Imitating Nature to Enrich Waste with New Values and Use It as a New Resource

Abstract

On one hand, we are observing a continuous and irrational exploitation of raw materials. On the other hand, we are producing more waste. We should not expect, therefore, that the Earth produces more. We should do more with what the Earth produces, and need to adopt sustainable waste management. We must turn to nature, where there is no waste and where any surpluses are metabolized by the system itself. If we adopt such principles in all forms of production, it will favor the development of zero-emissions production, as the waste (output) of one process is usable as a resource (input) for another production process. Specifically, the research, conducted in collaboration with the Neosidea Group, proposes an analytical tool for configuring and setting up networks among different companies. Industries are led to organize themselves into sustainable local networks, i.e., local production systems where the waste products of one industry can be sold as a resource to another to their mutual benefit. Waste enriched with new values becomes a resource and is made available for producing new products strictly connected to the local know-how. By applying the systemic approach we can see how the cultural identity of the territory is reinforced, the biodiversity is conserved, and the quality of the products generated is improved: this creates positive effects on the territory both in environmental and economic terms.