On 24th January 2025, RISERS participated in the first LIAISE COST ACTION webinar of the year, focused on “Policy Frameworks for Industrial Symbiosis: Navigating Regulations and Incentives.”
The event featured key speakers:
- Péter Chrabák, Circular economy research group lead, Bay Zoltán Research Institute, Hungary – Developing a national circular economy strategy for Hungary
- Biljana Cincurak Erceg PhD associated professor, Josip JurajStrossmeyer University of Osijek, Faculty of Law, Croatia – Industrial symbiosis in European environmental and waste management policy
- Natalija Cudecka-Purina, Asoc. Prof, Dr. Sc. Admin, Banku Augstskola, Latvia – Regulatory barriers for industrial symbiosis in state-owned and private entities
- James Woodcock, Senior Project Manager, International Synergies Limited (RISERS) – End of Waste and its Effect on Industrial Symbiosis
With around 30 participants, the discussion centered on legislation, waste definitions, and regulatory challenges impacting industrial symbiosis. A key takeaway was the critical link between waste and byproduct definitions and the solutions being explored in various countries.
While End of Waste (EoW) Regulations exist in Europe, their scope remains limited, failing to fully support the potential of industrial symbiosis. James Woodcock presented RISERS’ ongoing work in this area, particularly the development of a horizontal standard for future resource-specific classifications. This aligns closely with Latvia’s efforts to establish a new resource classification system, presenting an opportunity for future collaboration. The webinar highlighted the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and harmonized standards to unlock the full potential of industrial symbiosis across Europe.
