In its inception in 2015, Manresa became the epicenter of an innovative project: Manresa in Symbiosis. Promoted by the Waste Agency of Catalonia, the Manresa City Council, and the Bages Waste Management Consortium, and with the technical support of Símbiosy, this pioneering initiative demonstrated how collaboration between companies can transform resource management and establish a sustainable model based on the circular economy.
The pilot project: Manresa in Symbiosis (2015-2017)
During its first two years, Manresa in Symbiosis focused on an industrial ecosystem of 450 companies, of which 150 were selected for their potential to collaborate. Finally, 28 companies actively participated, involving more than 50 technical and managerial professionals. This effort made it possible to implement key synergies to manage resources efficiently and reduce waste.
The results obtained set a precedent for the circular economy in Catalonia:
- Identification of 11,000 tons of recoverable organic waste through anaerobic digestion.
- Recovery of 750 tons of plastic waste.
- Diversion of 256 tons of mixed waste from landfills.
- Potential generation of 12 GWh of thermal energy and 7 GWh of electrical energy through biogas, with an estimated annual saving of €135,000.
These achievements not only brought economic and environmental benefits but also fostered a change in mindset among the participating companies. This pilot laid the groundwork for the future Catalan Industrial Symbiosis Program and the development of broader and replicable collaboration networks.
The evolution: From Manresa in Symbiosis to Circular Industry of Bages (2018 onwards)
In 2018, the project evolved into Circular Industry of Bages. This transformation expanded its scope to the entire region, integrating new sectors and companies. The Bufalvent Business Association assumed a fundamental role as promoter, leading the creation of the first industrial symbiosis office in Catalonia: Simbiosi. From this office, specialized services were offered, such as training, personalized audits, and technical support to implement sustainable synergies.
Throughout this stage, the project consolidated its progress through key initiatives:
- First cooperative industrial energy community: Formed exclusively by SMEs, the Manresa Il·lumina community was awarded the prize for Best Energy Community in the Green CommYOUnity Awards. In addition, this community has been selected by the European project ENERGIZE+ to promote and facilitate the implementation of its potential.
- Sustainable heat network: Powered by biogas and forest biomass, it promoted energy self-sufficiency in local industry.
- Logistics center for forest biomass: Designed to optimize local resources and reduce the environmental footprint.
Ten years of accumulated impact
Over a decade, more than 30 synergies have been identified and implemented, achieving:
- Significant reduction of waste sent to landfills.
- Generation of renewable energy through the use of biogas and biomass.
- Estimated savings of 1.2 million euros per year for the participating companies.
The 10 years of experience have consolidated and perfected strategic activities such as:
- Automated mapping of waste flows and identification of synergies with tools such as Synerplatform.
- Creation of an Advisory Committee that brings together key territorial entities.
- Active collaboration with companies through audits, sector workshops, and implementation of practical synergies.
- Training and awareness in circular economy for companies, universities, and educational centers.
A model for the future
Today, Manresa in Symbiosis is more than a project; it is a national benchmark and a replicable model in other regions. At Símbiosy, we are proud to have been a fundamental part of this transformation. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to continue innovating and helping territories transform environmental challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration. This project has established solid, replicable foundations that will serve as a reference for the development of future industrial symbiosis and circular economy projects.
