Concept Of Industrial Symbiosis Research Articles

The Bioenergetic Potential from Coffee Processing Residues: Towards an Industrial Symbiosis

Coffee processing generates a large amount of organic waste, which has the potential for energy use through biogas production. Although Brazil dominates world coffee production, treating its residue with biogas technology is not a practice, especially due to this product’s seasonality, which hampers continuous digester operation. The implementation of biogas production from coffee residues in a concept of industrial symbiosis could overcome this. This work evaluates the biogas energy potential from the main liquid residues of coffee processing (i.e., mucilage and wash water) and their integration with glycerin and cattle manure. Around 2773 m3 biogas day−1 would be produced (75% CH4), used as biomethane (734 thousand m3 year−1), or thermal energy (23,000,000 MJ year−1), or electricity (2718 MWh year−1), which could supply, respectively, all the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel demands of the farm, all the thermal energy demands of the grain drying process, as well as electricity for 30 residences. Considering the short coffee season, the results have a broader context for the application of biogas production on coffee processing farms, envisaging that the Agroindustrial Eco-Park concept has the potential to integrate various agroindustrial sectors for energy production, residue exchange, and water recirculation.

A stakeholder decision and road-network-based deterministic model to simulate material flows in regional scale industrial symbioses

Industrial Symbiosis (IS) projects are today well known for their contribution to sustainable development. Designing IS projects implies modelling the quantity of material flows between economic components (ECs), in particular to evaluate the environmental and economic gains obtained through more material circularity and use efficiency. The Industrial Symbiosis concept is now being applied to activities distributed over territories much wider than industrial parks. For such setups, existing modelling methods are becoming strained by the number of economic components involved, their dissemination within heterogeneous landscapes and the resulting complexity of the exchanges. In this paper, we propose a generic, spatially explicit simulation model based on stakeholder decision rules to study regional scale flows quantification between ECs in n-n IS networks. Our approach introduces the use of the Gale-Shapley stable matching algorithm for addressing the many-to-many supply-demand matching problem. The method is deterministic and provides stable solutions that optimise the individual objectives of the ECs. A second introduction considers using transport cost along the road network among the decision rules when ECs preferences are ordered. This solves the issue of correctly estimating travel distance in heterogeneous landscapes where it can be significantly different to the distance as the crow flies. We tested the model with the implementation of two real and concrete case studies related to the bioeconomy of a tropical island: (i) collective storage of fodder and (ii) co-composting platforms. The outputs of the model make it possible to compare scenarios based on EC satisfaction relative to supply and demand as well as the total distance travelled along the road network. Finally, we discuss the limitations and genericity of the model to explore diverse industrial symbiosis projects.

On the Question of the Implementation of the Industrial Symbiosis Model in Timber Industry Complex of the Irkutsk Region

Since the middle of the last century and to this day, the economic development of countries is achieved by increasing industrial production, while causing great harm to the environment. In 2015, the 21st Conference of the Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted the Paris Agreement signed by 197 countries to reduce environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gases. Russia has also joined the policy of decarbonization of the national economy. The pulp and paper industry of the forestry complex of the Russian Federation is the main polluter of soil, air and water resources, which poses the problem of finding optimal solutions to reduce environmental impacts. The author presents the data of large timber enterprises in Eastern Siberia, which are the main environmental pollutants. The concept of industrial symbiosis is given, the prerequisites for the formation of industrial symbioses in the context of political, regional, socio-ecological and macroeconomic components are given. The author substantiates the introduction on the territory of the Irkutsk region of a special cluster form in the format of industrial eco-parks, which will allow the use of waste from enterprises as a subsequent resource in the activities of other enterprises. Thus, this recommendation will enable the Russian Federation to scale up the applied experience by introducing the proposed model to other industries.

