In the latest episode of the Vozes Circulares podcast—an initiative by Smart Waste Portugal in collaboration with Rádio Observador—Paulo Ferrão, President of IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, and Board Member and Acting Chair of the EU Mission “Climate Neutral and Smart Cities,” joined former Secretary of State for the Environment and Deloitte consultant Inês Costa for an in-depth discussion on industrial symbiosis and the circular economy. Hosted by Nelson Ferreira, the conversation focused on the strategic role of cross-sector cooperation in driving a more sustainable economic model.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, industrial symbiosis goes far beyond partnerships between companies. As Paulo Ferrão explained, it involves broad collaboration between public and private entities—including municipalities, universities, research centers, and even local communities. The goal is to transform waste, by-products, or surpluses from one entity into valuable resources for another, creating networks for the mutual exchange of materials, energy, water, and knowledge.
The episode highlighted the example of Kalundborg, Denmark, as a global reference for this collaborative model, and explored opportunities to replicate similar practices in Portugal, tailored to local contexts. Both guests emphasized the need for public policies, incentives, and institutional literacy to make integrated solutions viable—solutions that could become a driving force for innovation in the country.
Industrial symbiosis is thus presented as a powerful tool for systemic transition, offering environmental, economic, and social benefits, and an essential step toward meeting national and European goals for sustainability and climate neutrality.
Listen here:
https://observador.pt/programas/vozes-circulares/simbioses-industriais-um-caminho-conjunto
