FMV Panel Discussion: Industrial symbiosis on (by-)products and energy in Flanders’ decarbonisation context

The Innovation Working Group of FMV is excited to announce its first panel discussion, taking place on June 2nd at Ghent University . This event will focus on the challenges and opportunities of industrial symbiosis concerning (by-)products and energy, both today and in the future, for FMV members.

During this FMV panel discussion, we will reflect on two major challenges — and opportunities: the circular management of by-products and the efficient and flexible use of energy. In a sector that is traditionally highly energy-intensive and generates substantial volumes of specific by-products, it is essential to look not only at how we produce, but also at how we collaborate. While many companies face similar challenges, one company may already hold the solution to another company’s problem. That’s why the key to progress lies not only in technology, but also in partnership.

We already see inspiring examples within Flanders Metals Valley, but the question remains: how can we scale up these efforts? How can companies, universities, and governments work together to accelerate the transition toward a circular and climate-neutral metals industry? And how can we ensure that knowledge is translated into practice more swiftly and effectively?

In this panel, we will explore these questions together with experts from the industry. We delighted to welcome Jimmy De Wilde from Aperam, Karolien Vasseur from Umicore, Kristof Verbeeck from ArcelorMittal R&D, Lukas Arnout from ResourceFull and Mathias Chintinne from ABO Global as panellists. With this team of experts, we will discuss how by-products can be valorized to their fullest potential, how energy use can become more efficient and flexible, and above all: how collaboration within Flanders Metals Valley can be the driving force behind sustainable innovation in these areas.

We warmly invite all FMV members to join the conversation — to share their questions, insights, and ambitions. There will be time for open discussion, so if you plan to participate, don’t forget to bring your most pressing questions or your wish list for future FMV collaborations.

Moderators: Inge Bellemans (UGent), Annelies Malfliet (KU Leuven)

Join us for this insightful event and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the metals industry.

Location

Tech Lane Science Park, Building 46, 9052 Zwijnaarde