SYNTHETIC TURF
specially adapted to the Bio-Based PE formula to
contribute towards the Games’ carbon-neutral vision.
The Poligras system uses fibers derived from 60%
sugar cane, which is salvaged from food waste. Because
it is made from natural plant material, the field itself
actually captures and stores carbon dioxide. It’s a
complex engineering process to convert sugarcane into
polyethene suitable for use in high-performance
pitches, but the need for climate-positive sports fields
justifies the investment.
“FIH has a strategic priority to improve hockey’s
environmental footprint, which is why partnerships
with progressive companies such as Polytan are
crucial,” says Thierry Weil, CEO of FIH (International
Hockey Federation).
“The surface that will be used in Tokyo requires
two-thirds less water than surfaces used at previous
Olympic Games. FIH firmly believes that hockey
can contribute to a more sustainable environment
by making use of all the technological
possibilities modern turf offers.”
The Burgheim-based sports surface
specialist has also been able to reduce the
amount of infill required in another of its
synthetic turf systems, the LigaGrass Synergy, to
approximately 2kg/m². This is 80% less than the
international infill requirement of around 16kg/m².
The evolution to 4G, 5G, and 6G pitches are
currently in development and are being engineered to
be used without any rubber crumb infill, which would
go a long way to reducing their environmental impact.
However, the technologies involved in these have not
yet been recognized by sports governing bodies, so
they are likely some years off coming to market.
Born again
There is the belief from some experts within the
industry that artificial grass is an over-engineered
product that could last nearly ten-times its currently
stated 10-year life expectancy. Therefore, creating more
CO2 to recycle the plastic pitch that still has life in it is
a flawed philosophy.
“This is an ongoing challenge for our entire
industry, and for the world as a whole. The challenge
of pulling up old fields and shipping them sometimes
thousands of miles to processing facilities is
problematic both logistically and economically.
However, regional facilities are now cropping up, and
more and more uses are being developed every day,”
says Sydney Stahlbaum, director of marketing at
AstroTurf Corporation.
There are also a number of schemes to repurpose
used artificial turf systems and give them a second life
where they can be used again in other applications
rather than processed.
“One example of recycling is a method which
separates and cleans the various components of old
synthetic turf systems. Where possible these
components are brought back into the production of
new synthetic turf systems. Otherwise, they are sold to
other industries,” explains Stefan Diderich, directorgeneral
of ESTC (EMEA Synthetic Turf Council). “The
availability of these solutions means that it is important
that owners of synthetic turf fields see that their fields
are removed and disposed of correctly.”
Marc Douglas, research, turf and equipment
manager at World Rugby also adds: “The
technology in this area has advanced hugely in
recent years and continues to advance. Some
companies can recycle more than 90% of the
materials used in an artificial turf field. These can
either be reused in replacement fields the shockpad
is an example. Also, some of the sand infills can be
regraded and reused while other parts are repurposed
entirely. There are even examples of old fibers and
backing being recycled and reconstituted to make
garden furniture and even running tracks among other
things,” Douglas explains.
The reality, then, is there are concerted efforts to
employ recycling efforts across the synthetic pitch
market. What’s missing is a coherent and integrated
system that can handle what is likely to be masses of
waste artificial surfaces as they are replaced by stadia
seeking to enhance playing opportunities.
“Synthetic turf fields for sports are paramount for
the sports community worldwide,” says Rob Moors,
export manager, Schmitz Foam Products.
“It would be impossible to have that many playing
hours on natural turf fields. The hybrid systems are
costly and only for high-end stadiums. Synthetic turf
fields are the best compromise and will continue
to improve fast over the next decade.” n
Schmitz Foam Products installed
a portable hockey field at
The Stoop rugby stadium in
Twickenham, London
Originally called
ChemGrass,
AstroTurf pioneered the
artificial playing surface
and was first installed in
1966 at the Houston
Astrodome. It was the first
professional sports
stadium to adopt the
playing surface
52 www.stadia-magazine.com September 2019
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