Ecomondo continues to be a key occasion for interacting with the market, listening to visitor needs and observe the sector’s evolving direction. Our team of technical and commercial experts gathered impressions and direct feedback from the meetings held at the fair: a valuable contribution, that we share to better understand existing challenges and opportunities.
Walking through the pavilions, we noticed a strong interest in digitalization and 4.0 solutions, both in the design and monitoring phases as well as in technical communication. Digitalization is advancing rapidly, outpacing the capacity of those responsible for its implementation. Many visitors spoke to us about the difficulty of managing increasingly complex technologies.
“There has been a growing interest in communication and dissemination aspects of various topics, with a stronger use of digital and computerized solutions. However, this trend is still objectively counter to the fact, reported and confirmed by multiple voices, of the limited competence and readiness to respond to the specific challenges introduced by advanced technologies (e.g., 4.0 applications). There remains a sense of uncertainty about the possibilities and future developments of environmentally oriented technologies, since producing “green” entails higher costs compared to production based on established industrial technologies.”
Alessandra Tabanelli, Deputy Chairman of the Board DSW
At our stand, attention was high, with very targeted requests: integrated services and renewed interest in filter presses, which remain a cornerstone in solutions for sludge and contaminated water. Among the needs collected at the stand, the most recurring concern: structured after-sales support with prompt technical assistance; simple and reliable solutions capable of reducing operational complexity; particular attention to the management of excavation soils and rocks, a topic made more relevant by recent regulatory updates.
“I noticed more attention on services than on machines. Today’s customer wants competence and continuity, not just a plant.”
Marco Contarini, Commercial Director, DSW
The conferences on remediation highlighted a more pessimistic scenario: limited progress, extended timelines and uncertain financing. Most national sites are waiting for financial definition, and often only preliminary interventions with TAF (groundwater treatment) are carried out. This scenario, on one hand, highlights structural delays, and on the other confirms the need for technologies and expertise that make remediation processes more effective and sustainable.
“Only 2% of remediation projects are completed. The remaining projects are still delayed due to design work, cost evaluations and lack of financing.”
Evaristo Ghirardini, Technical and Commercial Consultant, DSW
Still, despite the figures and uncertainties, Ecomondo is, above all, a place for connection. Face-to-face discussions generated ideas, contacts and opportunities that would not have arisen behind a screen. Several new interlocutors approached us not out of curiosity, but because they had a concrete problem to solve: this is the type of dialogue that confirms, we are on the right track.
“The Ecomondo fair offers the great opportunity for in-person meetings, and thus dialogue and knowledge exchange with potential new customers and suppliers, unlike today’s communication methods, increasingly inclined towards remote interaction via email or video calls. This gives us much more opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas/opinions that would hardly be possible otherwise.”
Luca Guerra, Tender Manager, DSW
We return from this edition with a clear message: the DSW brand continues to be recognized as a stable, competent and concrete presence. And in a complex and continuously evolving sector, this is an achievement worth more than any trend.
