The CORALIS project recently hosted an insightful webinar exploring the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving industrial symbiosis initiatives. The session brought together experts from Fertiberia Group, Linköping University, and WA3RM AB to share their experiences and reflect on the challenges and opportunities of leveraging PPPs to foster sustainable development.
The webinar opened with a discussion by Wilhelm Magnusson, Head of Public Affairs from WA3RM AB, who highlighted the value of PPPs in aligning public and private resources to achieve common goals. Magnusson emphasised the importance of transparency, trust, and effective communication in bridging the gap between public and private stakeholders. A case study from Sweden demonstrated how collaborative frameworks can enable innovative uses of resources, such as waste heat, to support industrial and agricultural operations, creating both economic and environmental benefits. However, Magnusson also acknowledged the challenges of such partnerships, including addressing bureaucratic constraints and ensuring mutual understanding between stakeholders.
The second presentation explored the complexities of initiating PPPs for infrastructure projects. Francisca Galindo Paniagua, the Technical Director from Fertiberia Group, shared the experience of attempting to develop a desalination plant through a public-private framework which is considered the Escombreras Lighthouse of CORALIS, showcasing the project’s potential to serve as a model for future initiatives in the field of industrial symbiosis. Despite a thorough technical evaluation and a favourable environmental impact, the project faced significant barriers, such as land acquisition, funding limitations, and diverging priorities among stakeholders. This highlighted the importance of securing strong administrative support and engaging not only politicians but also technical staff to build consensus and facilitate project implementation.
A broader perspective was offered by another expert, Prof. Mats Eklund from Linköping University, who reflected on their extensive experience with industrial symbiosis across Swedish municipalities. In smaller communities, limited resources and technical capacity often hinder progress, even when there is strong interest in collaboration. Conversely, larger municipalities with robust utility companies can leverage existing monopolies on waste management and infrastructure to integrate circular economy principles more effectively. Yet, as Prof. Eklund said, success often depends on individual actors within organisations who advocate for these initiatives and build trust between sectors.
Throughout the webinar, recurring themes emerged, showing the critical ingredients for successful PPPs in industrial symbiosis. These include understanding the shared value of the project, fostering a transparent dialogue between stakeholders, and building knowledge about public governance structures. Additionally, speakers stressed the need to communicate the practical benefits of symbiosis in terms that resonate with decision-makers, such as job creation, economic growth, and environmental targets. As Prof. Eklund aptly summarised, “Industrial symbiosis does not need municipalities as much as municipalities need industrial symbiosis.” This reflects the potential for local authorities to align their sustainability goals with the innovative capabilities of private-sector partners.
The session concluded with a Q&A, where participants discussed strategies to overcome common pitfalls. Avoiding overly technical jargon and tailoring messaging to the audience were among the key recommendations for building progress around industrial symbiosis projects. The CORALIS webinar demonstrated that while challenges remain, PPPs offer a powerful mechanism for accelerating industrial symbiosis and achieving broader sustainability objectives. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and mutual understanding, these partnerships can unlock transformative solutions for a greener future.
Watch the recording here.
