Sustainability and industrial symbiosis—The evolution of a Finnish forest industry complex

摘要: Abstract An industrial symbiosis (IS) is a group of plants and other actors which exchange energy, water, by-products waste. This article studies the evolution an IS centred around Finnish pulp paper mill analyses how operations case system developed in more sustainable direction during years 1890–2005. We build upon basic sustainability principles known as The Natural Step (TNS) System Conditions by identifying selecting quantifiable indicators for each conditions our target symbiosis. study reveals that environmental impacts became far-reaching 110-year period studied. Emissions, however, decreased substantially after 1970s due to tightening legislation policy measures progress technology, not symbiosis-type arrangements. There has been no strong driver symbiosis-like cooperation among companies this study. It appeared main motives increased collaboration were economic.