On March 18, the final seminar for the first phase of the industrial collaboration Industrial Symbiosis Haugalandet was organized at the House of Literature in Oslo.
– Collaboration and a culture of sharing are a major competitive advantage, Tiril Fjeld opened Tuesday's seminar for Industrial Symbiosis Haugalandet.
With over 110 registered participants from industry, government and other stakeholders, both physically in Oslo and digitally, we marked the end of the first phase of the industrial collaboration on better utilization of surplus resources in the industry in Haugalandet. After one year of dedicated collaboration, 21 potential symbioses have been identified – now the work of realizing them begins.
But the path to a more circular industry requires perseverance and changes in frameworks. Olaf Brastad, senior activist from the Bellona Environmental Foundation, spoke about the potential and issues for industrial symbiosis and surplus resources, and pointed out, among other things, a lack of understanding of industry and materials in political debates.
The political panel made a clear call to the industry to provide specific input to elected officials on what challenges, be they regulations or rules, are being faced and what incentives are needed.
– The industry itself knows what good solutions are. Our job as politicians is to create a framework that makes industrial symbioses profitable. It must happen gradually, through concrete measures, step by step, said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.