The significant, potential and actual impacts resulting from the Group’s plants waste are mainly linked to thermoplastic moulding and, where present, painting activities. The first, in particular, produces oily emulsions that could be toxic to water and soil in the event of accidental dispersion. Painting activities produce sludge which is destined for disposal or incineration. The production process also generates packaging waste, as well as production waste and offcuts.

The end of life of the product is regulated by Directive 2000/53/EC, which requires vehicle and equipment manufacturers to ensure the reuse and/or recovery of at least 95% of the weight of the vehicle. The need to comply with the legislation has led manufacturers to reorganize the production processes and materials used. The impact of PSC products at the end of life is therefore contained as almost all of them can be reused or recovered.

In order to reduce waste produciton and therefore prevent the impacts related to it, there are two privileged frameworks: recovery disposal, along with reusable packaging composed from recyclable materials. In most plants, for example, waste is reused more times in the production process.

In the Brazilian plants of PSCA and PSMM constant monitoring is in place, aimed at identifying the main sources of waste production and the measures necessary for its reduction. The monitoring indicators are checked on a monthly basis, in relation to the annual targets: if deviations to the targets are found, corrective measures shall be promptly activated.

In the Sosnowiec plants, employees are informed and made aware of the issue of waste, in order to stimulate behaviour in line with waste prevention and reduction. The waste produced in PSC plants is managed by third parties, which act in line with contractual and legal obligations. In PSMM Pernambuco disposal is managed by JEEP. Third-party companies entrusted with the collection and disposal service are all authorised to manage waste, according to national laws in force; also the authorizations of the lorry drivers and the recipient of the delivery are checked on a regular basis by the entities in charge inside every plant, both Italian and foreign.

Waste data shall be collected by filling in stock records, questionnaires and the Single Model Environmental Declaration (MUD). Data shall be catalogued by CER code (or other waste code in non-European countries), by giving details of type, characteristics, hazard classes and waste destination; they are then recorded in special electronic databases, in order to check the progress. In some plants, including Gricignano d’Aversa, Twice IT and PSCA, monthly KPIs are set.