Industrial Symbiosis Best Practice

3A – AGRI-FOOD TECHNOLOGY PARK IN UMBRIA

Best Practices in Industrial Symbiosis: 3A – Parco Tecnologico Agroalimentare dell’Umbria During the validation phase of the INSET competency map for Industrial Symbiosis development, workshops held in Italy provided SFC Sistemi Formativi
Confindustria the opportunity to meet Stefano Briganti from 3A – Parco Tecnologico Agroalimentare dell’Umbria (3A-PTA). Below are selected excerpts from their dialogue, highlighting the initiatives and achievements of 3A-PTA.
3A-PTA is a non-profit public agency owned by the Umbria Region in Italy,
dedicated to researching and experimenting with innovative techniques in the
agro-industrial sector. The Park spans approximately 5,000 square meters and
includes research laboratories, greenhouses, offices, and conference rooms. The
primary aim of 3A-PTA is R&D for sustainability in the agro-food sector, encompassing various fields of action. They support companies in spreading and
transferring technological innovations, food product certification, soil and food
analysis, and international cooperation.

“3A-PTA has extensive experience in providing technical assistance for introducing production processes based on the circular economy, and in industrial symbiosis projects. We promote collaboration between public and private operators when such partnerships can create added value. In recent years, 3A-PTA has managed financial resources to support projects proposed by regional companies, developing new production processes that incorporate industrial symbiosis principles. They have facilitated connections between waste producers (e.g., agricultural processing waste) and alternative energy developers, such as biomass power plants established by individual companies.”

3A-PTA operates by bringing together the private and public sectors on the issues of circular economy and industrial symbiosis. Regarding services to companies for industrial symbiosis, 3A PTA is entrusted with supporting the Umbria Region in the operational management of the tender for the assignment of regional contributions for scrapping generators powered by woody biomass. In this context, 3A PTA has been mandated to act in the name and on behalf of the Umbria Region in carrying out the management of the public tender for the provision of incentives in addition to the Thermal Account 2.0 aimed at the citizens of the Umbria Region, for the replacement of the most polluting biomass civil heating systems with high-efficiency and low-emission systems. “This initiative not only enhances air quality and sustainability but also involves sector-specific companies and professionals in the procedures for plant replacement and aid application preparation. Ensuring the proper management of heating systems is critical for achieving environmental benefits. Similarly, 3A-PTA
performs verification functions for both civil and industrial plants.”
Methodology 3A-PTA operates with public funds, managing regional financial resources for private sector interventions, including enterprises. Their direct relationship with the Public Administration allows them to influence regional policies and strategies, making the role of the Industrial Symbiosis Designer crucial in shaping these policies.

Why this is a best practice?
3A-PTA exemplifies best practices by combining technical expertise with a strategic vision for policies and tools that support the production system’s awareness of industrial symbiosis and circular economy issues. Their holistic approach integrates technical solutions with policy development to foster sustainable industrial practices.

3A PTA- INSET