Pacific Northwest Industrial Symbiosis Conference Highlights: Building a More Resilient Circular Economy

Industrial Symbiosis is gaining momentum across the Pacific Northwest, and the inaugural Pacific Northwest Industrial Symbiosis Conference that took place June 28–30 in Vancouver, Washington demonstrated just how much interest is building around this innovative approach to economic development, sustainability, and resource efficiency.

The conference brought together more than 250 participants representing industry, government, academia, ports, utilities, and economic development organizations from across the region. H2OEO members Brandon Mauseth of Oregon Potato Company and Debbie Radie of Boardman Foods had the opportunity to participate in panel discussions and presentations throughout the event, sharing insights and learning from leaders advancing Industrial Symbiosis initiatives around the world.

International Partnerships Create New Opportunities

One of the conference's most significant moments was a visit from the Ambassador of Denmark, who announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being developed between Denmark and the State of Washington to strengthen collaboration on Industrial Symbiosis initiatives.

Denmark has long been recognized as a global leader in Industrial Symbiosis, and the proposed partnership reflects more than 225 years of diplomatic and economic cooperation between Denmark and the United States. The collaboration is expected to focus on four strategic areas:

1. Sustainable aviation fuels

2. Wastewater management

3. Energy systems

4. Port infrastructure and support

   
   

These focus areas align closely with many of the opportunities being explored throughout the Pacific Northwest as communities seek practical ways to improve resource efficiency while supporting economic growth.

Industrial Symbiosis Gains Traction Across the Northwest

The conference showcased the growing number of organizations embracing Industrial Symbiosis principles throughout Oregon and Washington. Pre-conference tours highlighted businesses and projects in the McMinnville and Portland regions that are already implementing circular economy strategies, resource-sharing partnerships, and innovative approaches to waste reduction.

Additional announcements and discussions underscored the increasing momentum behind these efforts. Notably, the Port of Pasco shared plans to develop an Industrial Symbiosis Industrial Park, creating infrastructure designed to encourage collaboration among businesses and maximize the use of shared resources.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of public-private partnerships. Speakers emphasized that meaningful progress occurs when businesses, government agencies, utilities, and community organizations work together toward common goals.

Perhaps the most memorable expression of that idea came through a phrase repeated throughout the event: "People make it happen, not government." While supportive policies and programs matter, successful Industrial Symbiosis ultimately depends on organizations and individuals willing to collaborate.

A Bipartisan Economic Development Strategy

Industrial Symbiosis continues to attract bipartisan interest because it delivers benefits that resonate across a wide range of stakeholders.

Conference speakers repeatedly highlighted the concept of turning "waste into wealth" by creating economic value from underutilized resources. By connecting businesses that can use one organization's waste stream as another's input, Industrial Symbiosis improves efficiency, reduces costs, and creates new opportunities for investment and job creation.

Rather than viewing sustainability and economic development as competing priorities, many presenters described Industrial Symbiosis as a practical strategy that advances both objectives simultaneously.

Oregon's Industrial Symbiosis Roadmap Takes Shape

Another important development discussed at the conference is the creation of Oregon's Industrial Symbiosis Roadmap. The University of Oregon has been contracted by Business Oregon to lead the effort, which will help guide future Industrial Symbiosis development across the state.

In addition, Business Oregon is expected to select a Technical Assistance Contractor by July 17, 2026, to support regional Industrial Symbiosis programs authorized by the Oregon Legislature during the previous session.

These initiatives represent important next steps in building the framework and technical support needed to expand Industrial Symbiosis opportunities throughout Oregon.

Legislative Perspectives on Growth and Innovation

Oregon Senator Kathleen Taylor Lieber offered several memorable observations during the conference, emphasizing the connection between economic growth and long-term sustainability.

Among her remarks were:

"We will need to grow our way out."

"Make the cash registers ring."

"Wastewater goodness."

Senator Lieber noted that Denmark's success in Industrial Symbiosis was influenced by unique factors, including high energy costs and dependence on imported resources. Oregon and the broader United States, she suggested, will need to identify their own economic drivers and incentives to encourage widespread adoption.

She also highlighted growing public interest in data center development and suggested that additional legislative attention regarding data center growth and regulation is likely in the future.

Financing the Future

The conference also explored the financial tools available to help move Industrial Symbiosis projects from concept to reality.

Representatives from USDA, Redaptive, and EIFO (Denmark's Export and Investment Fund) discussed grants, investment opportunities, and innovative financing mechanisms designed to support resource-sharing and sustainability projects. Access to capital remains a critical component of scaling Industrial Symbiosis efforts, and attendees gained valuable insight into funding pathways available for businesses, ports, and communities.

Looking Ahead

The Pacific Northwest Industrial Symbiosis Conference reinforced a clear message: Industrial Symbiosis is no longer just a sustainability concept—it is emerging as a practical and powerful economic development strategy.

By fostering collaboration among businesses, ports, utilities, government agencies, data centers, educational institutions, and financial partners, the Pacific Northwest is creating new opportunities to transform waste streams into valuable resources. As these partnerships continue to grow, the region is well positioned to become a national leader in demonstrating how innovation, resource efficiency, and economic growth can work hand in hand.

For H2OEO and its members, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to contribute to the conversation and help shape the future of Industrial Symbiosis in the Pacific Northwest.