Conceptual analysis of eco-efficiency and industrial symbiosis: Insights from process industry

Abstract

The interior relationship between Industrial Ecology, Eco-Efficiency and Industrial Symbiosis has been scarcely investigated in literature. We identify three main aspects linking the concepts, which are ‘Actions’, ‘Stakeholders’ and ‘Value’, and use them to drive the conceptual analysis. Considering the application and implementation, authors conduct a conceptual comparison between Eco-Efficiency and Industrial Symbiosis by using Industrial Ecology as the leading concept. A conceptual framework is developed to uncover the relationship of Industrial Ecology, Eco-Efficiency and Industrial Symbiosis, from a firm level perspective.