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EUROPEAN COMPOST NETWORK
ECN e.V.
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Network for Organic Resources and Biological Treatment
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ECN E-BULLETIN No. 9_2026
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Announcement I CORE Final Event I 21-22 October 2026
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CORE Final Event: Three Years of Cooperation, Learning and Results
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Although the Composting in Rural Environments (CORE) project will officially continue until early 2027, its Final Event will take place on 21–22 October 2026 in Almagro and Bolaños de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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The event will bring together project partners and experts to reflect on the project’s achievements, share experiences and discuss the future of bio-waste management.
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The programme will start with a presentation by RSUSA, the CORE Lead Partner, looking back at the project’s history, cooperation and key results. An interactive workshop led by Ramón Plana, Conusltant on Organic waste Management, will then explore the knowledge and practices transferred between partner territories, lessons learned and opportunities for replication.
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A further session will focus on future challenges in bio-waste management, including the transition towards resource recovery and the role of organic matter in strengthening rural areas and local communities. Contributions from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of Spain (MITECO) and the European Compost Network (ECN) will provide national and European perspectives, followed by a discussion with the audience.
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The programme will also include two study visits, offering practical insights into the topics addressed during the project.
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The Final Event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the results of three years of cooperation while looking ahead to the future of bio-waste management beyond CORE.
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The last event of the meeting will be broadcast on the YouTube channels of ECN, Composta en Red and ANEPMA networks (further information coming soon).
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Further Info about Interreg CORE: LINK.
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Interreg Europe CORE – Pilot Action Bolzano
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3rd pilot action meeting with study visit on post-composting trials
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From 27 to 28 August the 3rd CORE pilot action of the Agency for Environment and Climate of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano South Tyrol (EPA APBST) place.
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Advisory partners from Vlaco vzw (BE) and ECN, the contracted researcher from Institute for Circular Economy of BOKU Vienna, the operators from REM-TEC and ECO Center Spa and the pilot action responsibles from the waste management office of EPA APBST discussed the results of the 2nd trial of post-composting residues from the fruit and brewery industries with the digestate from the bio-waste separately collected in the region of Bolzano. The aim of this pilot action is to treat the local bio-waste and similar residues from agriculture and fruit and beverage production biologically and to produce high quality compost which can be use organic soil improver and organic fertiliser locally.
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In a first session the results of the measurements on the composting site (emissions, odours) and of the compost samples, which are taken regularly, were discussed. A visit of the composting site at REM-TEC followed in the afternoon. On the second day further developments on supporting and improving the use of the bio-waste-recycled products in South Tyrol were discussed within the project group together with the representative of Focus Group ‘Compost & Agriculture’ of the South Tyrolean Farmer’s association.
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The CORE pilot action of Bolzano is coming to an end and the results from the two trials on post-composting digestate with different plant-based fractions are promising. Considerations are undertaken to build up a post-composting plant and to implement quality assurance as a guiding principal in this region.
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The pilot action is co-founded under the Interreg project ‘Composting in rural environments’ by the European Union.
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Farmers' Association of South Tyrol – Focus Group ‘Compost & Agriculture’
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ECN joint training course on quality compost for farmers
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On 26 August, ECN’s Executive Director, Dr Stefanie Siebert, attended the ‘Biomass, Quality and Compost’ training course organised by the Focus Group ‘Compost & Agriculture’ of the Farmers' Association of South Tyrol.
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This event aimed to provide participants with an understanding of how to recognise good compost, the important quality characteristics, how to ensure compost quality, and how to recycle organic waste materials sustainably. The training course on compost quality took place at the Katzental composting plant.
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Stefanie Siebert, who is as well the Quality Manager of the European Quality Assurance Scheme for Compost and Digestate (ECN-QAS), presented the criteria that should be taken into account when assessing the quality of compost, how quality assurance facilitates the use of compost, and how soil health can be improved using compost. The presentation and the ECN fact sheets on compost for healthy soils are available on our website.
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Finally, participants visited the Leisenhof pilot thermal energy plant in Sallegg, where plant-based materials are used to generate heat and produce compost-like materials for use as soil improvers in the vineries.
