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Sustainable Potassium Nitrate Production Through Industrial Symbiosis Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Héctor Leiva

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • María Dolores Mainar-Toledo

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Irene González García

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • David Martinez-Hernandez

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Francisca Galindo

    (Grupo Fertiberia, 28036 Madrid, Spain)

  • Andrés Cubero

    (Azcatec Tecnología e Ingeniería (AZCATEC), 41089 Sevilla, Spain)

Abstract

Industrial symbiosis (IS) plays a crucial role in enhancing sustainability within industrial ecosystems by facilitating the exchange of waste, by-products, energy, and resources among different industries. This collaborative approach reduces resource consumption, minimizes waste generation, lowers disposal costs, and creates economic opportunities through synergistic relationships. This study focuses on the production of potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ) in the Escombreras industrial area in Spain, employing life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCC) to evaluate the impact of IS strategies. The ReCiPe method, implemented through SimaPro software and supported by market data from the Ecoinvent 3.8 database, is used for a comparative analysis between conventional KNO 3 production and improved technologies that promote circular economy principles. The LCA and LCC methodologies provide a comprehensive evaluation of both environmental and economic performance, considering key factors influenced by IS synergies. Results demonstrate significant environmental and economic benefits from the integration of IS into KNO 3 production, revealing the potential for improved sustainability and competitiveness through circular economy practices. This research provides valuable insights into how IS can enhance both environmental performance and cost-efficiency in industrial processes. These findings support the integration of IS as a viable pathway toward sustainable and cost-effective fertilizer production.

Suggested Citation

  • Héctor Leiva & María Dolores Mainar-Toledo & Irene González García & David Martinez-Hernandez & Francisca Galindo & Andrés Cubero, 2025. "Sustainable Potassium Nitrate Production Through Industrial Symbiosis Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3866-:d:1642117
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    References listed on IDEAS

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