Industrial symbiosis: an engine for green jobs and growth?

Industrial symbiosis is an approach to the circular economy through which businesses work together to utilize waste and by-products created by their processes in existing and new products, so saving both resources and energy. It is being seen as an approach that has the potential to not only improve the environment but also to create new business opportunities with jobs that are both ‘green’ and decent, offering good conditions, security and rights.

But, building these symbiotic value chains is not always straightforward. Nor is it automatic that the jobs created will be decent or green – particularly those in small and medium-sized enterprises.

So how can the concept be applied so that its benefits are maximised, for businesses, workers, economies and the environment?