Bringing all industrial networks together and next steps

This article presents interactions and common methodology underlying the development of the ZeroWIN case studies. The ten presented industrial case studies focus on the implementation of a European industrial network, with a primary aim of enhancing the environmental performance through resources exchange between manufacturing industries. The ZeroWIN case studies stem from various industries, including ICT, construction, PV and automotive sectors. The novelty of the ZeroWIN concept lies in the selection of industries, being SME companies and being involved in very diverse activities from a construction sector managing large volumes of resources to an information and communication technology, involving low volumes of very precious resources. The existing examples of industrial symbioses stem from other industry sectors, especially from heavy industry, which generates high volume of waste with a well defined and stable quality. The ZeroWIN project addresses the new concepts of “by-products management”, as well as implementation of the “reuse” on a broader scale. Both concepts are among the primary targets of the European resource policy, however not really well established yet. The main aim of the ZeroWIN case studies is to demonstrate that the approach adopted by the ZeroWIN consortium can enable industrial networks in targeted sectors to meet at least two of the following targets: 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; 70% overall re-use and recycling of waste and 75% reduction of fresh water use.