Circularity effect in the viability of bio-based industrial symbiosis: Tackling extraordinary events in value chains

The complexity of predicting the impact of extraordinary events in the bio-based industrial symbiosis (BBIS) emerges as the main challenge addressed in this study. Complex systems theory, value chain dynamics, and the geographic economy constitute the best available frameworks to shed light on the aim of identifying the relationship between circular economy (CE) and viable value chains in BBIS. The Bazancourt-Pomacle biorefinery was selected as the case study to be analyzed at the mesoscale via System dynamics modelling. A scenario-based approach was adopted to identify the most required conditions to implement circularity in the sugar-beet value chain in BBIS. Three scenarios have been proposed up to 2027, the baseline scenario, the second scenario that considers the non-viable value chain scenario due to climate change effects, and the third showing an outstanding implementation of CE strategies (risk mitigation; production changeover, re-design of products and by-products, capacity buffers, and responsiveness) applied to face COVID19 outbreak is the most circular among the three. Finally, the third scenario also ensures the viability of the sugar beet value chain when facing the COVID19 outbreak by triggering leagility (leanness + agility), resilience, and survivability making the shift from bioethanol to alcohol production possible and therefore maintaining the value chain functionality.

Automated summary

The complexity of predicting the impact of extraordinary events in the bio-based industrial symbiosis is addressed in this study. Using complex systems theory, value chain dynamics, and geographic economy, the study identifies the relationship between circular economy and viable value chains in BBIS. The Bazancourt-Pomacle biorefinery is analyzed using system dynamics modeling to identify the conditions required for implementing circularity in the sugar-beet value chain. Three scenarios are proposed, with the third scenario showing the most circular implementation of circular economy strategies to face the COVID-19 outbreak and ensure the viability of the sugar-beet value chain.