Turf recycling collaboration
To develop towards circular solutions for sports fields and the reuse of recycled artificial turf components into new turf products, in 2023 Edel Grass started a strategic collaboration with artificial turf recycling specialist Re-Match.
We believe in this alliance as after years of development, Re-Match were the first to have in place a recycling and quality control process required to proces end-of-life artificial turf into high-end renewable raw materials clean enough, to produce new yarns and turf with. It all came came together when Re-Match installed a new fine dust filtering system at its latest plant as a result of continuously reviewing used equipment in existing plants, looking for ways to further improve the process.
With currently three plants in Denmark, the Netherlands and France and a next one planned in USA, they are on an ambitious roll-out to build artificial turf recycling plants around the world.
Re-Match’s unique process
The way Re-Match processes turf, the thorough testing and detailed documenting of the process, plus the fact that the feedstock is processed in batches, sets Re-Match apart from other recyclers.
They go as far as identifying the precise polymer quality that was used to produce the yarns with originally. Every shipment is first subjected to a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) test to meticulously establish the quality of the various components that made up the artificial turf system. By capturing all data on a certificate till finalization of the process, they can prove to the supplier that their field is processed according to agreements.
It allows Re-Match to precisely supply the quality of reclaimed material we need to produce new turf with. This is why Re-Match is considered as not just a recycler, but more a raw material supplier. With their renewed raw materials, we are now able to focus on reusing end-of-life recycled artificial turf components to replace virgin raw materials in new turf products.
The collaboration and circular approach offers a giant opportunity towards closing the loop. Together we are able to transform old pitches into renewable turf, reducing the need for virgin resources. By reusing what we already have, we minimize waste and contribute to a cleaner planet.
Re-Match is confident that the parallel process of new plants and developing products will continue improving the purity of the components they supply to Edel Grass in the sports turf industry and beyond. Further improved separation process could add value to other companies and industries as well. For instance, an expansion of the technology to produce the very thin yarns used in landscaping and texturized products, a development already under testing at Edel Grass and its sister companies within the ‘Victoria Grass Group’.
Raw materials supply chain
The production of artificial turf for sports requires a constant supply of raw materials of a consistent quality. Even though both the virgin and reclaimed polymers are a polyethylene, the window to merge them correctly preventing from yarn failure is very thin. Artificial turf products for sports have to meet very high standards, and the quality of the raw materials used is strictly documented.
Re-Match is confident it can supply enough reclaimed materials to meet demands for artificial turf production. Fact is there is enough supply of end-of-life turf around the world already that is currently waiting to be processed. In the coming years, this volume will go up even further, as a growing number of artificial turf installations will have to be renovated at the end of their lifespan.
This is why Edel Grass and Victoria Grass Group are already exploring new introductions, ideas and solutions to close the loop and to reduce waste even further. Using a raw material from end-of-life turf is an exciting development that really adds value to being truly unique.
Essential elements
The strategic partnership between Edel Grass and Re-Match, collaborating with Schramm and United Works to explore and overcome technological boundaries.
The expertise of involved parties are the essential elements resulting in the huge breakthrough toward a more sustainable and responsible artificial turf industry.
Learn more?
Want to learn more about our turf recycling partnership or your pitch recycling opportunities?
Please contact us via sales@edelgrass.com or +31(0)38 425 00 50.
You can also send your inquiry via the contact form below.
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