Exploring the Role of Waste Storage in Industrial Symbiosis Networks via a Hybrid Simulation Approach: A Case Study of the Food Industry

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD. Candidate in Industrial Management, Production and Operations orientation, Faculty of Industrial Management and Technology, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Prof., Faculty of Industrial Management and Technology, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Prof., Department of Operations and Service Management, Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.

4 Assistant Prof., Faculty of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/imj.2026.405495.1008270

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates how waste storage, waste quality, and market dynamicity influence the economic and environmental performance of industrial symbiosis networks in Iran’s food sector. 
Methodology: A hybrid simulation approach, combining agent-based modeling and discrete event simulation, is employed to analyze the dynamics of industrial symbiosis networks in the food sector in Iran. This integrated method enables a detailed examination of how waste quality, storage duration, and market dynamicity jointly affect network performance. The model is implemented and simulated using AnyLogic software.
Results: The simulation results demonstrate that effective management of waste storage is essential for improving the economic and environmental performance of industrial symbiosis networks in the food sector. Extending the storage duration allows firms to better align waste supply with demand, which is particularly valuable in volatile markets. However, the benefits of longer storage depend on waste quality: for high-quality waste, additional storage costs are offset by higher exchange values, while for low-quality waste, prolonged storage mainly increases costs and reduces profitability. The study also finds that waste storage strategies can substantially buffer the negative effects of market fluctuations.
Conclusion: This paper advances circular economy research by presenting an analytical framework that integrates agent-based modeling and discrete event simulation to analyze industrial symbiosis networks. The findings suggest that managing storage duration can improve economic and environmental outcomes, while waste storage strategies help firms mitigate the negative impacts of market volatility. These insights can help managers and policymakers improve waste management in Iran’s food sector.

Keywords

References

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Industrial Management Journal
Volume 18, Issue 1
2026
Pages 84-116

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