Sustainable manufacturing of composite pallet blocks using waste wood and tyre-derived materials

Abstract

An innovative technology is proposed by the Tyre/Wood Block LIFE project for manufacturing of compressed pallet blocks by introducing materials other than virgin timber into the compound: contaminated waste wood and waste tyre-derived materials. The technological, environmental and economical analyses carried out during the project proved the sustainability of this novel solution. A high volume demonstration facility has been set up in Lissarda, Co. Cork, Ireland. Providing that the technology is licensed to other manufacturers across Europe, it has long-term potential: a significant impact on the preservation of trees and absorption of an important quantity of waste tyres. This paper briefly presents the results of an LCA carried out for the pallet block manufacturing activity which proved the environmental benefits of using waste wood and tyre-derived materials over the use of virgin wood.