Taranto Circolare: circularity index at 8.5%. Here is the project report

Tondo releases in-depth analysis on the level of circularity in the city of Taranto


The Taranto Circolare project developed a detailed report of the level of circularity in the Taranto area: the data showed a circularity index of 8.5%, while the total input materials of the main sectors analyzed were estimated at approximately 16.9 million tonnes. Finally, among the energy indicators, that relating to the percentage of gross renewable energy, compared to the total energy produced, is 21.2%.


The Tondo team focused on analyzing the material and energy flows of the city, highlighting its criticalities and strengths, in order to develop project proposals that put the principles of Circular Economy into practice in the areas that show the greatest potential. These projects are then collected within the Taranto Circolare platform, a project implemented by Tondo and complementary to the analysis carried out.


In recent decades, the linear model of material extraction and consumption has caused a continuous increase in the consumption of raw materials, highlighting the need to adopt approaches that guide the transition to a circular economy. In this transition, cities play a key role, as they consume resources, transform energy and generate waste: this is not only because they are inhabited by more than half of the world’s population, but also because they are an incubator of innovation and progress and can contribute to the sustainable development of the entire territory. But cities also account for much of the consumption of natural resources and are responsible for half of global waste and high percentages of greenhouse gas emissions.


In this context, the concept of the city is linked to the need to adopt sustainable urban development practices and models. It is increasingly necessary to act on the urban context by applying the principles of Circular Economy with the aim of making cities more resilient and able to thrive economically, socially and environmentally. The Taranto Circolare report stems from an awareness of these global dynamics and aims to put the principles of circular economy into practice in the specific context of the province of Taranto.


Through the Taranto Circolare report there is the ambition to outline a detailed overview of the territory’s level of circularity, but it is also intended to provide concrete project proposals tailored to specific local challenges, thus contributing to the creation of a more sustainable territorial system.


The motivations that led to the drafting of this report are many: the main one is the awareness that Taranto, with its strengths, peculiarities and challenges, represents fertile ground for the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions. Indeed, the province of Taranto is characterized by a rich industrial history, which offers a particularly stimulating terrain for study and intervention.


With this in mind, work consists of a study of the material and energy flows of the main macro-sectors of the province of Taranto in 2020, understanding inputs, outputs, waste and emissions, and quantifying the level of circularity of the territory. This methodology thus made it possible to highlight Taranto’s criticalities and strengths, and to go on to formulate project proposals for each macro-sector that could increase the city’s level of circularity. With this objective in mind, the main opportunities identified focus on the valorization of by-products and the streamlining of related processes, leveraging innovation and collaboration between the various territorial actors.


The report is available at this address.


The results of the study will also be presented in a webinar on the 22nd of February, 2024 at 4 p.m. You can register at this link.


In addition to drafting the report, Taranto Circolare’s objective was also to develop a platform that could connect companies, projects and funding to give birth to and boost new sustainable ideas of and for the territory. The platform is available online and already hosts several active realities in Taranto: it can be found at this link.


Taranto Circolare is a project organized and promoted by Tondo, and Eni is the project’s main partner. The scientific partners are the University of Bari and the Politecnico of Bari. The project was realized with the support of PON Culture and Development, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Municipality of Taranto. Tondo obtained a non-repayable grant from the Banca d’Italia. In addition, the project obtained the patronage of Confindustria Taranto and Confapi Industria Taranto.

Francesco Castellano

Francesco Castellano is a seasoned business leader and strategist with over 20 years of experience spanning research, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. He has held impactful roles, including serving as a consultant at Bain & Company, launching Uber operations in Turin, and working as Managing Director of a Swiss start-up.In recent years, Francesco Castellano founded Tondo, a hub of... Read more

Francesco Castellano is a seasoned business leader and strategist with over 20 years of experience spanning research, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. He has held impactful roles, including serving as a consultant at Bain & Company, launching Uber operations in Turin, and working as Managing Director of a Swiss start-up.

In recent years, Francesco Castellano founded Tondo, a hub of organizations dedicated to promoting Circular Economy approaches and supporting companies in transitioning to sustainable and circular practices. He is also the ideator and coordinator of the Re-think Circular Economy Forum, a high-profile event held across Italy to showcase innovative Circular Economy solutions.

Francesco Castellano collaborates with European institutions, serving as an expert for the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative and mentoring startups in the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s (EIT) New European Bauhaus Booster Program. Through these roles, he actively supports the development and scaling of circular economy ventures across Europe.

He is also a sought-after speaker and lecturer, sharing his expertise on Circular Economy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at universities and international events. Francesco holds executive education certificates from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard, and the University of Virginia, further solidifying his credentials in strategy, sustainability, and innovation.

Fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, Francesco Castellano combines his diverse skill set with a passion for Circular Economy, Cleantech Innovations, and Entrepreneurship. His strong background in Corporate Strategy, Sustainability, Innovation Development, and Finance enables him to drive impactful change in every initiative he undertakes.

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