APPLICATION OF INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS CONCEPT TO OIL AND GAS SECTOR ON EXAMPLE OF ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM GAS PROCESSING

Nowadays, the state level has set the task of forming a systematic approach to secondary resources management that were obtained from production waste, as well as increasing the efficiency of resource useage throughout the production life cycle. This is evidenced by the initiation and implementation of the sectoral program «Usage of secondary resources and secondary raw materials from waste in industrial production», supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation since November 2022, Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of November 4, 2020 No. 666 «On Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions», Strategy «Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation with Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050» approved by order of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 29, 2021 No. 3052-r and Federal Law of 02.07.2021 No. 296-FZ «On Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions» (entered into force 30.12.2021).
 To achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability, it is necessary to interact between enterprises, universities and authorities in order to stimulates the application of the principles of circular economics. This article discusses the problem of utilization and use of associated petroleum gas, as well as analyzes the possibilities of applying the concept of industrial symbiosis both to reduce the produced resources and minimize the loss of materials during use. The relevance of this topic is justified by an increase in the volume of associated petroleum gas (APG) production and, accordingly, the damage caused to the environment due to its combustion. In addition, insufficient financial investment hinders the successful development of innovative economic schemes such as industrial symbiosis.
 The methods of APG disposal and processing used at present were analyzed, the negative consequences of combustion, sanctions imposed by the state and restrictions on their application were investigated. According to the authors, an important problem is the lack of new technologies, as well as the low level of their technological readiness, which leads to the use of most APG as energy resources instead of its processing. The study briefly discusses the main methods of processing associated petroleum gas, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as possible recommended areas of APG use.
 The effectiveness and feasibility of introducing the concept of industrial symbiosis in the oil industry is justified. As a result of the study, the authors of this article proposed the most optimal option for processing and further use of the obtained components, the probability and reality of the implementation of the described processing method is also described.

Opportunities and challenges for the waste management in emerging and frontier countries through industrial symbiosis

The development of industrial and commercial activities in developing countries has increased the amount of waste generated by economic activities, which has generated environmental problems due to the complexity of waste management . Due to the economic, environmental, social, and sustainability implications, proper waste management has become a worldwide concern. In response to this problem, strategies have been implemented to develop clean energy, improve the efficiency of industrial resources, and recycle and reuse materials. As a result, the concept of industrial symbiosis ( IS ) has emerged as a strategy for waste utilization in a productive chain, based on physical exchanges of waste and materials, which finds ways to use the waste from one industry as inputs or raw materials for the other, all supported by business collaboration. This work aims to identify the opportunities and challenges that emerging and frontier countries have for waste utilization through the IS approach through a literature review. The needs that triggered the IS and how researchers materialized this approach to integrate the harnessing resources and materials in economic activities were identified. This paper identifies how emerging and frontier countries realize solid waste management through IS, and highlights opportunities for governments, researchers, and stakeholders to make effective decisions to achieve sustainable development, reduce environmental concerns and address current waste management issues. The literature review identified IS as an excellent way to dispose of and use the solid waste but also showed that emerging and frontier countries face many challenges in solid waste management due to the lack of policies focused on sustainability, lack of communication and trust among stakeholders, low use of technology in the industrial sector and technical barriers.

Optimization of Soybean Protein Extraction Using By-Products from NaCl Electrolysis as an Application of the Industrial Symbiosis Concept

Defatted soybean flour is generated during the oil extraction process of soybean, and it has a protein content of ~50%. On the other hand, an alkaline solution of NaOH is produced during the electrolysis process of NaCl in a novel method used to make a potent disinfectant/antiseptic (HOCl). In the present work, we suggest using these two products to produce soy protein isolate (SPI), aiming to create an industrial symbiosis. A Box–Behnken experimental design was executed, and a surface response analysis was performed to optimize temperature, alkaline solution, and time used for SPI extraction. The SPI produced at optimal conditions was then characterized. The experimental results fit well with a second-order polynomial equation that could predict 93.15% of the variability under a combination of 70 °C, alkaline solution 3 (pH 12.68), and 44.7 min of the process. The model predicts a 49.79% extraction yield, and when tested, we obtained 48.30% within the confidence interval (46.66–52.93%). The obtained SPI was comparable in content and structure with a commercial SPI by molecular weight and molecular spectroscopy characterization. Finally, the urease activity (UA) test was negative, indicating no activity for trypsin inhibitor. Based on the functional properties, the SPI is suitable for food applications.

