Symbiosis planning

Along the industrial chain, by-products and waste can be traded as resources. For
example, desulfured plaster, coal ashes and slag which is produced by power plants can be
used by cement producers as raw materials. The steam and heat generated by cement
producers can be used by brewers.

Industrial symbiosis offers a wealth

of advantages for various
stakeholders, ranging from increased
business revenue to greener
cities and regions, positively
impacting both businesses and the
ecosystems around them. Whether
you are a business, industrial site,
local authority or non-profit
organisation, you can make the most
of industrial symbiosis and the many
benefits it presents.

Economic
Industrial symbiosis offers many economic benefits to companies: its value can derive
from selling or exchanging industrial waste, saving costs on raw materials, cutting
expenses linked to waste disposal and expanding market reach and revenue from by-
products. Industrial symbiosis is a key enabling component of circular economy, helping
industries transition from expensive and unsustainable production systems to viable,
income-generating and greener manufacturing designs.

Environmental
Transfer and sharing of resources between industrial sites means less sourcing of raw
materials, more recycling of energy and water and less waste going to landfill. This has a
major impact on the environment as it avoids overexploiting land, water shortages and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The industrial sector account for 30% of global
greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial symbiosis can help reduce this impact and
contribute to meeting the requirements of the Paris agreement.

Social
Implementing circular industrial systems based on resource sharing and reuse
allows neighbouring regions and cities, and their populations, to benefit from greener
ecosystems with less strain on local resources, stronger regional economies and
increased employment opportunities. It leads the pathway and sets an example for
sustainable product manufacturing and use, with a major impact on territorial
conservation and reduction of landfill in surrounding areas.