Current Status, Emerging Challenges, and Future Prospects of Industrial Symbiosis in Portugal

Abstract

Industrial symbiosis has proven to be an important tool for improving business sustainability with numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. The literature on this subject has been provided with countless case studies of the application of this practice in different geographical locations. However, studies concerning Portugal in this area are still scarce. Thus, this article aims to map and analyze the existing cases of industrial symbiosis in Portugal, as well as the current state and the legislative context regarding this practice. It also aims to analyze the main barriers to the growth of synergy relations and outline new paths for the development of industrial symbiosis in Portugal. From the analysis to the case studies, it was possible to conclude that most industrial symbiosis networks have few actors, and networks with two and three are common. However, owing to strategic plans, the type of existing economic activities, and the waste generated, there is much potential for industrial symbiosis networks to be established and to contribute to emission reductions, more efficient use of resources, and reduced external dependence. However, in order to increase industrial symbiosis, concerted action must be taken at various levels to encourage companies to develop synergy relations. Changing the legislative framework, making funds available, the role of local governments, the existence of a facilitator, and the use of some industries as anchor tenants are some of the aspects that can contribute to the increase of industrial symbiosis in Portugal.

The Potential of Industrial Symbiosis: Case Analysis and Main Drivers and Barriers to Its Implementation

“…While the decision to establish a symbiosis relationship is made by a given entity, the role of policies is critical in encouraging this practice. Thus, in order for these to not function as barriers, it is necessary to provide legislation and policies that are clear, consistent, and less bureaucratic and can facilitate the process of waste use [170].…”

Fostering Circular Economy Through the Analysis of Existing Open Access Industrial Symbiosis Databases

“…Although they identified different IS networks in a number of countries, their exchanges were found to be limited by obstacles related to risk, uncertainty and transactional costs. Neves et al (2019) [22] evaluated the status of Portugal in terms of IS, finding that existing networks are small and consist of only two or three members in most cases. Legislative changes, funds availability or the existence of facilitators were identified as key aspects for improving the current situation.The trend observed in these studies revealed a research gap in what concerns the facilitation of the access to and understanding of information oriented to promote IS.…”

Implementing Industrial Symbiosis Incentives: an Applied Assessment Framework for Risk Mitigation

“…The internal common risk factors listed in the first cluster are mostly associated with financial risks such as dependency and lack of funds to promote IS [39,44,80]. Social factors such as lack of motivation [47] and lack of knowledge [42] were also identified.…”

“…There are also risk factors related to confidentiality issues that might involve the implementation of tools and platforms for Industrial Symbiosis [81]. From an external perspective, some risks were identified such as the lack of financing or lack of political conditions to support this type of incentive [31,38,39,44,80]. These common risk factors are translated mainly into risk implementation such as lack of effective implementation of technological incentives and loss of financing.…”