The concept of industrial symbiosis: experience of application in various countries and prospects for implementation in Russia on the example of the Pskov region

The widespread use of the linear model of production and consumption leads to the problem that humanity exceeds the consumption of resources by 50% compared to the resources that the planet can regenerate. As a result, the markets become more and more unstable, the prices for raw materials increase. Repeated use of the same material as a raw material will help minimize the economic damage to the environment. National, regional and local authorities in various countries are increasingly aware of the need to initiate and implement innovations in order to develop industrial symbiosis. However, the concept of industrial symbiosis has received little political attention, although it may have great potential to promote the circular economy and achieve higher resource efficiency in industry. The article analyzes the most successful world experience in the functioning of industrial symbioses. The transition to the principles of a circular economy in Europe can lead to significant resource savings and the creation of new jobs. In Russia, in the case of a transition to a circular economy, a comparable positive environmental and economic effect can be expected. For the sustainable development of the regions of the Russian Federation, the authors of the article propose to apply the concept of industrial symbiosis in one of the regions - the Pskov region. Through the implementation of the project on the formation of symbiotic chains between enterprises of various industries (agro-industrial complex, woodworking industry, plastic production), it is planned to increase the efficiency of production; optimize energy costs and material and resource flows of enterprises; reduce the ecological burden on the environment; reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon footprint.

Промышленный симбиоз в условиях циркулярной экономики

In Russian Federation the questions of transformation of the current linear model of economy into the low-carbon model having the least negative impact on the environment are very urgent. Among the ways to realize the required transition scientists recognize the introduction of the concept of circular economy, as well as the organization of a system of interaction between industrial enterprises on the basis of the principles of industrial symbiosis. The scope of application of the industrial symbiosis model in the circular economy remains insufficiently studied in the scientific environment, which actualizes its solution. There has been defined the hierarchy of conceptual and categorical apparatus of industrial symbiosis in the circular economy. Integration of the companies on the basis of using the model of industrial symbiosis takes place due to the combination of environmental and economic interests of its participants by forming the industrial value chain. Symbiotic links involve the rational use of resources, which leads to the less intensive production processes and, consequently, to the reduced carbon emissions. Obtaining a synergistic effect is an incentive that encourages industrial structures to form symbiotic links. There has been stated the growth of transaction costs, which can be designated as a negative effect of the industrial symbiosis model. The directions for reducing this influence are proposed: improving the pricing model for industrial waste, taking into account territorial proximity and the need for industry associations and unions to participate in finding partners. The concept of industrial symbiosis is considered and clarified, which includes the principles, purpose and effects to characterize this term. The conclusion about the role of industrial symbiosis in the circular economy has been made.

Wood Residues in the Moratuwa Woodworking Industry Cluster of Sri Lanka: Potential for Sector Synergies and Value-Added Products

Abstract The Moratuwa Woodworking Industry Cluster (MWIC) is a geographically concentrated cluster of over 1,600 small-to-medium scale wood-based manufacturing and retail facilities in Sri Lanka. Firms include furniture manufacturers, carpentry shops, sawmills, and integrated sawmills. The concept of industrial symbiosis explores the synergies between industrial facilities to exchange energy, water, by-products, and waste to achieve a higher efficiency in resource utilization. This research was undertaken to address the lack of quantitative information on wood residues generated within the MWIC. A survey of 180 primary and secondary wood product manufacturers was undertaken to quantify MWIC firm by-product production and consumption of wood residues to establish a baseline for possible end use and waste synergies. The total population of enterprises generating wood waste is 730; retail facilities are not included. Sawmills produce approximately 66% of the 6,490 MT of MWIC's monthly wood residue generation, with the balance produced by carpentry and integrated enterprises. Teak (Tectona grandis) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) are the dominant species used in the MWIC, accounting for most of the wood waste. Three main types of wood waste were identified in the survey: sawdust (76.5%), boards with significant wane (16.5%) unusable for further products, and offcuts (6.9%). Only 55% of the wood waste generated in MWIC is currently used; the remaining 45% is taken to landfills or disposed of in other ways, such as discarded in waterways or other nonapproved locations. Improved wood waste sorting by type at the mill level and aggregated wood waste within the MWIC was determined to increase the usability of wood waste as potential inputs in other wood manufacturing sectors in the MWIC.

