Industrial symbiosis within eco‐industrial parks: Sustainable development for Borg El‐Arab in Egypt

Abstract

This paper explores how industrial symbiosis within eco‐industrial parks (EIPs) can help advance sustainable development in Egypt. Based on industrial ecology theory, this study focuses on the industrial zone of Borg El‐Arab near Alexandria and explores possibilities to transform it, or parts of it, into an EIP. It identifies opportunities for possible by‐product exchange in the third industrial zone of Borg El‐Arab, which has the highest solid waste output. The study then presents a pilot model of a brownfield EIP and suggests that the benefits from exchange of by‐products would be enhanced even further if some factories are created to close the loop of industrial processes in the zone (brick production, animal feed, fish farms, and organic fertilizer production). These conclusions confirm that there is potential to improve environmental performance of the Borg El‐Arab Industrial City and align it with national and global sustainable development goals.

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

“…In recent years, studies have been carried out to analyse the implementation of industrial symbiosis practices in developing countries such as the Philippines, Liberia, India, Bangladesh, Colombia, Mauritius, and Egypt. While these countries have little in the way of a tradition of synergy practices between companies and the number of published case studies is still small [19], the important role of industrial symbiosis is recognised as a means to enhance the development of these regions [34,45,61].…”

“…However, when properly supported, the implementation of this practice can make a positive contribution to the long-term sustainable development of these countries, as it makes it possible to combine environmental and economic issues with social aspects. These advantages translate into job creation, long-term links between companies and the possibility of small businesses entering the synergy network [45,61,171]. It is therefore essential to support these countries in the development of industrial symbiosis.…”

Industrial Symbiosis: A Sectoral Analysis on Enablers and Barriers

“…Eco Industrial Park: An EIP is represented by an industrial park where the local companies cooperate with each other in order to reduce the waste and pollution trough the symbiotic exchanges [20,48]. The main goal of this collaboration is to reduce economic costs and engage in sustainable production practices [49]. In this approach, a central authority may design and manage the stream exchanges that will take place in the EIP [47,50].…”

Achieving sustainable industrialisation in Egypt: assessment of the potential for EIPs

“…EIPs are rapidly developing around the world as a solution for more sustainable industrial development. Although there are no EIPs currently functioning in Egypt, the overall idea of optimising and improving environmental and social impacts of industrial facilities, while optimising their economic performance through innovation and technological advancement, falls well within the outlined vision for sustainable industrialisation in Egypt (El Massah, 2017).…”

“…For example, an attempt to transform Borg El-Arab into an Eco-city was recently explored through a joint feasibility study done by some Egyptian and Finnish experts (Rozado et al, 2016). The Borg El-Arab example has also received attention as a potential site for improvement of its industrial processes, with studies outlining the possibilities for transforming parts of it into a functioning EIP (El Massah, 2017). Developing new industrial facilities and relocating or improving existing ones take into consideration the environmental dimension of industrial development and align with the overall economic dimension of the Egypt's Vision 2030.…”