New Implementation Period for Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy in Industry
Bursa, 28 January 2026 – Within the scope of the Bursa Industrial Symbiosis Program, carried out by the Bursa Eskişehir Bilecik Development Agency (BEBKA) in cooperation with the Bursa Organized Industrial Zone, an Information Meeting was held to enhance resource efficiency in industry, promote circular economy practices, and strengthen inter-firm cooperation. The program is implemented under the coordination of the General Directorate of Development Agencies of the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye.
“One of the most concrete steps of our Green OIZ vision”
In his opening speech, Osman Yıldırım, Director of the Bursa Organized Industrial Zone, emphasized the critical role of industrial symbiosis in the transformation process of Organized Industrial Zones. He underlined that OIZs are no longer merely production areas, but have evolved into centers where resource efficiency is enhanced, environmental responsibility is embraced, and sustainable development is actively supported.
Stating that industrial symbiosis is one of the most tangible tools of this transformation, Yıldırım highlighted that the waste or by-product of one enterprise can become a valuable input for another. Within this framework, the project aims to increase efficiency in energy, water, and raw material use in Bursa OIZ, reduce waste volumes and environmental impacts, and strengthen a culture of cooperation among firms.
Yıldırım noted that Bursa OIZ considers it a fundamental responsibility to support collaborative, resource-efficient, and sustainable production models that enhance the competitiveness of industrialists, expressing confidence that industrial symbiosis practices will transform the region into a model area for green transition.
“Industrial symbiosis is the on-the-ground implementation of the green transition”
Delivering the opening address on behalf of BEBKA, Acting Secretary General Sabri Bayram emphasized that industrial symbiosis is a cooperation model that generates both environmental and economic benefits by transforming enterprises’ waste, by-products, energy, water, or heat into inputs for other businesses. He stated that BEBKA has long been working with a focus on resource efficiency, circular economy, and green transition, and that industrial symbiosis stands out as one of the most concrete instruments delivering direct value to enterprises.
Bayram noted that BEBKA’s activities in the field of industrial symbiosis began in 2014, during which 33 institutions and 114 firms were visited as part of regional feasibility studies. He added that five information meetings and synergy workshops were organized, leading to the identification of nearly 900 potential synergy opportunities.
In studies conducted specifically in Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone, 238 synergy opportunities were identified and five feasibility concept notes were prepared. With support from the Newton Fund, awareness was increased at both regional and national levels through training activities, a study visit to the United Kingdom, and the Industrial Symbiosis Conference.
Concrete outcomes and new-period targets
Bayram stated that within the scope of the Industrial Symbiosis Financial Support Program launched by BEBKA in 2018, approximately TRY 20 million (current value) was provided to four firms. Thanks to these projects, around 2,500 tons of waste per year were converted into products or raw materials instead of being disposed of.
In the new period, it is aimed to implement more systematic steps together with Bursa OIZ and firms, including the preparation of waste and resource inventories, organization of matching workshops, and development of investment pre-feasibility studies.
It is planned that pilot project and investment ideas emerging from the analyses carried out under the program will be directed to financing opportunities within the framework of the Türkiye Socially Inclusive Green Transition Project – SoGreen Support Programs, particularly in the fields of green transition, circular economy, resource efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions, and renewable energy. In addition, the development of industrial symbiosis-themed investment proposals that may be evaluated under the Local Development Initiative Incentive Program for Bursa is also targeted.
Following the opening speeches, the meeting continued with an information presentation outlining how the program will be implemented in cooperation with firms, and concluded with a question-and-answer session.