In situ experimental evaluation of a novel modular living wall system for industrial symbiosis

The emerging concept of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) is becoming an important strategy to achieving goals of the circular economy paradigm shift. In this interdisciplinary study between academia and the industry, large and consistent volumes of predictably sized waste prompt sheet metals obtained from standard stamping and blanking processes at the automotive industry during production of automobile bodies were used to design and fabricate planters in a custom-designed modular living wall system (MLWS) which was installed as a retrofit on an existing building façade. This study is the second part of an attempt to foster IS between the automotive and building and construction industries through creative architectural reuse of these automotive by-products and waste-flows for more sustainable MLWS. Experimental data from field observations of a case study were used to calibrate 24-hour simulations of four seasons in ENVI-met. Life cycle analyses were carried out using Tally a Revit plug-in and United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Waste Reduction Model. Results showed that the MLWS has a promising cooling effect on the brick building façade when compared to bare brick surface. Applying reuse strategy in IS could reduce heat islands, greenhouse gas emissions and energy from conventional recycling practices of prompt metal.

Solid Oxide Electrolyser Demonstrator Development at Elcogen

Elcogen is a company providing solid oxide cell and stack solutions for fuel cell (SOFC) and electrolysis (SOEC) applications. Elcogen’s solutions are designed to operate at reduced operating temperatures but still providing high performance at affordable cost and low degradation level. Elcogen is currently expanding its manufacturing capabilities towards multi-MW annual production levels through a factory project. As a part of commercialization tasks, Elcogen is developing a demonstrator unit for steam electrolysis applications producing green hydrogen. This demonstrator unit is a part of an EU’s H2020 funded C2FUEL project. C2FUEL project aims to develop energy-efficient, economically and environmentally viable CO2 conversion technologies for the displacement of fossils fuels emission through a concept of industrial symbiosis between carbon intensive industries, power production, and local economy. The key technical and economic challenges to be tackled in the project are related to innovative production routes of dimethyl ether (DME) and formic acid (FA) from hydrogen (produced by Elcogen’s technology) and captured carbon dioxide. The C2FUEL concept will be demonstrated at Dunkirk industrial area between DK6 combined cycle power plant, Arcelor Mittal steel factory and one of the major European harbours.This presentation outlines the current progress of the high temperature electrolysis demonstrator development at Elcogen. The main advantage of high temperature solid oxide electrolysis technology compared to low temperature electrolysis technologies, i.e. polymer electrolyte membrane and alkaline, is its considerably higher electrical efficiency and thus reduced specific energy consumption. E.g. the specific energy consumption for a SOEC stack can be up to 25 - 45% better than for PEMEC and AEC technologies and even in complete system level SOEC technology can provide 15 – 45 % better efficiencies [1]. The electrolyser demonstrator unit is designed to deliver 1 Nm3/h of hydrogen at 40 bar. The electrolysis stack is Elcogen’s own technology and it is operated at about 700°C. The processes for steam and gas supply, and heat management are implemented with standard industrial components. The gas pressurizing is conducted with a mechanical compressor which has an inherent feature to produce pressure variation on the suction side. Minimization of this pressure variation is conducted with system level solutions. Prior the compression stage, hydrogen is dried in order to provide high quality hydrogen to the synthesis processes and to avoid water condensation in the pressurized components. The demonstrator is divided into two subsystems: electrolyser subsystem that produces atmospheric pressure hydrogen and compressor subsystem which compresses the produced hydrogen to 40 bar. The subsystems are designed modular and can be operated also freely from each other.This work has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 838014 (C2FUEL).

A framework of resource conservation process integration for eco-industrial site planning

The concept of industrial symbiosis that promotes energy/material exchanges among different industrial enterprises has received growing attention. Industrial symbiosis synergistically engages traditionally separate entities to gain competitive advantages and efficiency in the consumption and utilisation of resources, utilities and wastes. Process integration is a powerful tool to optimise processes and identify scope for industrial symbiosis. Numerous studies have investigated the application of process integration in regard to the management of material resources. Previous works to guide systematic industrial symbiosis planning has only focused on low-carbon emission sites. There is a need to develop a systematic guideline for industrial site planners to use for the systematic planning of integrated industrial sites that also considers other resources such as waste and water. This research presents a framework for the systematic planning of an integrated industrial site using process integration tools. The framework comprises eight main stages and includes six process integration tools to systematically guide the planning and design of industrial sites to minimise energy, water, waste and emissions. A 95.58% reduction of waste disposal through landfilling, a 33.4% reduction in carbon emissions from waste disposal, a 45.70% reduction in steam, a 27.48% cooling water savings, 100% power reduction, a 49.10% reduction in CO2 emissions, 100% fresh CO2 savings, and a 100% freshwater savings for water headers 1 and 2 are obtained from the case study applying the framework proposed. The framework application will provide insights on how all the utilities and materials streams in the involving industries can be comprehensively integrated, hence reducing the need for fresh resources and promoting sustainability.

