The event for everyone involved in the Ecological Transition, Pollutec, the international show organised by RX France and held from 12 to 15 October at Lyon Eurexpo, reopened its doors to the public and ushered in a new era of success.
Despite ongoing challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic, over the four days of the show Pollutec 2021 recorded visits by over 46,000 professionals (of which 12% international), keen to meet the 2,000 show exhibitors (of which 28% international).
Digital Pollutec delivered on its promises
In addition to on-site participation, the digital format also delivered on its promises, allowing anyone, anywhere to take part in the event. The “Green Days” business meetings held on-site and remotely brought together 950 participants across 57 countries, with 1,090 one-to-one business meetings taking place.
In addition, 415 conferences were organised in the themed forums and villages (water, waste, energy, circular economy etc.). No fewer than 31 international conferences were broadcast live. This included the entire programme from the Plenary stage, with simultaneous interpretation into English available, the Africa Forum and the Sea and Coastline Forum.
These conferences were enjoyed by 2,900 participants. 99% of this audience came from an influx of people who had not attended previous Pollutec editions. Replays are available on the new Pollutec Learn & Connect information platform.
Major new features at 2021 edition
New activity and experience areas were among the major new features at this 2021 edition.
- One was the Water Hub, an immersive area covering 215 m2 bringing together 22 innovative solutions addressing the small water cycle,
- Then there was the “Plasticised seas and oceans” exhibition from Expédition Med. This thought-provoking exhibition aimed to show how each and every day, our waste is gradually transformed into a gigantic ocean soup of plastic,
- A third was the Gaïatica Escape Game designed to raise everyone’s awareness of how
their own decisions impact on climate disruption.
Through these activities, exhibitors and professionals were able to discover, share and discuss good practices and innovative solutions to address the current global environmental challenges.
Official opening of the Pollutec Sea & Coastline show
Another highlight from this 2021 edition: the official opening of the Pollutec Sea & Coastline show in the presence of sponsor Raphaëla le Gouvello, the world-famous windsurfer and founder of the RespectOcean association, along with other high-profile figures including Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Ambassador for the Poles and Maritime issues at the French Ministry for Europe & Foreign Affairs, Denis Lacroix, senior prospectivist at Ifremer and Arnaud Leroy, President of ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition).
Innovation awards recognised strong market potential
Co-organised by Pollutec and Pexe – the French Cleantech Network – the Pollutec Innovation Awards recognise exhibitor innovations with strong market potential. Of the twenty shortlisted by the pre-selection jury ahead of the show, the three winners were all start-ups working in material recycling: WeeeCycling (copper), Cycl-Add (plastics) and Circular Materials Srl (heavy or precious metals). The new venture Sakowin Green Energy which produces both hydrogen and recyclable carbon, also received a special jury award.
More information on Pollutec 2021 can be found online. If you’re interested you can also watch the sessions on demand. A highlight video of the fair in Lyon was uploaded on Youtube as well.
