TenCate manufactures synthetic turf without using PFAS

TenCate, a distributor and installer of synthetic turf for sports applications, announced that it has manufactured artificial grass without the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“We are dedicated to making the most innovative, highest quality turf that is both safe and sustainable and this advancement is one more pivotal way we are accomplishing our mission,” Joe Fields, president and CEO of TenCate Americas, said.

As one of its sustainability initiatives, TenCate performed an in-depth review of how it manufactures its synthetic turf. Engineers discovered a manufacturing processing aid used in fiber extrusion that contained trace levels of non-soluble PFAS and were able to replace it with one that does not contain PFAS.

“It’s important to note that third-party testing of previous versions of our artificial turf detected only minuscule levels of non-soluble PFAS,” Fields said. “These were far lower than the levels that have been found in common consumer products like dental floss and prescription medications and significantly less than that allowed by the Food and Drug Administration in packaging for food. We still took action, however, because we’re dedicated to giving our customers complete peace of mind.”

The company’s other recent initiatives include:

• Launching a new, nationwide program to recycle end-of-life synthetic turf.
• Creating biodegradable infill as a sustainable alternative to rubber infill.