Waste Management Firms as Catalysts for Developing SME's Circular Business Models: the Possibilities of Industrial Symbiosis

The purpose of this research was to explore possibilities for waste management firms (WMFs) to act as lead firms in industrial symbiosis (IS) processes with small and medium enterprise (SME) clients in order to promote circular business models. We were curious to see how willing, and able four local WMFs were regarding the adoption of a firm lead role and under what conditions. We used a case study design because of the lack of research on the topic and the explorative nature of the research itself. First, we interviewed nine representatives from four WMFs using a semi-structured interview protocol. We then presented our results to the representatives as a basis for further discussion. We found that WMFs are open to adopting the various roles associated with a lead firm position in industrial symbiosis but need various kinds of support in order to so, for example, in coordinating the IS – network and for financing the activities. Our research is original in the sense that we look at the concept of IS from the specific context of a WMF-SME symbiotic relationship. We also contribute to both the IS literature as well as that of new business model development. Management implications include understanding why firms are willing to explore new business models with their client partners.

Waste Valorization through Additive Manufacturing in an Industrial Symbiosis Setting

Given the current environmental concerns related to manufacturing, the introduction to the industrial symbiosis concept brought purpose to waste, instead of disposing it in landfills or eliminating it through incineration. The waste generated by industrial processes, or end-of-life products, is redirected to be used as a “new” input in another process by one or more organizations, which is a mutual benefit or a “symbiosis”. Despite its relevancy, the industrial symbiosis concept is marginally explored in the context of additive manufacturing; this emerging technology has disruptive potential regarding the use of different materials as secondary raw materials. This paper presents a systematic literature review regarding industrial symbiosis and additive manufacturing. The main objective is to identify how wastes can be used as input materials to additive manufacturing processes and what exchanges of resources occur in an industrial symbiosis setting. A final sample of 32 documents was reached and analyzed. Five examples of using waste streams in additive manufacturing processes to produce goods were highlighted and explored.

RANKING OF SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA FOR INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS APPLICATIONS BASED ON ANP

Enterprises have started to establish partnerships both to use their internal resources efficiently and to increase their environmental performance. Partnerships and interoperability of enterprises with different processes enable them to benefit more from their benefits. Moving towards the local and regional economy, these partnerships that increase environmental and own resources have created industrial symbiosis practices. Industrial ecology fields are established in these applications. Both environmental and economic gains can be achieved through the efficient use of resources by enterprises and the minimization of wastes. For the sustainability of these partnerships to be established by enterprises, they need to analyze the measures they take internally. In this study, the concept of industrial symbiosis and the criteria that are effective for the sustainability of these industrial symbiosis are evaluated. Analytical network process method is used. Thus, the industrial symbiosis infrastructures to be established by enterprises have been enabled to move strategically.

Identificação de barreiras e proposição de caminhos para implantação de projetos de simbiose industrial

This article identifies barriers for the implementation of industrial symbiosis projects in companies located in the Industrial and Port Complex of Pecém (CIPP). The concept of industrial symbiosis (IS) has become a well-recognized approach for environmental improvements at the regional level. Many technical solutions for waste and by-product material, water, and energy reuse between neighboring industries (so-called synergies) have been discovered and applied in the IS examples from all over the world. However, the potential uptake of new synergies in the regions is often limited by a range of nontechnical barriers. This study adopted a qualitative approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with managers of companies in operation at CIPP. The results showed that low levels of trust, communication, and cooperation prevent companies from establishing waste exchange initiatives. The research also confirms the existence of social, technological, financial, regulatory, and institutional barriers for the implementation of industrial symbiosis projects. Companies in the CIPP are in the initial stage of maturity, which means they do not recognize possible benefits from industrial symbioses. The research proposes ways for greater engagement among companies, in the sense of guiding the development of industrial symbiosis projects. It is necessary to pay attention to the barriers identified in the CIPP, because they are not easily removed in the social and economic context of the vast majority of Brazilian industrial complexes.

