By-Product Synergy Northwest Project

The Motivation

By-Product Synergy NW (BPS NW) is a Northwest public-private partnership aimed at reducing waste going to landfill while taking a closed-loop approach to materials and resources on a regional basis.

Since 2007, BPS NW has engaged a core group of companies, including heavy industries like Shell Oil and Nucor Steel, and Northwest-based manufacturers such as Genie Industries and Canyon Creek Cabinet Company. Member companies work in facilitated sessions to identify opportunities for reusing waste materials or optimizing the use of input materials. Technical experts and regulatory representatives support the program and help participants develop innovative approaches to save money and reduce waste.

By-Product Synergy NW is managed by NBIS (Network for Business Innovation and Sustainability) in collaboration with PPRC, Washington State Department of Ecology, the US Business Council for Sustainable Development, and other partners.

Resources

Materials Innovation Exchange Online Toolbox (MAIX)

During 2011, development began on a first-class resource for materials exchange and access to best practices in materials management, case examples, and success stories. The unique Materials Innovation Exchange website is in beta right now.

Contribute to beta launch of materials innovation exchange website; gain early benefits by posting innovative articles, resources & materials for exchange. By-product Synergy Northwest (BPSNW), an NBIS program affiliated with the US Business Council for Sustainability Development, is in the final “pre-launch” phase of introducing the Materials Innovation Exchange website, which will include a public facing marketplace for materials exchange (alongside a members only space) plus an innovation center offering articles and helps for dealing with challenging materials.

The site is both a materials marketplace and a global knowledge bank supporting innovation in materials management and waste reduction. Seed funding was provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology and Rhizome Design. Rhizome is an NBIS member company, contributing web development and design expertise to the project.

Contacts

For more information on these projects, please contact:

Mary Rose, Co-Executive Director, NBIS