Using higher quality infill materials
can mean longer-lasting turf system
and less frequent replacement
proved challenging and costly. Further to this,
building a pitch involves the use of many materials
which are heavily processed, such as quarried stone,
steel and other plastics. The industry has recognized
this problem and is slowly addressing it, but it will
require those funding the pitches to recognize that
there is a price to pay for a sustainable cradle to cradle
product,” he adds.
Material gains
Some manufacturers are researching ways to head the
environmental problem off at the pass by investing in
the development of longer-lasting materials that
prevent having to be replaced too prematurely, or
manufactured using alternative materials that already
offer more environmentally-friendly credentials.
The new Poligras Tokyo GT (Green Technology),
which has been specially developed for the 2020 Tokyo
Olympic Games, is the first synthetic hockey turf made
from over 60% raw materials. The turf structure is
SYNTHETIC TURF
FROM THE GROUND UP
The choice to use harder-wearing materials is one way in which
stadium owners can help prevent unnecessary waste and reduce
costs. The recent refurbishment of the pitch at Dutch soccer club
Genemuiden, in the Netherlands, is a good example. Originally
built in 2009, the pitch included an Alveosport shockpad
produced by Sekisui Alveo.
On inspection, the ten-year-old 12mm foam shockpad was
intact and maintained its original critical performance
characteristics. Alveosport has a warranty of 25 years so reusing
the shockpad – which itself is 100% recyclable – enabled the club
to move ahead and install the new pitch.
“Using the right materials can allow quality systems to be built
that offer lower cost but also expansive lifespans. Shockpads can
reduce the amount of performance infill to 60% which has a
positive effect on the microplastics discussion,” says Frenk Stoop,
key account manager, Sekisui Alveo.
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