Industrial ecology and decision-making

Industrial ecology, to be successfully understood and implemented, must be seen both as a systems oriented concept and an ongoing process. Its theoretical framework rests on a comprehensive search for basic principles from economy, thermodynamics and ecology, all seen within the context of sound practice. Whereas the fact remains that nothing is as practical as good theory, that theory must itself have its roots in reality and should preferably be based on an important and worthwhile practice. Hence, industrial ecology informed strategies should be developed in close collaboration among industrial leaders and external decision-makers, specialists and planners. The article discusses this type of framework for decision-making in relation to industrial ecology in general, and seen through the case of the extended producer responsibility principle.