In 2004, Fabio Perini S.p.A. decided to participate in the LIFE Pioneer project (Paper Industry Operating in Network: an Experiment for EMAS Revision). This project was finalized at the experimental application of an analysis and development method (Environmental Management System) based on the EMAS norms. Fabio Perini S.p.A. aimed at attaining EMAS registration within the Pioneer project deadline of February 28th, 2006. To this end, the company exploited collective resources and the cooperative support of Bocconi University and the School of Higher Education of Sant’Anna, as well as the assistance of institutional partners of the Province of Lucca for this project (the Province of Lucca government agency, the Industrialists’ Association of the Province of Lucca and the Chamber of Commerce of Lucca). Among the collective resources that the company could count on for their information and methodological guidelines for the Pioneer Project, we can cite: the District Environmental Analysis agency for the territorial classification and environmental context; the simplified LCA for the assessment of the indirect environmental aspects, to which it associated its own simplified LCA of the machinery; and the Register of Environmental Norms, for the compliance.

• LIFE is a financial instrument of the EU for the enhancement, updating and development of community policy in the following fields: Environment, Nature, Third Countries. LIFE Environment in engaged in the realm of environmental management, in particular integration of the environment with other policies, as well as the realm of sustainable development.
  The main feature of the LIFE Projects is the demonstrative, pilot or exemplar nature of the techniques and methods used. The projects must also be highly innovative and provide for the transfer of methods when pertaining to similar fields even across national borders.
  
  

• The PIONEER Project – Paper Industry Operating in Network: an Experiment for EMAS Revision
  As the acronym states, this project tests a method for an entire industrial district to obtain voluntary certification proposed by the EU (the EMAS norms). Until now, this was done only for individual organizations. The Pioneer Project represents a firm commitment to the environment and its conservation, even in those areas where industrial activity constitutes the main economic aspect.