AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, participates in an EU-funded project to promote circular economy principles within the bio-based industrial ecosystem using AI-driven solutions. Under the banner of "Securing Local Supply Chains via the Development of New Methods to Assess the Circularity and Symbiosis of the Bio-based Industrial Ecosystem," the SYMBA project aims to revolutionize industrial practices by promoting symbiotic relationships within bio-based ecosystems.
Image Credit: AIMPLAS
Through innovative methodologies and cutting-edge technologies, the project strives to pave the way for zero-waste value chains, contributing to a more sustainable future for Europe. The project officially kicked off in January, marking a significant step towards fostering resource independence and enhancing EU competitiveness.
At the core of SYMBA lies the development of a unique Industrial Symbiosis (IS) methodology specifically tailored to local and regional bio-based ecosystems. 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. The project outcomes will act as a powerful tool for identifying and implementing innovative processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and driving the transition towards circularity.
The SYMBA project is supported by a consortium comprising leading organizations such as Novamont, Climate-KIC, CIRCE, Centexbel, AIMPLAS, ICLEI Europe, Bio-Based Europe Pilot Plant, and Cetaqua. ENCO takes the helm of the consortium.
The partnership has been intentionally selected by its expertise, network with key external stakeholders and geographical reach, bringing together five EU countries (Italy, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany) to consolidate the maximum outreach of the initiative. Through the involvement of different industrial sectors: agri-food (Novamont); plastic packaging (AIMPLAS); wastewater (Cetaqua); textile (Centexbel); waste valorisation (Bio-Based Europe Pilot Plant), 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.
SYMBA project has been funded by the European Union under G.A. 101135562.