High school first to use ocean plastic infill on football field

 

Elite Turf has partnered with Act Global to bring its all-in-one innovative Power System to the U.S. market.

Previously only available in Europe, the Elite Turf Power system combines Act Global’s triple-fiber woven Xtreme Turf and a non-rubber infill developed to create a first-of-its-kind product that is recyclable while enhancing safety, playability and durability. It is designed for use on for a variety of sports fields including soccer, football, baseball, rugby and field hockey.

Derived from up to 40,000 pounds of ocean plastic, the patent-pending infill can remove 1.8 million bottles from the ocean per field. Lastly, the high-water permeability of the woven backing combined with the Elite Power drainage system drains more than two times faster than other fields, according to the company.

“Over the past 20 years, the social and market drivers for greater turf innovation related to environmental, sustainability and player safety factors have significantly increased,” Paul Adams, vice president of sales and marketing at Elite Turf. “Athletic facilities, public and private institutions and athletes and their families can now rest easy knowing that they’re investing and playing on a completely recyclable turf product that’s safer for the environment, safer for the player and performs better.”

Act Global says its Power System encompasses a woven turf that is stronger and more durable than traditional tufted turf. It’s built on the ProPlay pad foundation, which plays and feels firm while testing soft, reducing injuries. With no polyurethane backing, the synthetic turf is 100 percent recyclable at end of its life and its interlocked fibers stand vertical, offering superior and consistent ball roll, steady footing and reduced glare and heat.

Act Global has supplied thousands of fields spanning over 90 countries including FIFA Quality certified pitches, and is the preferred supplier to the United Soccer League, World Rugby and International Hockey Federation. Its existing turf brand can be found at practice facilities for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals and the U.S. Bank Stadium which hosts the Minnesota Vikings, among others. Miami Edison High School in Miami, was the first to use ocean plastic infill on its football field.

By engaging with leading testing institutes, research facilities and industry groups, Elite Turf satisfies performance requirements and safety needs for all users. Xtreme Turf has undergone numerous tests and is proven for Lisport durability, UV stability, shock absorbency, traction and foot stability, meeting or exceeding industry and sport federation norms. Xtreme Turf has also undergone stringent health and environmental testing for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, polyfluoroalkyl substances, heavy metals and passes EN 71-3 toy safety and American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines.