, communication remained an essential tool for Erion when it came to engaging with stakeholders, institutions, the media, Producers, and the public. The System continued to highlight the Collective Schemes’ achievements, disseminate awareness-raising content and strengthen its position on issues relating to Extended Producer Responsibility, sustainability and the circular economy, using a comprehensive ecosystem of digital channels, press office activities, newsletters and events. In 2025, Erion organized its communication strategy across a range of complementary channels.

To achieve these objectives, Erion has activated several complementary communication channels, ranging from traditional media to digital platforms (web and social), as well as events.

WEB SITES

SOCIAL NETWORK

NEWSLETTER, ERIONAIR AND ECONOMIACIRCOLARE.COM

The ErioNews newsletter continued to fulfil its role of keeping the System’s stakeholders updated. Overall, over the course of 2025, ErioNews was viewed a total of 14,663 times in 2025, which was a 2% increase on 2024, and received 1,806 clicks. In 2025, Erion supplemented the newsletter with EriOnAir, the System’s web radio station, providing a new tool for direct communication and content dissemination.

Produced by the CDCA (Documentation Centre on Environmental Conflicts) and supported by Erion, EconomiaCircolare.com is an online magazine with a specific focus that sets it apart from the other channels. It is dedicated to constructive journalism and in-depth analysis of sustainability and the circular economy. In 2025, the magazine received 834,000 views from 434,903 users and gained 9,593 subscribers to its newsletter.

PRESS OFFICE

In 2025, there was a significant evolution in the positioning and continuity of media relations activities. Erion recorded 3,785 press mentions in 54 press releases, which is a 15% increase on the 3,286 mentions recorded the previous year. This important development establishes the System as a key reference point for the topics covered.

EVENTS

In 2025, events remained an important means through which Erion could engage directly with its stakeholders, including institutions and Members, as well as the public. These events complemented the use of digital and traditional media in spreading the System’s messages. A total of 436 people* attended the five events held in Rome, Milan and Rimini throughout the year. Key events included the: Open Day at Erion’s Milan offices on 4 April; ‘Art for a sustainable future’ at Milan’s Chiostri di San Barnaba on 21 May; ‘Forum on circular models for growth’ at Rome’s Hotel Nazionale on 10 June; and an event dedicated to unsorted waste and the role of communication in changing behaviour at Rome’s Ara Pacis Museum on 14 October. In addition, Erion participated in Ecomondo 2025, setting up a System stand designed to showcase the synergies between the Collective Schemes. This was accompanied by dedicated events and networking sessions, generating over 1,600 views on LinkedIn.

Research and Innovation

Erion's circular culture communication

WEB SITES

SOCIAL NETWORK

NEWSLETTER, ERIONAIR AND ECONOMIACIRCOLARE.COM

PRESS OFFICE

EVENTS

* This total does not include the number of visitors to the Erion System stand at Ecomondo 2025

Social

Web sites

Press

Newsletter

About

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Erion sites

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