Industrial symbiosis in Tanzania: A case study from the sugar industry

The concept of industrial symbiosis (IS) offers enormous potential for more sustainable manufacturing processes. This paper sets out to explore the IS forms occurring at a case study of the Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL), the largest sugar refinery in Tanzania; and identify the underlying factors based on the data collected through key informant interviews, observational site visits, and relevant documentary reviews. Findings reveal an evolving IS network at KSCL involving physical exchanges of bagasse, molasses, filter cake, and boiler ash and utility sharing among seven co-located units. Through these modest internal IS arrangements, KSCL has optimized resource use, thereby minimizing negative environmental impacts inherent from emissions, as well as generating additional revenues from resource recovery, in particular the alcohol distillery unit. Results also show that KSCL’s industrial ecosystem is fragile due to limited functional and structural diversity. We identify several drivers and barriers as possible leverage points. The lessons from KSCL are expected to provide a valuable reference for IS development in Africa.

Mental Model Perspective of Multi-Sector Industrial Symbiosis in Indonesia Based on Waste Exchange Strategy: Introductory Study

Indonesia, as a developing country, has a long-term national vision to become a stable industrial country which will achieve in 2035. This commitment showed by an increase in industrial sector contribution to Indonesia’s GDP, which is targeted to reach 30% in 2035 compared to 20.97% contribution to GDP in 2015. The global competition and current trends also become challenges for the Indonesian industry sector, where nowadays, international markets more prefer eco-labeled products than conventional ones. The green industry concept, which prioritizes the efficient use of resources sustainably to improve environmental performance, could be the answer to tackle both problems. Green industry development can be done through the concept of industrial symbiosis by implementing a waste exchange strategy. This strategy is applied by reusing waste as raw material for other industries. This study examines industrial symbiosis potential practices in Indonesia using waste exchange strategies in various industrial sectors through a mental model approach. The mental model structure in this study was built by exploring possible synergies between industries through byproduct similarity. From the psychological model, we uncovered nine waste categories as vital nodes in waste-resource networks. This preliminary study may serve as additional industrial planning guidance for the Indonesian government and other related stakeholders in the green industry development

Towards water integration in Eco-Industrial Park: An overview of water recovery from industries

Water integration among different industries in Eco-Industrial Park brings a promising opportunity in reducing freshwater consumption by implementing industrial symbiosis concept. Mixing of wastewater from industries might be cost-effective, however, it is not the best option for water reuse since different reuse option requires different water qualities and treatment. Thus, wastewater segregation based on the wastewater source and quality is required. This paper reviews the potential wastewater source from the industry and wastewater recovery prior to be reused. The review is based on the literature survey from the industries, suppliers and guidelines. From the survey, wastewater sources that can be recovered for reuse option are water generated as by-product, wastewater from the cleaning operation and utility operation. These wastewater sources cannot be mixed because each source has different types of contaminant content. Appropriate water quality can be achieved through primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. Advance technology such as membranes are efficient to remove non-desirable compounds from wastewater. The treated wastewater can provide a viable solution as an alternative water source to ease water-related stress and wastewater segregation can reduce the burden of the treatment.

Urban Planning and Industrial Symbiosis in Slovenia

In recent years the concept of industrial symbiosis has been recognized as one of the most effective principles of the circular economy, with a positive impact on the environment on one hand and contributing to economic benefit on the other. The major role of spatial planning is to guide and coordinate different interests in the physical space and direct them in accordance with spatial planning procedures and methods. In addition to engineering, spatial planning is also recognized as a political and governmental discipline, where physical space represents the “arena” for arrangements of different activities and actions. Spatial development plans represent the legal instruments enabling the development and integration of industrial symbiosis alongside other contemporary trends in cities. In Slovenia, the potentials of industrial symbiosis are recognized only on the national level as a development axis. However, there is a lack of integration of the concept into spatial development strategies, programs and plans on the regional and local level. The concept is developed only on the level of waste management, which is based on the recycling of general household waste and not based on the exchange of waste as raw material between different industries. The main aim of the paper is to develop a methodology for integrating industrial symbiosis into spatial development plans on the strategic level. Since the City of Ljubljana is highlighted as one of the drivers of the circular economy in Slovenia, the paper will present Ljubljana as a case study of the research. The methodology will be developed based on research of the relationships between industrial symbiosis and spatial development plans and analysis of spatial development strategies, programs and plans to find the potentials for integrating a new model, industrial symbiosis, into the spatial planning system in Slovenia, which could enable a platform for the development of the circular economy.