RESYM

RESYM – Ressourceeffektivitet gennem industriel symbiose i Western Cape.

RESYM is an ongoing international project that promotes resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis in South Africa, with a focus on the Western Cape. The project combines Denmark’s leading position in industrial symbiosis with local South African initiatives to accelerate the green transition in industry here and now.

Background and purpose

South Africa faces significant climate and resource challenges. Industry remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels while facing pressure from water scarcity, rising costs, and stricter sustainability requirements.

In the Western Cape, the Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP) has already demonstrated that industrial symbiosis can generate both environmental and economic benefits. RESYM builds on these experiences and works purposefully to professionalise, scale up and anchor industrial symbiosis through international cooperation.

Project activities
RESYM works in practice to translate knowledge into action through a number of parallel activities:

• Mapping of material, water, and energy flows in selected industrial areas
• Identification and screening of specific symbioses between companies
• Technical sparring and capacity building based on Danish practical experience
• Workshops, delegations, and ongoing knowledge exchange between Danish and South African actors

The project is based on specific companies and real industrial needs and focuses on solutions that can be implemented in practice.

Prospects and Up-scaling

Experiences and results from the Western Cape are being shared nationally in South Africa. At the same time, Kenya is participating as an observer with a view to the future regional expansion of industrial symbiosis in Africa.