Title: The role of an Eco Park in the progress towards sustainable development: a case study in Wales

Authors: E.J. Probert, B.M. Watts, S.P. Bentley

Addresses: European Business Management School, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK. ' European Business Management School, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK. ' Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 0YF, UK

Abstract: Waste has been identified as one of the most important environmental problems in Wales, and legislative and economic measures have been put in place to improve the sustainable management of waste. This paper introduces the concept of eco-industrial parks and discusses how they can play a role in the solution to the problem of managing waste sustainably, with particular consideration being given to local markets for recyclate. Market development is vital to allow waste to be transformed into a resource that can be used in the production processes of local manufacturers, reducing the need for the use of natural resources and creating local employment opportunities. A report is given of the progress to date of a pilot Eco Park project in Wales, addressing the economic, environmental and social factors that are emerging in the progress towards sustainable development.

Keywords: sustainable waste management; eco-industrial parks; recyclate; market development; sustainable development; Wales.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2003.003853

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2003 Vol.2 No.4, pp.437 - 449

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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