Messina confirms itself at the centre of the debate on sustainable waste management with the second edition of "65 per cent and beyond", scheduled for 20 and 21 February 2025 in the Salone delle Bandiere of Palazzo Zanca. The event, promoted by Messinaservizi Bene Comune, is an opportunity for institutions, sector experts and national supply chain consortia to discuss the most effective strategies for achieving European recycling targets.

Mariagrazia Interdonato, President of Messinaservizi Bene Comune, highlights Messina's role as a reference model for Southern Italy: 'This year we decided to structure the event over two days, to offer a broader comparison between the protagonists of the recycling chain. Messina has shown that change is possible, and with '65 per cent and beyond' we want to continue to focus on innovation and awareness-raising to improve our results even more.

During the two days, among others, representatives of the main Italian consortia for packaging recovery and recycling, including Corepla and Comieco, will speak, emphasising the importance of synergic work between local authorities and supply chain actors to improve the environmental performance of cities.

Andrea Campelli, Corepla's Director of Communication and External Relations, highlights the value of the collaboration between institutions and consortia to spread greater awareness on plastic packaging management: "We firmly believe that teamwork is fundamental to achieve significant results and today, alongside Messinaservizi, we have the opportunity to tell these important represents. In fact, it is only through active cooperation and open dialogue that it is possible to raise awareness in the community on the importance of proper plastic packaging management and promote a real culture of environmental responsibility, certain that this joint commitment is fundamental for building a more sustainable future".

Even the representative of Comieco, the consortium that deals with the recovery and recycling of paper and cardboard packaging, emphasises the importance of a shared commitment: ''Paper and cardboard,'' says Comieco consortium deputy director Roberto Di Molfetta, ''are the protagonists of Messina's redemption in separate waste collection. With 12,000 tonnes collected by 2024 and a yield per inhabitant of 55 kg, they exceed the average for Sicily and the South. But the challenges continue with the promotion of new innovative services such as the collection of packaging from catering establishments and large apartment blocks to improve further'.

The event will be a key moment to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the sector, focusing on virtuous models and strategies to make the waste cycle more efficient and sustainable.