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New ECN Communication Officer
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ECN team welcomes Mike Stinavage as new Project Communication Officer
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ECN is pleased to welcome Mike Stinavage to the team as our new Project Communication Officer for the COMPERF4EU project.
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Originally from Michigan, Mike is a coordinator and researcher specialising in organic waste management, the circular economy and federalism. He brings experience from both US and EU environmental programmes, including the NYC Compost Project and the EU-funded LIFE BIOBEST project.
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In his new role, Mike will support communication and outreach activities within COMPERF4EU and contribute his expertise to strengthening the exchange of knowledge and experience across Europe.
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Welcome to the ECN team, Mike!
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Strengthening Collaboration Across the ECN Team
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On 14–15 September, the ECN team came together for a two-day staff meeting in Bochum to exchange updates on current activities, discuss ongoing work and strengthen collaboration across the team.
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A key focus of the meeting was ECN’s core work in policy and quality assurance, which continues to be at the heart of the organisation’s activities.
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The team also reviewed the progress of ECN’s ongoing projects and shared updates on the latest developments, achievements and upcoming tasks.
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Current projects discussed included CORE, BRIT, FertiCovery and COMPERF4EU. The meeting also provided an opportunity to welcome Mike Stinavage, ECN’s new Project Communication Officer for COMPERF4EU, who joined the team for the first time.
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The staff meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, align on priorities and strengthen teamwork as ECN continues its work across Europe.
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Empowering Consumer Protection Directive
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New rules on environmental claims and sustainability labels have started to be applicable
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The new rules introduced by the Empowering Consumer Protection Directive to address commercial practices that mislead consumers are applicable from 27 September 2026.
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The Empowering Consumer Protection Directive was published in March 2024. It amended two existing consumer law Directives, the Consumer Rights Directive and the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. It was to be supplemented by a Directive on Green Claims, which was intended to introduce more specific requirements regarding environmental claims, but this was never adopted.
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The Directive introduced new rules to address commercial practices that mislead consumers and prevent them from making sustainable consumption choices, notably misleading environmental claims. From 27 September 2026, traders need to ensure that their environmental claims and sustainability labels in a business-to-consumer context comply with the new provisions, including for existing products.
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The Directive provides a list of new unfair commercial practices to be prohibited:
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- The making of generic environmental claims such as ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’, ‘ecological’, ‘biodegradable’ when recognised excellent environmental performance cannot be demonstrated (e.g., compliance with EU Ecolabel or with other applicable Union laws).
- The making of an environmental claim about the entire product or the trader’s entire business when it concerns only a certain aspect of the product or a specific activity of the trader’s business.
- The displaying of sustainability label that is not based on a certification scheme or not established by public authorities.
- The making of claims that a product has a neutral, reduced or positive impact on the environment in terms of GHG emissions, based on the offsetting of GHG.
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In addition, the Directive establishes, via an implementing regulation 2025/1960, a harmonised notice to inform consumers about the 2 years legal guarantee of conformity and a harmonised label for the voluntary commercial guarantee of durability (>2 years).
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The Commission issued in June 2026 an FAQ document which gives more details on how the Directive will be applied.
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EU Commission | Revision of the Public Procurement Directives
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Publication of the Commission’s proposal to revise public procurement rules
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The Commission published on 9 September its proposal for a Public Procurement Act.
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The aim of the revision is to modernise and simplify the EU's public procurement framework to support effective investments in public services and infrastructure in line with the Union's policy objectives.
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The proposal includes provisions on Green Public Procurement. First, it gives the possibility to public buyers to establish specifications, selection criteria, award criteria or conditions for the performance of contracts that, in line with the objective of a high level of environmental protection, promote circularity and resource efficiency throughout the life-cycle of works, products and services. Such requirements or criteria may, where appropriate, relate to upgradeability, remanufacturing recycled content, the use of secondary raw materials etc. (Article 51). This measure is not mandatory. However, the Commission also proposes to create a framework for mandatory green procurement requirements for certain product categories where divergent application of requirement risks creating market fragmentation (Article 54). This applies to products referred to in the Union legal acts listed in Annex VII (e.g., Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Requirements Regulation, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation).
