Policy implications of industrial ecology conceptions

Abstract The way industrial ecology (IE) is conceptualized determines the concept's potential. Different conceptualizations of IE suggest different political solutions and different focuses on the environment. It is not in itself problematic that the debate points in different political directions. The problem occurs when ideologically based argumentation is not made explicit, but instead presented as necessary premises in order to meet IE objectives. An analysis of the implications when two of these conceptions are implemented as strategies for solid waste management illustrates this claim. This author suggests that the contributors to the field make a clear distinction between scientific discussions regarding the analytical framework and policy principles, and discussions regarding practical applications. Only then can the assumption that the concept of industrial ecology has the potential to be a robust and unifying analytical framework and policy principle stand. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.