- World premier at FSB: Polytan presents its artificial turf surfaces made from renewable raw materials and recycled material
- New technological strategy reduces CO2 emissions and use of fossil fuels
Burgheim, Germany, 26th October 2021 – Polytan has been using renewable raw materials in the production of its artificial sports turf for several years. The company is now expanding its sustainability strategy through the use of recycled material for artificial turf. With LigaTurf Cross GTR, Polytan combines both worlds, as the newest member of the Polytan artificial turf family contains renewable raw materials and recycled materials. A real world first on the artificial turf market.
Old plastics are not waste material for Polytan, one of the world market leaders in the sports flooring sector, but a raw material. The company is following a new technological strategy that produces less CO2 and requires fewer fossil fuels, such as oil. For the construction of the turf, Polytan relies on the proven combination of textured and smooth filaments, which is already used in other types of turf worldwide. The benefits are clear. Thanks to the smooth filaments, the LigaTurf Cross GTR not only looks like real football turf; it feels like it, too. The textured filaments reduce the amount of maintenance required, optimally retain the infill and provide increased turf volume. At least 80 percent of the I’m GreenTM polyethylene, made from renewable materials, is used in the manufacture of the turf. Polytan has been using this organically based polyethylene for several years, for example in the first CO2-neutral artificial turf in the sports sector, the LigaTurf Cross GT zero. Recycled plastics from houshold or commercial waste materials are used in the extrusion of the straight filament in the LigaTurf Cross GTR. The filament is made up of at least 20 percent of these recycled raw materials. It is the first in a new product line, in which the “post – consumer recycled” (PCR) material is used. Its ecological balance is further improved as, like all Polytan pitches, it is produced in Germany using 100 percent green energy.
Sustainable, durable, high playing quality
The sustainability factor is important, but at least as important for the players is the playing quality. Here too, the LigaTurf Cross GTR meets the highest demands and satisfies the requirements of professionals and amateurs, even with heavy foot traffic. The simple maintenance and high durability make it the perfect turf, which connects sustainability, high player protection and best playing characteristics. With LigaTurf Cross GTR, the sports surface supplier proves once again that sustainable artificial turf is feasible. The R in its name, which stands for recycling, will in the near future not only be seen on turf but also on other Polytan products. The combination of both worlds, namely renewable raw materials (GT) and recycled material, will also be continued. This underpins Polytan’s pioneering role in sustainability.
