Welcome to the latest edition of Symbiosis Stream.
The first half of 2026 has been full of momentum, bringing new strategic ambitions, exciting projects, inspiring events, and visits from partners and delegations from around the world. Along the way, we have also welcomed new colleagues and partners into our community while saying farewell to others who have contributed to the Kalundborg Symbiosis journey.
As summer approaches, we would like to wish you a wonderful and relaxing break with your family and friends. We hope you have the opportunity to recharge and enjoy the season. We look forward to an exciting second half of 2026, filled with new activities, partnerships, and opportunities to advance industrial symbiosis together.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————- No. 12, July, 2026
A farewell from our Chair of the Board.
The Kalundbvorg Symbioseis Chair of the Board, Stine Gry Roland, is stepping down from the Board following changes in her professional role. While her time as Chair was shorter than anticipated, her commitment to Kalundborg Symbiosis and the broader Kalundborg partnerships has been unwavering.
On behalf of the Board, the Secretariat, and the entire Kalundborg Symbiosis community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for her dedication, leadership, and inspiration. We thank Stine for her contributions and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career. The Board of Directors will constitute itself at the next board meeting in August. Until then, Vice Chair Ghita Hansen from Novonesis will lead the Board.
Below, Stine shares her own reflections and farewell message with all our members.
Dear members of the Kalundborg Symbiosis,
As I step down from the role as Chair of the Board, I want to share a few words of gratitude and appreciation. My journey with the Kalundborg partnerships spans back almost 20 years, and this has been one of the most meaningful parts of my professional life. Although my period as Chair became shorter than I had hoped – such is the nature of serving on a corporate mandate – it has been no less rewarding.
Working with you has been a privilege. The Symbiosis and all the public private partnerships in Kalundborg are built on trust, courage, and a rare ability to think long‑term together. What we have created here is extraordinary: a living ecosystem of collaboration that strenthens the business environment and local community, and continues to inspire industries, policymakers, and communities around the world.
Across companies, public authorities, academia, and the local community, we have shown what is possible when people choose partnership over competition. The results speak for themselves: from global recognition of the industrial symbiosis, to major infrastructure investments, to the remarkable growth of Campus Kalundborg, and the many ambitious projects in Kalundborg that continue to take shape.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because of our persistence, our shared ambition, and a shared belief that “if we can dream it, we can do it.”
As I move on to new professional chapters, my admiration for the ‘Kalundborg model’ and the symbiotic way of working, remains unchanged. I want to thank each of you for the collaboration, the trust, and the many moments where we dared to think bigger together.
I hope and believe you will keep pushing the boundaries of what industrial collaboration can achieve. Keep nurturing the partnerships, the ideas, and the rocket dreams that make Kalundborg truly unique.
Updates from the Green Transportation Hub
On June 16, Kalundborg Symbiosis hosted a Green Transportation Hub (GTH) meeting, to share progress from the working groups (Traffic screening and Infrastructure) and discuss the next steps.
The meeting opened with an inspiring presentation from RenTeq, showcasing how existing vehicles can be electrified to support the green transition. Participants also received updates on developments related to Route 22 (Tværmotorvejen). The meeting concluded with an introduction to the new Kalundborg Symbiosis 2035 Strategy.
We also welcomed Camilla Eckermann from APM Terminals, who has taken over as Chair of the GTH Steering Committee from Nikolaj Klokholm. We look forward to continuing the collaboration under her leadership.
Kalundborg Symbiosis – A beacon of the Industrial Symbiosis alliance between the United States and Denmark
At the Pacific Northwest Industrial Symbiosis Conference – the first conference of its kind in the United States – 250 industrial symbiosis (IS) practitioners, businesses, policymakers, industrial developers, and experts came together to share their experiences with industrial symbiosis and the growing collaboration between the United States and Denmark.
Since 2016, this transnational partnership has evolved from a promising idea, with Kalundborg Symbiosis serving as a beacon and source of inspiration, into the implementation of industrial symbiosis programmes in both Washington State and Oregon. Through its collaboration with, and funding from, the Danish Energy Agency and the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure (CSI), the Kalundborg Symbiosis Secretariat has acted as a knowledge partner while gaining valuable new insights and building strong networks in facilitation, governance processes, financing models, and technological solutions.
On the first day of the conference, a panel session explored Industrial Symbiosis initiatives in Denmark. Moderated by Chris Cummings from Business Oregon, the discussion featured Per Møller from the Kalundborg Symbiosis Secretariat and Sahra Diemer from the Trade Council of Denmark. Together, they presented and discussed Denmark’s strengths in industrial symbiosis, as well as the opportunities and initiatives made available through the Danish partnership.
