The position of European countries regarding opportunities for Industrial Symbiosis: A comparative analysis employing multi-criteria decision-making tools

Abstract

The Circular Economy is recognized as a significant model of sustainable development that enables waste reduction, more efficient use of resources and climate neutrality. Considering that the estimates indicate that the planet Earth's resources and biodiversity are expiring, the European Union invests constant efforts to foster the transition towards regenerative business models and create opportunities for consumption within the planetary boundaries. Production industries are identified as particularly significant resource consumers. Therefore, special attention is directed to the feasibility of collaborative business models and the application of digital technologies to address resource depletion and negative environmental impacts. The concept of the Circular Economy has become crucial in global efforts to reduce the ecological footprint and transition to a green economy, especially through the concept of Industrial Symbiosis. Through Industrial Symbiosis, companies from different sectors combine their waste and by-products, considering them as raw materials, thus optimizing energy consumption, decreasing primary resource consumption and reducing harmful gas emissions. Although the EU's efforts are evident and clear targets have been established through the European Green Deal, it is essential to monitor and analyze regional results for European countries to effectively develop their potential, define strategies, and implement plans that transform material consumption and environmental impact modalities. Therefore, understanding the material and value chains and processes is crucial to reaching the potential and establishing adequate frameworks to facilitate the implementation of Industrial Symbiosis. In this sense, this study aims to analyze the potential of Industrial Symbiosis in EU countries. Multi-criteria decision-making tools have been used for this purpose. The data used in the analysis were obtained from the Eurostat database. The results highlight a significant divide between EU member states in terms of opportunities and eagerness to implement Industrial Symbiosis. The results indicate the need to focus attention on targeted policies to strengthen institutions and companies to analyze the applicability of collaborative business models and integrate Industrial Symbiosis at local, regional, and global levels.