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Industrial Symbiosis: A Mechanism to Guarantee the Implementation of Circular Economy Practices

Author

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  • Lledó Castellet-Viciano

    (Water Economics Group, Inter-University Institute for Local Development (IILD-WATER), University of Valencia, C/ Serpis 29, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Vicent Hernández-Chover

    (Water Economics Group, Inter-University Institute for Local Development (IILD-WATER), University of Valencia, C/ Serpis 29, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Águeda Bellver-Domingo

    (Water Economics Group, Inter-University Institute for Local Development (IILD-WATER), University of Valencia, C/ Serpis 29, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Francesc Hernández-Sancho

    (Water Economics Group, Inter-University Institute for Local Development (IILD-WATER), University of Valencia, C/ Serpis 29, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

There is a growing concern regarding the scarcity of natural resources. The levels of resource exploitation generated by the current system of production and consumption has led the European Commission to develop a set of guidelines that aim to reduce the pressure on natural resources. The set of guidelines proposed by the European Union is based on the transformation of the current linear economic system into a circular system in which resources and materials remain in the production system for longer. However, for this change to take effect, practical measures are required. This paper presents an industrial symbiosis approach as a practical application of a circular economy model. The aim of this paper is to develop a guide to successfully implement an industrial symbiosis network, demonstrating that industrial symbiosis can achieve the goals of a circular economy. To demonstrate this, an example of its implementation is provided in a region of Spain, which is responsible for producing approximately 95% of the total ceramics products in the nation. This study emphasises the set of barriers that need to be addressed in order to make new models a reality for business and consumers, society, and the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Lledó Castellet-Viciano & Vicent Hernández-Chover & Águeda Bellver-Domingo & Francesc Hernández-Sancho, 2022. "Industrial Symbiosis: A Mechanism to Guarantee the Implementation of Circular Economy Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15872-:d:987659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Tatyana Tolstykh & Nadezhda Shmeleva & Leyla Gamidullaeva & Victoria Krasnobaeva, 2023. "The Role of Collaboration in the Development of Industrial Enterprises Integration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-26, April.

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