Our goal, together with our partners, is to make sport more sustainable for the future. That is why we continuously work on eco-friendly solutions and strive over the long term to minimise the use of fossil raw materials in our artificial turf portfolio. With our GT Recycling products, we are moving closer to this goal, pitch by pitch.
To our recycling productsWe incorporate previously used plastics into our artificial turf, turning them into an investment good. The PCR (Post-Consumer Recycling) materials we use are recycled plastics primarily generated by the industrial sector. For instance, single-use packaging film can be transformed into artificial turf with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which, after its use, can be further recycled into new products.
Polytan uses PCR materials, a process that involves recycling plastics that have already been used. These materials are reintegrated into the plastic cycle and incorporated into some of our artificial turf systems in the form of recycled granulates. PCR materials are mechanically processed before being returned to the plastic cycle. A distinction is made between mechanical and chemical recycling. The high purity levels of recycled PCR materials are demanding but ultimately critical, which is why Polytan exclusively uses mechanically recycled plastic granulates, such as those found in our LigaTurf Cross GTR.
We deliberately use materials from mechanical recycling rather than chemical recycling. With mechanical (material) recycling, the chemical structure of pure plastics is preserved. Used plastics are processed, melted down, and transformed into secondary raw materials for new plastic products. This secondary raw material is usually referred to as regranulate, which is used for manufacturing new products.
Compared to chemical recycling, the energy balance is significantly positive. Mechanical recycling reduces greenhouse gases equivalent to the amount produced by a mid-sized German city. It also minimises the use of important raw materials, including plastics, sand, and infill granulates. Additionally, mechanical recycling complies with prevailing regulations, supports the waste hierarchy principles, and facilitates nearly waste-free production of new products.
The use of recycled materials in our products is certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). Certification is based on the mass balance approach. ISCC has established itself as the preferred certification scheme for bio-based and recycled materials across various industries, including the food sector.
Learn moreThe LigaTurf Cross R is the best example of how quality, playing comfort, and environmental protection can perfectly harmonise. It combines the playing characteristics of natural football turf with innovative technologies, making it as durable and easy to maintain as a fully textured artificial turf.
Discover moreRecycling is playing an increasingly critical role in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, including for us. With our LigaTurf Cross GTR, we already offer a surface that integrates recycled plastic, thus returning it to the plastic cycle. Additionally, we are gradually transforming our existing product portfolio to include more recycled materials in the manufacturing process.
To improve the quality of PCR materials and the sorting technology for mechanical recycling, Polytan collaborates closely with leading recycling and regranulation companies. We also partner with certification bodies to create and utilise CO2 assessments. The use of recyclates is already verified by ISCC Plus certification.
Products
If you would like to know more about our Green Technology products, please feel free to contact us. Incidentally, in addition to bio-based raw materials, we also use recycled materials in our artificial turf systems, which are used in our filaments.
If you would like to know more about our Green Technology products, please feel free to contact us. Incidentally, in addition to bio-based raw materials, we also use recycled materials in our artificial turf systems, which are used in our filaments.