Background Production of fine Particulate Matter (PM) in the road transport sector represents a high risk factor for health. The fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine (PM0.1) particles are particularly hazardous. Despite the efforts invested in reducing GHGs and exhaust emissions, PM limits are widely exceeded across the EU. Brake systems have only recently been thoroughly considered as a source of PM emissions by European authorities. It is estimated that 21% of the PM emitted by cars is PM10 from brake wear. Laboratory tests of brake wear emissions show that PM2.5 and PM0.1 emissions represent 63% and 33% respectively. Brake wear particles contain several toxic elements that may induce adverse health effects, such as metals and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In parallel, the use of phenolic resins in the manufacturing of brake pads has significant environmental effects. These include high energy consumption and related CO2 emissions, high water consumption, and VOCs emissions, which affect the health of workers in the sector. Phenolic resins are the main component and about 30% by volume of brake pads. Objectives The LIFE+ COBRA project aims to demonstrate a completely novel brake pad technology, based on the use of cement instead of phenolic resins. It hopes to reduce emissions of harmful chemicals and PM from the production and use of brake pads, while maintaining braking performance compared to conventional current technologies. The project plans to build and start up two pilot lines for the production of brake pads. Through the replacement of phenolic resins with cement materials, it hopes to significantly reduce water and energy consumption and eliminate the generation of secondary ultrafine PM and VOC emissions during the production process. The lines will be used to manufacture prototype brake pads with different cement compositions. The project hopes to show that it can achieve important reductions in emissions of PM and harmful chemicals in the braking process, whilst maintaining braking performance. The team will monitor, test, fine tune and validate the lines and prototype brake pads. They will particularly monitor relevant toxicological and environmental indicators – such as energy consumption, PM emissions and waste production – throughout the action. They will conduct in-silico and in-vitro toxicological analyses and a Life Cycle Analysis to assess the environmental impact of the project with a cradle-to-grave approach. Ultimately the project hopes to ensure European leadership in the sustainable development of the automotive industry and, in the long-term, reduce the impact and societal costs of health problems related to PM exposure. Dissemination activities will target important stakeholders in the industry and academia. Expected results: Environmental benefits during the production process: About 85% energy saving (6 MJ/kg of cement), and thus a consistent reduction in CO2 emissions; 95% water saving; and Up to 100% elimination of emissions of VOCs and PM 0.1; Improved environmental performance of brake pads: 100% reduction of harmful chemicals during braking processes; and Significant reductions in PM emissions during the braking process.There will also be reduced impact and societal costs of health problems related to PM exposure from the automotive industry.