Industrial Symbiosis: A New Framework for Resource Efficiency in Montenegro

Montenegro has taken an important step towards developing industrial symbiosis as a practical tool for more efficient resource use and the transition towards a circular economy.

On 28 July 2026, the Ministry of Economic Development and UNDP Montenegro presented the first national Handbook for the Development of Industrial Symbiosis in Montenegro and the Roadmap for Industrial Symbiosis Development in Montenegro. The publications provide practical guidance for businesses and an institutional framework for developing industrial symbiosis, including roles of key stakeholders, pilot activities, financing mechanisms, and monitoring.

The event brought together representatives of public institutions, local governments, businesses, and academia to discuss opportunities for developing partnerships in which resources, by-products, and waste from one company can become valuable inputs for another.

The initiative is part of the project “Circular Transition and Responsible Business Behaviour in Montenegro”, implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development in cooperation with UNDP and ILO, with EU support through the Montenegro SDG Acceleration Fund.

The next phase will focus on putting the Handbook and Roadmap into practice through cooperation with businesses and institutions, including technical support, pilot projects, and financial mechanisms for companies interested in developing industrial symbiosis solutions.