Abstract
Industrial symbiosis involves creating integrated cycles of by-products and waste between networks of industrial actors in order to maximize economic value, while at the same time minimizing environmental strain. In such a network, the global environmental strain is no longer equal to the sum of the environmental strain of the individual actors, but it is dependent on how well the network performs as a whole. The development of methods to understand, manage or optimize such networks remains an open issue. In this paper we put forward a simulation model of by-product flow between industrial actors. The goal is to introduce a method for modelling symbiotic exchanges from a macro perspective. The model takes into account the effect of two main mechanisms on a multi-objective optimization of symbiotic processes. First it allows us to study the effect of geographical properties of the economic system, said differently, where actors are divided in space. Second, it allows us to study the effect of clustering complementary actors together as a function of distance, by means of a spatial correlation between the actors’ by-products. Our simulations unveil patterns that are relevant for macro-level policy. First, our results show that the geographical properties are an important factor for the macro performance of symbiotic processes. Second, spatial correlations, which can be interpreted as planned clusters such as Eco-industrial parks, can lead to a very effective macro performance, but only if these are strictly implemented. Finally, we provide a proof of concept by comparing the model to real world data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register database using georeferencing of the companies in the dataset. This work opens up research opportunities in interactive data-driven models and platforms to support real-world implementation of industrial symbiosis.
Highlights
The primary mode of production and consumption globally follows the linear pattern of take, make and dispose
Industrial symbioses are related to the circular economy, which seeks to reduce the uptake of raw materials and reduce total waste production by cycling materials through different uses to maximize the service provided (MacArthur, 2013; Geissdoerfer et al, 2017)
This paper addresses the dynamics of how symbiotic exchanges between enterprises are established
Summary
The primary mode of production and consumption globally follows the linear pattern of take, make and dispose. The substantial risks associated with maintaining the linear ‘status quo’ for individual firms, whose singular impact may seem insignificant, far outweigh those of pioneering the structural change needed to reduce the impact of production systems globally This status quo can be challenged by shifting to a nonlinear systems perspective, whereby rapid social change is possible and the risks of business-as-usual practices carry catastrophic consequences. Industrial symbioses are related to the circular economy, which seeks to reduce the uptake of raw materials and reduce total waste production by cycling materials through different uses to maximize the service provided (MacArthur, 2013; Geissdoerfer et al, 2017) This concept is distinct from traditional recycling where byproducts are often reduced to their lowest value raw material form. This is achieved by sharing the use of products and cycling the highest value form of products and by-products as inputs to other firms, which limits the sequential downgrading of by-product material or value
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