Plizio Visual Lab
Kalundborg Symbiosis
Kalundborg Symbiosis is the world's first and most famous example of industrial symbiosis and circular economy. In this industrial ecosystem in the Danish town of Kalundborg, several large companies exchange material, water, and energy streams, so that one company's waste becomes another's raw material. The network has evolved organically since the early 1970s and currently includes major players like Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, the Ørsted power plant, and the Equinor refinery. By exchanging process steam, cooling water, and gypsum waste, the participating partners save enormous amounts of resources annually and significantly reduce their carbon emissions. Kalundborg serves as a global model for sustainable industrial development, demonstrating how economic cooperation can create substantial ecological benefits. The concept is continuously refined, integrating new technologies for biogas utilization and waste heat recovery. Delegations from across the globe visit Kalundborg to study the principles of industrial ecology and apply them to their own industrial parks.
- Location: Denmark
- Top sights: Vor Frue Kirke · Kalundborg Museum · Vestborgen
- Nearby: Eskebjerg (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 48 | 42 | 35 | 50 | 68 | 72 | 79 | 56 | 68 | 60 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The first project began in 1972 with a simple gas pipeline.
- Features more than 25 different resource stream connections.
- Reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 635,000 tons per year.
- Saves around 3.6 million cubic meters of water annually.
- Key partners include Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, and Equinor.
- Gypsum waste from desulfurization is repurposed into plasterboard.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kalundborg Symbiosis (10)
Gryden
The theatre in Kalundborg provides a varied cultural programme.
Sankt Mariæ Kirke
The church in Kalundborg was built in the 13th century and is a Gothic building.
Kunstnerhuset
The gallery in Kalundborg displays works by local and regional artists.
Ulfshøj
The burial mound Ulfshøj in Kalundborg Municipality dates from the Bronze Age.
Nyvangs Kirke
The church in Kalundborg was consecrated in 1970 and is a modern building.
Vriedysse
Vriedysse is a prehistoric burial mound in Kalundborg Municipality.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kalundborg Symbiosis?
Can one visit the symbiosis?
Which companies participate there?
Why is this model so famous?
Where is Kalundborg located?
Kalundborg Symbiosis: where is it located?
Kalundborg Symbiosis: what is there to see?
Kalundborg Symbiosis: when is the best time to visit?
Kalundborg Symbiosis: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
