Enhancing Circular Economy in Food Supply Chains using Industrial Symbiosis

Abstract

This research used system dynamics modeling to assess the synergies generated by industrial symbiosis in food supply chains, focusing on resource recovery and waste reduction. The examined symbiotic systems included food waste valorization, energy recovery, and by-product interchange across sectors including agricultural, food processing, and bioenergy production. The findings indicated that the agriculture sector achieved a 15% decrease in waste via effective by-product exchange. Food processing showed a 20% reduction in energy use via waste-to-energy conversion. The statistical study revealed a substantial association between enhanced symbiotic relationships and improved resource efficiency. Furthermore, the significance of inter-industry cooperation was paramount, since food waste was reused more efficiently in areas with robust industrial networks. Moreover, system performance was affected by external influences, including market demand and regulatory rules. These results provide significant insights into the capacity of industrial symbiosis to improve circular economy practices within food supply chains, hence promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.

Keywords

• food supply chains
• thermal properties
• circular economy
• size dependence
• composition influence