Industrial ecology is an emerging field that seeks to improve environmental quality through the optimization of resource flows and the integration of ecological principles into industrial processes. It focuses on product design, manufacturing, and industrial systems, aiming to minimize environmental impact by promoting resource efficiency, recycling, and the reduction of waste. The field draws on biological ecosystems as models for industrial activity, emphasizing the importance of material and energy cycles, and the need to close loops in industrial systems. Industrial ecology also incorporates systems thinking, examining the interactions between industrial activities and broader ecosystems, and considers the role of technological change in achieving environmental goals. Key elements of industrial ecology include the biological analogy, systems perspective, technological change, the role of companies, dematerialization, and eco-efficiency. The biological analogy is used to model industrial systems after natural ecosystems, promoting resource recycling and sustainable practices. Systems thinking is central to industrial ecology, encouraging a holistic approach to environmental analysis and decision-making. Technological change is viewed as a critical driver of environmental improvement, with ecodesign playing a key role in integrating environmental considerations into product and process design. The field also emphasizes the importance of reducing resource consumption and environmental releases, aiming to achieve dematerialization and eco-efficiency. Industrial ecology seeks to move from linear to more cyclic material flows, reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities. The role of companies is significant, as they are seen as key agents for environmental improvement through technological innovation and sustainable practices. Industrial ecology is also concerned with the broader implications of industrial activities on ecosystems and the environment, considering the carrying capacity and resilience of ecosystems. The field is forward-looking, focusing on the potential for future environmental improvements through technological innovation and systemic changes. It also addresses the tension between positive and normative approaches, recognizing the need for both descriptive analysis and prescriptive strategies to achieve environmental goals. The boundaries of industrial ecology are subject to interpretation, with the field encompassing a range of concepts, tools, and applications. It is a multidisciplinary field that integrates insights from various disciplines, including environmental science, engineering, and social sciences. The challenge for industrial ecology is to maintain its distinct identity while incorporating diverse perspectives and approaches to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.Industrial ecology is an emerging field that seeks to improve environmental quality through the optimization of resource flows and the integration of ecological principles into industrial processes. It focuses on product design, manufacturing, and industrial systems, aiming to minimize environmental impact by promoting resource efficiency, recycling, and the reduction of waste. The field draws on biological ecosystems as models for industrial activity, emphasizing the importance of material and energy cycles, and the need to close loops in industrial systems. Industrial ecology also incorporates systems thinking, examining the interactions between industrial activities and broader ecosystems, and considers the role of technological change in achieving environmental goals. Key elements of industrial ecology include the biological analogy, systems perspective, technological change, the role of companies, dematerialization, and eco-efficiency. The biological analogy is used to model industrial systems after natural ecosystems, promoting resource recycling and sustainable practices. Systems thinking is central to industrial ecology, encouraging a holistic approach to environmental analysis and decision-making. Technological change is viewed as a critical driver of environmental improvement, with ecodesign playing a key role in integrating environmental considerations into product and process design. The field also emphasizes the importance of reducing resource consumption and environmental releases, aiming to achieve dematerialization and eco-efficiency. Industrial ecology seeks to move from linear to more cyclic material flows, reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities. The role of companies is significant, as they are seen as key agents for environmental improvement through technological innovation and sustainable practices. Industrial ecology is also concerned with the broader implications of industrial activities on ecosystems and the environment, considering the carrying capacity and resilience of ecosystems. The field is forward-looking, focusing on the potential for future environmental improvements through technological innovation and systemic changes. It also addresses the tension between positive and normative approaches, recognizing the need for both descriptive analysis and prescriptive strategies to achieve environmental goals. The boundaries of industrial ecology are subject to interpretation, with the field encompassing a range of concepts, tools, and applications. It is a multidisciplinary field that integrates insights from various disciplines, including environmental science, engineering, and social sciences. The challenge for industrial ecology is to maintain its distinct identity while incorporating diverse perspectives and approaches to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.