Italy China Circular Economy Forum 2026: green tech, low carbon steel and hydrogen cooperation

The Italy China Circular Economy Forum, held in Shanghai in June 2026, brought together Italian and Chinese companies to discuss low carbon technologies for steel, textile recycling, industrial wastewater treatment, and green hydrogen. Italian firms like Danieli presented electric arc furnace technology for steel decarbonization, while Igers showcased textile fiber recovery and Iride Acque demonstrated nanotech water treatment from spent batteries. A key highlight was the visit to Jiading Hydrogen Park, a cluster of over 60 hydrogen companies. Green hydrogen in China now costs around 25 yuan per kilogram after subsidies, nearing competitiveness with grey hydrogen. The forum reflects growing commercial ties between Italy and China in circular economy and emissions reduction, though questions remain about scaling hydrogen mobility versus battery electric vehicles.