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A consultation on this proposal is open until 19 November 2026: link.
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Public consultation | Deadline: 4 November 2026
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Call for evidence for an impact assessment on new VAT rules
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A consultation opened on revising VAT rules to better support the circular economy.
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The aim of the consultation is to improve the existing VAT framework in order to ensure that economic activities which relate to the circular economy are supported, notable via VAT deductions. The future proposal should complement the forthcoming Circular Economy Act. The Commission identified three priority areas for action: second-hand/remanufactured goods (focusing only on reuse and repair), donation of goods and passenger cars.
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The consultation is open until 4 November: link.
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Soils for Europe Conference | ECN presentation on the long-term benefits of compost
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Conference in Coimbra, Portugal, 7–11 September 2026
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The European Compost Network (ECN) participated in the Soils for Europe Conference in Coimbra, bringing together around 500 researchers, policymakers, land managers and other stakeholders working on soil health.
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ECN Project Officer for Agriculture Olivier Labrie presented ECN’s work on the long-term agronomic and economic benefits of repeated compost application, including its contribution to soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, fertiliser replacement and farm economics. The ECN's presentation 'Quantifying the Long-Term Agronomic and Economic Benefits of Compost' can be downloaded here: LINK
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The talk was attended by more than 100 participants and generated interest in ECN’s evidence, models and Fact Sheets, as well as in research on the effects of long-term compost application.
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Joint TG Biowaste Management & TG Compostable Materials I 13 October 2026
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Update on national PPWR implementation and introduction to COMPERF4EU project
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The meeting will include an exchange on updating each other on the current implementation status of the PPWR Article 9 in the EU member states. In addition, the Austrian Compost & Biogas Association will discuss their position paper on the implementation. In addition, the EU HORIZON COMPERF4EU project will be presented, in which the ECN is actively involved.
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The COMPERF4EU project – Optimising Biowaste Composting Plant Performance for a Circular and Safe Bioeconomy Across Europe – has started this September. Funded by the European Commission under the HORIZON EUROPE programme, the project will last 2 years and a half.
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Call for participation in ECN Task Groups
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Active participation in ECN Task Groups gives members the opportunity to exchange expertise, contribute to ECN positions and activities, and help shape the future framework conditions for biowaste, compost and digestate within the European bioeconomy. Task Group members can also propose and initiate meetings on specific topics of interest to them and bring relevant issues into the group for discussion.
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ECN currently has the following active Task Groups:
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- TG Biowaste Management
- TG Compostable Materials
- TG Fertilisation
- TG Soil Organic Matter
- TG Quality Assurance
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Each ECN member organisation may nominate one representative per Task Group.
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Registration is possible at any time. ECN members interested in participating in a Task Group are invited to send an email to info@compostnetwork.info with the subject line:
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“Registration – ECN Task Group [Task Group name]”
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FertiCovery Online Workshop I 27 October 2026 I 9:10-11:00 CET
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Fertilising Products from Secondary Raw Materials: From Evidence to Practice
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FertiCovery will host an online workshop exploring how fertilising products from secondary raw materials can move from promising research results towards safe and practical use. The workshop will connect evidence on product composition, safety, environmental impacts and plant response with the needs of farmers, fertiliser companies, researchers and policymakers.
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The programme will include presentations from the FertiCovery research team, an interactive session on evidence and policy needs, and a final discussion on developing practical guidelines and recommendations. Particular attention will be given to strengthening cooperation between secondary raw material holders, researchers and fertiliser manufacturers.
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ECOMONDO, Rimini (Italy), 3–6 November 2026
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ECN’s Policy Officer Aline Granjard attending Ecomondo
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This year, ECN will be joining the Italian Composting and Biogas Association (CIC) at their stand at ECOMONDO, the leading international event in the green and circular economy sectors.
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This is a unique opportunity to meet companies, institutions, researchers and stakeholders, share experiences, and discuss the innovations, challenges and opportunities driving the ecological transition.