The visit also included meetings with senators from Oregon and Washington, the Danish Ambassador to the United States, Jesper Møller Sørensen, and representatives from Danish companies. Discussions focused on financing models for industrial symbiosis, data centres, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Finally, Danish Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck announced their intention to strengthen collaboration between Washington State and Denmark. Industrial symbiosis, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), water, and wastewater management were highlighted as key areas for future cooperation.
Preserving the history of Kalundborg Symbiosis
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Henriette Haulund Christensen, whose parents played a pivotal role in the early development of Kalundborg Symbiosis.
Her father, Valdemar Christensen, was Operations Manager at Asnæs Power Station, and together with his wife, Inge Christensen, they were among the driving forces behind the symbiosis. They coined the name Kalundborg Symbiosis and introduced the term industrial symbiosis, which has since become recognised worldwide. Inge Christensen also co-authored the book Symbiosis together with artist Jack Lundsdal.
Henriette generously donated a valuable collection of historical materials to our archive, including photographs, documents, correspondence, and newspaper clippings spanning the period from the early 1990s to 2000s. These unique contributions will help preserve and document the history of Kalundborg Symbiosis and its formative years for future generations.
During her visit, Henriette also shared personal memories of growing up in a family where industrial symbiosis was a constant source of inspiration. As she smilingly recalled, almost every school assignment she wrote somehow ended up being about industrial symbiosis.
We are sincerely grateful to Henriette for sharing these remarkable materials and stories, which enrich our understanding of the people and vision that laid the foundation for what Kalundborg Symbiosis has become today.
Top photo: Inge and Valdemar Christensen, December 2007.
Bottom photo: Their daughter, Henriette Haulund Christensen. In the background, you can see posters featuring artwork from the book Symbiosis, created by Inge Christensen and artist Jack Lundsdal in 1993.
Kalundborg Symbiosis featured in international publication on circular water solutions
The Kalundborg Symbiosis and Kalundborg Utility have contributed to the international publication Circular Water Economy 101 – Closing the Loop, published by the Water Environment Federation.
The chapter, “Kalundborg Symbiosis: Circular Water at Scale,” was co-authored by Per Møller, Senior Special Advisor at the Kalundborg Symbiosis, and Hasse Milter, Head of Development at Kalundborg Utility. It highlights Kalundborg’s approach to circular water management, presenting the challenges, collaborative solutions, and long-term vision that have made the industrial ecosystem an internationally recognised example of circular water use.
The publication was officially presented at the Pacific Northwest Industrial Symbiosis Conference in the United States.
Sidestream Valorisation Conference comes to Kalundborg
On 9 September 2026, the University of Copenhagen, Campus Kalundborg, Kalundborg Symbiosis, Helix Lab, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation will host the Sidestream Valorisation Conference in Kalundborg.
The conference will explore how industrial side streams and residual resources can be transformed into new ingredients, materials, and sustainable solutions for sectors such as food production, fermentation, and biomanufacturing. With its long-standing tradition of industrial symbiosis, Kalundborg provides the ideal setting for discussions on how collaboration between industry, academia, foundations, and policymakers can accelerate the transition towards a more circular bioeconomy.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, case studies, poster sessions, and interactive discussions on the opportunities, challenges, and scaling of biosolutions. Insights and recommendations from the conference will contribute to the development of a forthcoming white paper.
Date and venue:
9 September 2026, 10:00–17:00
Helix Lab, Campus Kalundborg
More information and registration here
Join the Symbiosis Run 2026!
On Sunday, 27 September 2026, the Symbiosis Run returns – and we look forward to welcoming employees from Kalundborg Symbiosis’ member companies to the starting line!
The Symbiosis Run is more than just a sporting event. It is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, promote wellbeing, and celebrate the unique collaborative spirit that defines the Kalundborg ecosystem. Whether you choose to run, walk, or simply cheer on your colleagues, you’ll be part of a day that brings together companies, organisations, families, and the local community.
Register as a company team or sign up individually – everyone is welcome, regardless of age or fitness level.
Sign up today and help make this year’s event our biggest and most memorable celebration of community and collaboration yet!
More information here
Registration here
All participants will be entered into a prize draw. Member companies are invited to contribute prizes, such as branded merchandise or other giveaways.
We look forward to seeing you at the Symbiosis Run 2026!
