The 3-year "Saferubber" research project was set up on September 9 in Bergamo (Italy). Its goal is to develop and formulate innovative and eco-friendly accelerators that can be used in synthetic rubber processing. The project is financed by the European Union as part of the 7th Framework Programme. The research consortium comprises 12 members (located in 6 European countries), including universities, trade associations and small companies. Project coordination has been entrusted to Assocomaplast (the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery and mold manufacturers association).