Insights from a frontrunner in industrial symbiosis

As part of its contribution to the Hubs4Circularity (H4C) project, ACR+ recently interviewed its member the Dutch Province of Friesland to explore its work in industrial symbiosis. Friesland would like to become one of the most circular regions in Europe by 2025 and is already showcasing a diverse array of circular initiatives—from nutrient recovery from bio-residues to circular business parks connecting industries across the province. Central to this transformation is a collaborative model that unites businesses, policymakers, and researchers in pursuit of shared sustainability goals. 

In the interview, Friesland shares how a decade-long journey began with a material flow analysis and evolved into a region-wide strategy for resource efficiency and innovation. The province sees itself as both an orchestrator and participant in circular economy efforts, with a key role in building trust, facilitating collaboration, and identifying change-makers within the ecosystem. While recognising structural and regulatory challenges, Friesland emphasises the importance of focusing on motivated stakeholders and balancing technical solutions with storytelling and vision to advance industrial symbiosis at the regional level. 

Read the complete interview here.