Industrial-Urban Symbiosis: Unlocking Potential to Create Value from Waste

Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) enables new business opportunities though the collaboration of diverse stakeholders across various sectors. Hereby, this innovative approach facilitates the exchange of underutilised resources, e.g. by-products, residues, energy, water, capacities, and expertise, keeping materials productive longer. By repurposing outputs as inputs, I-US can minimise resource extraction, cut costs, and advance objectives of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Key criteria of this value creation are aligned stakeholder interest and the exchange of perspectives. Businesses benefit from reduced raw material costs, supply chain resilience, lower disposal expenses, and new revenue opportunities. Meanwhile local authorities and regions can profit from healthier ecosystems, economic vitality, and new job opportunities. These complementary goals drive economic resilience and systemic change towards sustained resource loops, higher recycling rates and enhanced regional sustainability. To turn theory into practice, the EU-funded WaterProof project hosts the factsheet “Industrial-Urban Symbiosis: Business, Funding, and Practical Insights” summarises key aspects and best practice from case studies.