The year 2026 promises to be decisive for sustainability in Portugal and Europe. The transposition of RED III and the entry into force of other ambitious climate directives draw new incentives and obligations for companies, stimulating the adoption of greener and more efficient practices. Conjoining public policy with technological innovation and higher regulatory demands is, more than ever, an indispensable priority to transform environmental challenges into strategic opportunities and move toward a carbon-neutral society.
“Sustainability goes beyond an ethical or regulatory obligation. It must be a central priority for all sectors. At Eco-Oil, we believe that building a responsible future increasingly depends on collective action, which incorporates sustainability through practical and circular solutions. We are therefore committed to continuously innovating, through solutions that transform waste into energy value and assist industry in accelerating the transition to a more efficient and sustainable operation,” says Nuno Matos, CEO of Eco-Oil.
In light of these challenges, Eco-Oil, a Portuguese company specialized in treating contaminated water and producing sustainable fuel for industry from waste received from tankers, highlights three trends that will shape 2026 in the field of sustainability:
1 | Carbon capture and valorization
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains a central priority for companies committed to ESG principles. However, more than simply reducing, it becomes increasingly important to refine mechanisms that enable capturing and valorizing emitted carbon. Direct CO₂ capture technologies and solutions that transform fossil carbon into an energy feedstock are today strategic tools to decarbonize energy-intensive sectors, such as industry, reconciling the need to reduce emissions with maintaining economically viable and competitive production.
These solutions are particularly relevant for sectors that are harder to decarbonize, such as steel and iron production, the chemical industry, and maritime transport. In addition to mitigating environmental impact, these technologies encourage the creation of business ecosystems that benefit from the captured CO₂ and open the path to new sustainable business models.
2 | Combining different energy solutions
The transition to renewable energy sources will continue to be a priority in 2026, but it goes beyond the mere replacement of fossil fuels. Creating a diversified matrix, combining renewables, low-carbon alternatives, and energy efficiency measures, is essential to reduce fossil dependency in a safe, balanced, and competitive way, while strengthening the resilience of companies in the face of energy market fluctuations and European regulatory requirements. By integrating renewable sources with low-carbon solutions, companies can optimize production, reduce operating costs, and increase the sustainability of their operations.
3 | Embracing circularity
With the early phases of implementing the Circular Economy Act and other European initiatives underway, the circular economy is increasingly at the heart of corporate strategy for 2026. This economic model goes beyond mere waste management: it involves optimizing the flows of used materials and integrating practices that maximize reuse and minimize waste across the entire value chain. By prolonging the life cycle of waste, companies can reduce the overexploitation of virgin raw materials and thus relieve pressure on the environment.
The adoption of more circular models also brings benefits to the country’s economy. It can stimulate new processes of innovation and create jobs, reduce external resource dependence, and foster more sustainable value chains.
