Industrial symbiosis network design: An application of real life scenario with mathematical optimization technique through systems engineering approach

Creating a sustainable system requires more effective resource usage and the implementation of cleaner industrial methods. Industrial symbiosis fosters collaboration among interrelated industrial sectors through the exchange of waste, byproducts, and utilities; hence, it offers creative methods to improve production process efficiency. The sustainability of agricultural products and agro-based industries is crucial for human survival. A five-layer system model is proposed to construct a symbiotic system for agriculture and agro-based industries in this study. The five-layer system model illustrates and clarifies agricultural and industrial systems through a bottom-up approach employing systems engineering. In addition to that, the objectives of decision-makers at each level are also described. In this study, sugar beet and corn agriculture along with the related agro-based industries in Türkiye is examined and analyzed. A centralized symbiotic production system is proposed for a fourth-layer symbiotic system, wherein the director holds exclusive decision-making authority over the symbiotic relationships among sugar beet, corn, and associated agro-based industry sectors. The problem setting consists of a sugar production plant, a corn-integrated industrial plant, and several interconnected facilities, all situated inside an organized area. A multi-objective optimization model that considers the reduction of CO₂ emissions together with the maximization of system profit is developed. To enhance the overall system's efficiency, the required raw materials, final products, byproducts, and waste streams of the relevant plants, with the production schedules are determined for the planning period. The ε-constraint approach is utilized to solve the multi-objective model, yielding efficient solutions that satisfy both objectives. System profit maximization as the basic model is utilized, from which generated ten scenarios. The examination of these scenarios include evaluating costs, income, profit, and CO2 emission metrics. Developed scenarios provide substantial insights into the impacts of varied factors for management comprehension. The study promotes environmental and economic considerations, so allowing the expansion of agro-based companies more sustainable. It also fosters collaborative and cohesive methodologies for formulating future manufacturing strategies.