Background The production of auxiliary material for the manufacturer of vehicles has a diverse range of environmental impacts. The largest waste product generated is plastic, which usually ends up in landfills as urban solid waste rather than being recycled. Managing this waste leads to various problems including the risk of fire and atmospheric pollutant emissions. An indirect problem is the transport of the waste from the plant to the landfills, which is costly, polluting and energy consuming. Objectives The objectives of the project were to: • Reduce the amount of plastic waste generated. The aim was to treat 3,240 tons of plastic waste per year. • Reduce the space occupied by plastic waste in landfills. • Lower the waste transport costs from the plant to the landfill. • Save wood consumption. The production of plastic pallets will avoid cutting down 20,000 trees per year. • Recover the energy contained in plastics. • Reduce atmospheric emissions. • Save on fossil fuels consumption. Results The project introduced a new process that mixes plastic waste to produce a high-quality plastic material that is 100% recyclable, recoverable and reusable. The process does not result in any structural damage to the material, allowing it to be continuously recycled. It estimated that each plastic pallet that is produced saves one tree as well as greatly reducing the amount of plastic to be dumped by around 3,000 tonnes/year. As a result the number of trees saved is around 38,000 per year. Up to the end of the project (August 2006), the beneficiary has produced 1986 pallets recycling 28.668 Kg, of which 16.881 came from Ribawood's own activities and 11.816 came from a bumper supplier. This project offers a solution to an environmental problem that is common across Europe. It is an example of an initiative that shows that good environmental management can lead to competitive advantage. Suitable environmental management is key for maintaining a high level of sustainable development. Other companies can learn from the beneficiary as they draw up plans to improve their environmental behaviours. The beneficiary achieved the objectives on waste reduction and recycling that are marked by the EU in its waste management legislation according to Directive 2000/53/CE, related to end of life vehicles, and the VI Community Action Program. In compliance with European Directive 2000/53/CE relating to end-of-life vehicles, all vehicles must contain the highest possible proportion of recyclable material. The commitment affects both manufacturers and other economic stakeholders throughout the vehicle’s life. It also impacts on the development centre insofar as it must guarantee that its products fully comply with these requirements in matters of recycling. This project also contributed to the European Directive 91/156/CEE on March 18, 1991 amending Directive 75/442/CEE, related to waste which aims to guarantee the waste elimination and valorisation, encouraging the adoption of measures for limiting waste production, promoting the use of clean technologies, and recyclable and reusable products. This project has been selected as one of the 21 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2007-2008