Global restructuring—a place for ecology?

This introductory article summarizes the discussions and results of the Fifth Annual Greening of Industry Conference, Global Restructuring—A Place for Ecology?, held in Heidelberg, Germany, November 25–27, 1997. The Greening of Industry Network is concerned with the transition of industry towards sustainable production as an essential part of achieving a sustainable society. The Network conferences, held at different locations around the world, promote this goal by bringing together participants from different regions and with different backgrounds (academia, industry, governments and NGOs). The conferences are venues for information exchange, learning and dialogue about different aspects of the greening of industry and possible pathways to a sustainable society.