זיהוי חסמים רגולטוריים המשפיעים על יישום סימביוזה תעשייתית בישראל

Industrial symbiosis is based on cooperation between industries and businesses that produce waste, surplus water or energy, by-products from production processes, and more. Companies trade these by-products or waste, reduce the use of virgin raw materials, and thus “close the circle” to create a situation closer to zero waste. The main benefits of industrial symbiosis are cost savings of regulated treatment (such as chemical stabilization), transportation costs, landfill costs, and landfill tax. In addition, there is a benefit of saving virgin raw materials. Industrial symbiosis produces a win-win situation, enjoyed by everyone. However, there are many barriers to realizing the potential of these benefits. This study, which took place during the years 2019 and 2020, deals with the identification of regulatory barriers that affect the operation of industrial symbiosis in Israel. In an online survey conducted among 75 manufacturers, managers, and engineers from a variety of industries, respondents were asked to rate regulatory, economic, organizational, and other barriers. This article focuses on the findings that have emerged from the survey and the policy tools required to advance industrial symbiosis. The main findings show that over 75% of respondents are familiar with the terms “circular economy” and “industrial symbiosis”, compared to only 40% who are familiar with the European directive which defines the term “end of waste”; an essential definition to be included in legislation aimed at promoting industrial symbiosis and a circular economy. About 80% of respondents state that the lack of government incentives is a significant barrier to the implementation of industrial symbiosis processes. Additionally, about half of the respondents think that the standards, regulations, and certifications required for the use of hazardous substances constitute a barrier to implementation, and 39% think that the need for a hazardous materials permit to perform symbiosis presents another barrier. The establishment and operation of an information platform on waste streams are rated as the most efficacious regulatory factor (identified by 44% of respondents). Interviews with four senior officials in the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Economy also support the above findings and it is apparent that they identify similar barriers.