Pollutec Paris becomes STEP: a new name and a renewed ambition to accelerate ecological transformation

Organized on December 1 and 2, 2026 in Paris, STEP offers an approach that complements Pollutec Lyon.

Where Lyon positions itself as the leading meeting place for environmental solutions, with a major technical prism, STEP positions itself as the European meeting place for decarbonization and circular economy solutions.

For Anne-Manuèle Hébert, director of Pollutec & STEP: “STEP’s resolutely impact-oriented approach enables us to engage decision-makers and influencers, who will complement the show’s visitors, traditionally composed of experts and technical influencers. Understanding what solutions are used for and how they can address the challenges facing businesses and regions is STEP’s ambition. Engaging more broadly to accelerate the transformation toward a more sustainable model. By aligning with emission reduction and resource management objectives, STEP brings together all the stakeholders who offer tangible solutions for creating a sustainable model.”

European ambition and high added-value content

With STEP, Pollutec is reaching a decisive milestone: a firm European foothold. Thanks to its strategic location in Paris, the show is becoming a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation. The event will bring together not only French stakeholders in the ecological transition, but also European decision-makers, experts, and investors to share their visions and accelerate the implementation of concrete solutions.

This European dimension translates into high added-value content, designed to give participants a head start on future transformations.

Understanding the issues & anticipating trends

La Tribune, the show's main stage, will host major debates and inspiring speeches from political decision-makers, industry leaders, associations, and federations. The objective: to decipher the major trends in decarbonization and the circular economy, understand European regulatory developments, and identify financing levers to transform economic models.

In parallel, two thematic forums will highlight concrete solutions developed by the sectors and exhibitors, illustrating the diversity of application markets. Expert workshops, organized in small groups, will offer practical immersion and the sharing of operational experiences, promoting interactivity and skills development.

Explore innovation & detect tomorrow's solutions

STEP will also showcase ecological innovation. The STEP Innovation Challenge will highlight emerging projects from research, laboratories, and startups. In 2024, the competition recognized ilion Water Technologies (a new-generation desalination system using only weak electric fields), demonstrating its ability to identify initiatives with high potential for impact and growth.

The Startups & Entrepreneurs Village will showcase innovative, disruptive, and sometimes frugal solutions from startups committed to the ecological transformation of businesses and regions. Meanwhile, the Recycling Village by FEDERREC will bring together industry leaders to share their latest innovations and equipment, making this space a focal point for industrial expertise.

Create connections and increase business opportunities

Beyond content, STEP establishes itself as an accelerator of strategic meetings. The B2B Meetings program will allow participants to plan qualified meetings in advance, promoting tailored exchanges and concrete collaboration opportunities.

The Talent Hub, in partnership with Emploi-Environnement, will connect recruiters and talent in the sector, thus supporting the dynamics of employment and training around sustainability professions.

In 2024, the show was a success and found its audience thanks to its compact and efficient format:

• 8600 professional participants and 300 exhibitors,
• The presence of major players in the sector and influential personalities at the 35 plenary conferences of the Tribune such as Brune Poirson (Accor) or Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz (Engie),
• More than 750 qualified business meetings organized in advance and on site,
• International participation with visitors from more than 100 countries.