I-plas in Ridings Business Park, Hopwood Lane, Halifax, pioneered the recycling of mixed waste plastic that would otherwise have gone to landfill.

The waste is instead used to produce strong and durable building and landscaping materials, as well as street furniture.

All the energy used by the company comes from renewable sources.

In its drive to cut down its effect on the environment even further, the business has just installed the new 370 ton injection moulding machine, funded by the carbon trust energy efficiency loan scheme.

It will spare the environment from 27 tons of CO² emissions.

Managing director Howard Waghorn said: "This new machine replaces two less efficient machines and will make a range of products including our groundblocks, which are used for all types of ground re-inforcement work.

"The carbon trust scheme only provides funding for projects which meet strict criteria.

"So this is a testament to the reduction we will achieve in our CO² emissions."

Groundblocks, made entirely from waste plastic, are used as foundations for paths and roadways, as well as for drainage areas. And the new machine will make thousands of groundblocks every day.

Mr Waghorn added: "Our whole company ethos is to reduce our own impact on the environment in producing these products.

"This new machine is just the latest example of the actions we are taking."

I-plas recycles up to 60 tons of waste plastic every week.