https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210427113816.htm

"Industries can often partner up to exchange byproducts and over time these industries might form bigger communities. While these networks sound quite beneficial to all industry partners within the community, they are not always successful," said Dr. Astrid Layton, assistant professor in the J. Mike Walker' 66 Department of Mechanical Engineering. "We tried to solve this problem by providing design guidelines inspired by nature's food webs so that the overall system will be both eco-friendly and save money for everyone."

The researchers published their study in the journal Resources, Conservation & Recycling.