From Waste to Resource: the SYMBA project developing new methods to assess the circularity and symbiosis of the bio-based indust

In an always greener, more sustainable, resilient and zero impact Europe, Industrial Symbiosis (IS), one of the main applications of the Circular Economy paradigm, represents an efficient solution for the European industrial scenario, both from an ecological and economic point of view. Industrial Symbiosis involves transferring resources, materials, and/or services from one industry to another, thereby avoiding waste disposal and the consumption of primary resources. In this way, an output from one industry becomes the input for another, creating a network of interactions that enhances local resources and promotes eco-innovation. At the heart of industrial symbiosis there’s a heightened attention to the environment, aiming to reduce industrial pollution and waste, and to use resources more efficiently, thus fostering territorial and economic competitiveness.

SYMBA is a Horizon EU-funded project started on January 01^st 2024 which aims to expand Industrial Symbiosis in the European Industrial sector of which just the 0.1% on 26 million enterprises approach to Circular Economy, as stated by Rachel Lombardi in ‘Non-technical barriers to (And drivers for) the circular economy through industrial symbiosis’. This innovative project targets to reduce the industrial environmental impact on water, soil and air quality, to create zero-waste value chains and to ensure more local supply chains.

SYMBA aims to analyse, improve and facilitate existing industrial methods through the use of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to develop a diversified methodology applicable and implementable in different European regions. The project will provide a detailed roadmap of local and regional industrial ecosystems, their needs and peculiarities, to make the transition to a circular economy easier and more personalised. SYMBA methodology will be guaranteed through the selection of several industrial hubs and its adoption will be facilitated by the creation of business models, supporting an always increasing number of companies in approaching to IS. During the project implementation, SYMBA will involve key stakeholders (local authorities, communities, educational institutions, general public) to guarantee efficient and tangible results.

SYMBA has a budget of € 1.5 million for 36 months and brings together nine partners (ENCO, CIRCE, CTB, C-KIC, BBEP, AIMPLAS, NOVAMONT, CETAQUA, ICLEI) from 5 European countries: Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Denmark.

The project is funded by the European Union under G.A. 101135562. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the European Research Executive Agency can be held responsible for them.

Authors: SYMBA Consortium