How Industrial Symbiosis is changing the game for the circular economy
Ever wondered what happens to waste from factories and industries? Instead of going to landfills, what if waste could become a valuable resource for someone else? That’s exactly what industrial symbiosis (IS) networks are all about—turning trash into treasure and fueling a more sustainable world!
A recent study looked at five IS networks across Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Denmark, and Finland to uncover how they work, what makes them thrive, and where they need improvement. The results? Some networks are leading the way in circularity, while others still have huge untapped potential.
What makes an IS network work?
Think of these networks like nature—where nothing goes to waste. One industry’s leftovers become another’s raw materials. This study focused on structure of these symbiosis networks evolved to varying extents. This evolution takes into account the complexity of leveraging opportunities based on waste resource exchange, cyclicality with numerous feedback loops, and resilience against disruptions and failures.
Stronger resilient connections = less waste!
Three levels of circular networks
Not all IS networks are at the same stage of evolution. Here’s where they stand:
Mature Networks: Super connected, efficient, and resilient—in the study Denmark’s IS sets the gold standard.
Evolving Networks: On the right path but still need more structure—like Slovenia’s studied IS.
Emerging Networks: Just getting started but with lots of potential—Croatia and Austria’s IS have room to grow.
Industries Joining Forces = A Game Changer
Think also about this. Different industries working together create new circular opportunities! Ideas stemming from a collaborative circular efforts not bound to industry boundaries can cause the emergence of an “industrial convergence”, which could redefine how we think about waste.
Why this matters & what’s next
If we want a truly circular economy, we need stronger policies, better collaboration, and smarter resource-sharing. The good news? These networks show us that it’s possible!
Want to learn more? The original study dives deep into these findings—check it out to see how we can build a future where waste is no longer waste but a valuable resource!
Source: Fric Urška, Levnajić Zoran, Modic Dolores, Rončević Borut. “Industrial symbiosis networks supporting circularity: Understanding complexity, cyclicality and resilience.” Environmental Technology & Innovation, February 2025. The research was co-funded by IPR4SC.
