A new pilot programme funded by the Environmental Protection Agency to help Shannon-area businesses reuse and recycle pallets could help them cut costs and increase revenue. The Pallet Exchange aims to match companies needing pallets with companies that have too many. Each year, Europe manufactures more than half a billion pallets, portable platforms used for moving cargo, according to a project spokesman.

"Many companies in the Shannon region dispose of used pallets irrespective of their condition, leading to an increase in waste levels and business costs," said Dick Whelan, environmental chair of Supply Network Shannon, which manages the programme with the support of the Regional West Management Office and the University of Limerick's Centre of Environmental Research.

"We anticipate that the pilot phase of the project will prove that such a system can effectively generate cost savings and in some cases revenue," Mr Whelan added. "It will also help to protect the environment and promote a positive public image for the participating companies."

The project plans for a central clearing house to store and reuse pallets once SNS determines where need is greatest. It also plans to feature six seminars for participating companies and other interested parties about transportation and product packaging, focusing on the elimination of excess packaging and increasing the use of reusable packaging.

SNS, a network of more than 100 Shannon-region engineering and electronics sub-supply companies, also hopes to expand the range of materials it exchanges and broaden its geographical horizons, according to Mr Whelan, with companies in Tipperary and Kerry already having expressed interest in joining the programme. "The uptake so far has been very encouraging," SNS Chairman Maurice McLernon said.

For more information, visit www.snshannon.com. Companies wishing to participate in the Pallet Exchange may call Dick Whelan at 061-329744 and 086-8198188 or email dw@almir.biz.