Progetto Fuoco strengthens its leadership in innovation across the wood-energy value chain
The initiative will officially launch with the upcoming events: Progetto Fuoco Poland, taking place in Poznań from 26–29 January 2027, followed by Progetto Fuoco 2028, scheduled at Veronafiere in Verona from 23–26 February 2028.
The strategic alliance in the bioenergy and forestry mechanization sectors is set to grow stronger thanks to an important cooperation agreement signed by Veronafiere and ITABIA (Italian Biomass Association). The partnership creates a new synergy aimed at developing an integrated calendar of events dedicated to the wood-energy value chain, providing companies with coordinated long-term planning and tangible support in accessing international markets.
Through this partnership, Veronafiere and ITABIA will align their flagship events, held in alternating years in Italy and abroad: Progetto Fuoco, organized by Veronafiere and the world’s leading trade fair for biomass heating and wood energy, and FUTA Expo, the biennial event organized by ITABIA in Barberino di Mugello, dedicated to machinery, equipment and technological solutions supporting the wood bioeconomy and the active management of forest resources.
The collaboration will take shape immediately through the sector’s next two major events. The first milestone will be Progetto Fuoco Poland, taking place from 26-29 January 2027 within BUDMA in Poznań. This event will provide exhibitors with access to the dynamic Central and Northern European market, reaching more than 26,000 trade professionals from 41 countries. In 2028, the industry’s focus will return to Verona for the next edition of Progetto Fuoco (23-26 February 2028), further consolidating the exhibition’s role as the international benchmark for technological innovation and global market trends in the biomass heating and wood-energy sector.
«With this partnership, Progetto Fuoco further strengthens its role as the leading platform for the entire wood-energy value chain, from the forest to the fireplace,» said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. «As part of our international expansion strategy, which now includes our event in Poland, our focus on technology and innovation becomes even broader and more comprehensive. Our aim is not only to showcase excellence in next-generation domestic heating appliances and large-scale industrial systems, but also to shine a spotlight on the entire industrial segment, giving greater visibility to advanced machinery for primary wood processing and technologies for producing biomass for energy applications».
«On behalf of myself and the entire ITABIA Board,» explained Vito Pignatelli, President of ITABIA, «our collaboration with Progetto Fuoco will provide an additional opportunity to demonstrate the importance of the biomass-bioenergy system through a true value-chain approach, from sustainable forest management to the production of every kilowatt-hour of renewable energy».
The agreement goes beyond commercial objectives, placing a strong emphasis on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of primary production. The use of Italian forest biomass plays a key role in supporting both sustainable land management policies and national energy security. In this context, with the contribution of specialists from the CNR Institute for BioEconomy (CNR-IBE), the partnership will further enhance the “Progetto Bosco” area within Progetto Fuoco, highlighting the entire value chain, including primary wood-fuel processing. Visitors and industry professionals will benefit from an expanded exhibition area featuring live demonstrations and guided tours led by CNR experts, who will present the latest technologies and the most advanced equipment available on the market. Italy enjoys a world-leading position in this field, supported by an estimated domestic consumption of more than 20 million tonnes of firewood and around 4 million tonnes of wood chips, as well as by the presence of many of the world’s leading manufacturers of wood chippers and firewood processing systems, whose exports are highly successful across European markets. The initiative’s scientific authority will be ensured through the direct involvement of ITABIA, the independent, non-profit association that has been active in the bioenergy sector since 1985. For over four decades, ITABIA has supported public and private stakeholders in developing projects and methodologies aimed at maximizing environmental and economic benefits, while promoting research, technological development and high-quality information throughout the bioenergy sector.