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Our Policy Officer, Aline Granjard, will present an update on European policy at the CIC Annual Conference on 4 November. ECN will also be displaying a poster at CIC’s booth showing how compost improves soil health.
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Location: Booth 206-307 – Hall D3.
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Registration open I 9-11 November 2026
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ISWA World Congress 2026
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The ISWA World Congress 2026, hosted by CIWM in partnership with ISWA, is dedicated to showcasing global best practices in resource and waste management.
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Join ISWA in highlighting the critical role of effective systems in protecting health, the environment and economies, promoting circular economy principles, and strengthening international collaboration to help move the world beyond waste.
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More information here: LINK
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18. Bad Hersfelder Biomasseforum | Neue Perspektiven der Biomassenutzung
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Conference on biomass use in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, 10 & 11 November 2026
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The ECN will participate in this year’s event with a presentation titled “Progress of biowaste collection in Europe – Current Status and Challenges”, including recent policy amendments relevant to collection and the results of the BRIT-EU project. The conference hosted by the Witzenhausen Institut includes as well presentation by ECN members Fachverband Biogas and Bundesgütegemeinschaft Kompost.
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Registration is still open and can be accessed here: Link
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Registration open I 11-12 November 2026
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3rd Austrian Compost Congress
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The Austrian Compost and Biogas Association is organizing the 3rd Austrian Compost Congress from November 11th to 12th, 2026, at the Francisco Josephinum in Wieselburg.
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This year, you can once again expect interesting lectures and discussions. Well-known exhibitors from the composting sector will be present! 250 visitors are expected.
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Key topics of the event will include:
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- What are the latest developments in laws and standards in the composting sector?
- What are the key issues in the industry?
- Compost vs. composted soils vs. growing media
- What is the value of compost? (Practical reports)
- Technology presentations
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On the second day (12/11) the session “What Is Compost Worth?” will kick things off—featuring, among others, Angelika Lübke-Hildebrandt from URS Landmanagement, Manuel Böhm, Eng., from the HUMUS Movement, Gabriele Höfler, MSt.In., from LINI Landlabor, Dr. Stefanie Siebert from ECN, and Dr. Johannes Pulsfort from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien).
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Join us and register here. Further information can be found at: LINK
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To receive the latest information follow the new announcements of KBVÖ on LinkedIn.
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2nd European Bioeconomy Conference
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Shaping the future of Europe’s Bioeconomy
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The 2nd European Bioeconomy Conference will take place in Brussels on 19 November 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and key stakeholders to discuss how Europe can unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy.
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Building on the success of last year’s inaugural edition, the conference will explore key topics including bioresource supply chains, investment, competitiveness, trade and circularity, with a particular focus on sectors such as agriculture and food, bioenergy and paper for recycling.
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The programme will combine high-level panels, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, creating space for exchange and discussion on practical pathways for Europe’s bio-based future.
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Places are limited and registration is subject to an application process.
Further information: LINK
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HumusKlimaTag I 24-25 November 2026 Berlin
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Across Germany: Exploring Ways to Increase Humus in Arable Soils
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The HumusKlimaNetz is a pilot and demonstration project to investigate the possibility of increasing humus content in arable soils. The project is being conducted on 150 farms across Germany, half of which are organic and half conventional. The main objective is to evaluate long-term measures for the preservation and buildup of humus. With the aim of implementing these measures on a broad scale by the end of 2027.
More information: Link
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S.O.S Save Organics in Soil
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This international initiative S.O.S. SOIL – Save Organics in Soil, led by the European Compost Network (ECN) and the Italian Composting and Biogas Association (CIC), aims to highlight the importance of soil organic matter to encourage policy makers to develop instruments to move Europe towards implementing sustainable, climate proof soil management practices.
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Sign the manifesto 'Save Organigs in Soil' here.
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ECN-QAS Trade Mark No 011007168
Trade mark for certified quality assurance
organisations, compost and digestate products
according to ECN-QAS
Website: www.ecn-qas.eu
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