SYMBIO General Assembly in Seville: Advancing Industrial Symbiosis Across Europe

We recently attended the SYMBIO project General Assembly in Seville (January 28-29), a two-day event that brought together project partners, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance circular economy solutions. Hosted by the Spanish partner, CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia), the gathering was an opportunity to share progress, foster collaboration, and plan the next steps for promoting industrial symbiosis across Europe.

Katie Beverley, Senior Research Fellow and Piotr Swiatek, Design Policy and International Projects Manager, were in attendance on our behalf. They presented the latest developments in the SYMBIO ecosystem, mapping work and outlining the plans for upcoming stakeholder workshops in pilot regions. These workshops will play a key role in engaging local businesses, identifying opportunities for resource sharing, and strengthening circular business practices.

The first day of the assembly focused on reviewing progress across the project’s work packages. Partners discussed key milestones including stakeholder engagement strategies, mapping technologies and resources for industrial symbiosis, and refining communication efforts. A highlight of the discussions was the preparation for the upcoming online workshops, which will introduce stakeholders to SYMBIO’s cutting-edge AI and big data tools. The day ended with a guided tour of Seville’s historic centre, offering a chance to connect informally and soak in the city’s rich culture.

Day two took participants out of the meeting room and into the field with a visit to Heineken’s Seville brewery. Led by Consuelo Carmona, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at Heineken Spain, the tour provided a first-hand look at how the company integrates sustainable practices into its operations. From resource efficiency to waste valorisation, the visit highlighted real-world applications of industrial symbiosis in action.