SYMBA

Development of new methods to assess the circularity and symbiosis of the bio-based industrial ecosystem

Securing local supplY chains via the development of new Methods to assess the circularity and symbiosis of the Bio-bAsed industrial ecosystem enhancing the EU competitiveness and resource independence

Click here to read the first SYMBA Press Release (dd 20 March 2024)

The SYMBA project aims at creating a new and innovative Industrial Symbiosis (IS) method to be replicated within EU according to the local/regional bio-based industrial ecosystem. SYMBA will implement a user-friendly and accessible AI database suggesting regional IS innovative processes to create zero-waste value chains, ensuring more local supply chains; a better distribution of economic and social benefits among the stakeholders and an increase in the economic value of final products.

SYMBA solution, aligned with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, is based on a threefold approach:

1. Creation and validation of new IS methodology for the bio-based sector, starting from existing knowledge and lessons earned from SYMBA consortium partners.
2. Individuation of criteria to select regional hubs.
3. AI database including monitoring tools, waste relation matrix, networking and cooperation with ongoing EU and local networks.

The partnership has been intentionally selected by its expertise, network with key external stakeholders and geographical reach, bringing together 5 EU countries (IT, ES, BE, NL, DE) to consolidate the maximum outreach of the initiative. It consists of 9 partners with complementary competences: 4 RTD centers (CIRCE, CTB, AIMPLAS; CET); 1 large industry (NVMT); 1 pilot facility (BBEPP); 1 innovative SME (ENCO) and 2 networks (CKIC and ICLEI) with a valuable background in applying IS approach in the bio-based sector, providing services to companies and creating awareness and networking among citizens, policy makers, EU initiatives. Through the involvement of different industrial sectors: agri-food (NVMT); packaging (AIMPLAS); wastewater (CET); textile (CTB); waste valorisation (BBEPP), SYMBA will demonstrate how to shift from a linear to a circular economy contributing to deliver bio-based solutions with reduced environmental impacts on soil, water and air quality.

ACTIVITIES of the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant

• Selection of high potential Industrial Symbiosis Regions to demonstrate the symbiotic approach for textiles and waste valorisation.
• Capacity building in regions and industrial hubs, such as mapping of key stakeholders and capacity building workshops.
• Exploring existing industrial symbiosis solutions through co-creation and prioritized solutions.

PARTNERS

• enco, IT (Coordinator)
• circe, ES
• centexbel, BE
• EIT Climate-KIC, NL
• Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, BE
• AIMPLAS, ES
• Novamont, IT
• CETAQUA, ES
• ICLEI, DE

SUPPORTED by:

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement number: 101135562.