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"R-CLASS" INTRODUCTION
A The Stone Paper Company project in New Zealand 
Polluted world!
Canterbary, New Zealand
‘Industrial symbiosis’ is a term used to describe a group of businesses that use each other’s residuals (waste and by-products) as raw materials. The guiding philosophy is that cooperation generates better results and provides opportunities for companies to increase production without necessarily consuming more energy, water and raw materials. And in Kalundborg, Denmark, a network of six companies have been undertaking this approach for over 20 years.
This network of interconnected businesses first evolved as a way of sharing cost efficiencies across a range of different companies through the use of ‘waste’ products. Over time, the group become aware that the relationship was also benefiting the immediate environment through a reduced consumption of resources such as water, coal, oil, gypsum, fertilizer, and decreased emissions. Together, the companies have reduced overall water consumption by thirty percent through recycling and recirculating between partners. The Kalundborg companies have reduced their oil consumption by 20,000 tonnes per year, corresponding to a 250,000 tonne annual reduction of carbon dioxide and 380 tonne reduction of sulphur dioxide.
The six companies involved are Dong Energy Asnæs Power Station, plasterboard factory Gyproc A/S, pharmaceutical plant Novo Nordisk A/S, enzyme producer Novozymes A/S, oil refinery Statoil-Hydro A/S, recycling company RGS 90 A/S, waste company Kara/Noveren I/S, and the Kalundborg municipality. As well as cost efficiencies and improved environmental records, the companies report improved productivity without increased energy and raw materials consumption.
Kalundborg has identified key conditions that make its industrial symbiosis so effective. The top three are:
1. The companies fit each other: one company’s residual products take the place of another company’s raw material. That means local industry diversity is an important factor.
2. The companies are located near each other: the transport of residual products is over short distances only and therefore not costly.
3. The companies share a commitment to transparency: Kalundborg companies say the basis of their success is openness, communication and mutual trust.
More at: http://www.symbiosis.dk
For the full case study, visit the NextPlay website
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Written in April 2012