Industrial symbiosis—the collaborative use of resources across industries to achieve greater sustainability—is gaining traction worldwide, and Denmark’s Kalundborg Symbiosis stands as a shining example of what’s possible. As part of its strategic mission to inspire the global community, Kalundborg Symbiosis has worked to promote this innovative model through impactful partnerships and initiatives.
In 2024, the Kalundborg Symbiosis secretariat contributed to the PRESI project, an effort funded by the Danish Energy Agency and spearheaded by Clean. The project focuses on exporting Danish expertise in industrial symbiosis to international markets, with a compelling case study in the Santa Cruz Industrial District of Rio de Janeiro. This vast industrial cluster, organized by AEDIN – Associação das Empresas do Distrito Industrial de Santa Cruz, provided fertile ground to explore how industrial symbiosis principles could be adopted to foster a more circular economy.
Sowing the seeds of circular collaboration
The PRESI project culminated in a Danish delegation visit to Rio de Janeiro, where representatives from businesses, universities, and international cluster organizations engaged with local stakeholders. Through this visit, the potential for industrial symbiosis in Santa Cruz was mapped, and the cluster began independently exploring opportunities to implement circular production practices.
A key highlight of the visit was Kalundborg Symbiosis’ participation in the G20 Social Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The case was prominently showcased through panel discussions and exhibits and provided a powerful narrative of Kalundborg’s journey and emphasized the global relevance of industrial symbiosis.
Bridging academia and industry
The week also featured an Academic Workshop led by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), which brought together Danish and Brazilian universities. The workshop explored the interdisciplinary competencies needed to prepare the next generation of professionals to implement industrial symbiosis. This academic collaboration underscored the critical role of education in driving systemic change and equipping future talent to address global sustainability challenges.
Looking ahead
Building on the momentum of the PRESI project, the Danish Energy Agency has provided funding for the PRESI II project, set to begin in 2025. This next phase will deepen the work started in Santa Cruz and expand the reach of Danish industrial symbiosis expertise.
Kalundborg Symbiosis’ efforts serve as a beacon of inspiration for regions worldwide, demonstrating that by fostering local partnerships and leveraging shared resources, communities can achieve both economic and environmental benefits.
Latest update: The project has just been rewarded by the Brazilian Foreign Ministry and ApexBrasil as one of the initiatives that have most effectively boosted Brazil’s presence on the international stage. Read more here
Stay tuned as this work continues to unfold, catalyzing a global movement toward resource-efficient, circular production systems.
