42% of the US is experiencing regular drought and many national and local governments are calling for reductions in the use of water, pesticides and fertilizers in recognition of their risks to the environment and our shared future. That’s where TenCate Grass and our synthetic turf products come in.
Today, the demand for synthetic turf as a sustainable replacement for lawns, backyards, and athletic fields is growing rapidly. But until now, there has been no ideal end-of-life solution for artificial turf in America. We’re changing that.
Today, the demand for synthetic turf as a sustainable replacement for lawns, backyards, and athletic fields is growing rapidly. But until now, there has been no ideal end-of-life solution for artificial turf in America. We’re changing that.
Aged turf is carefully removed from the field and transported to TenCate’s specialized processing facility in Louisiana. At this facility, the turf undergoes a series of steps designed to separate and recover valuable materials, such as infill and fiber components. This process not only diverts significant volumes of waste from landfills but also supports the reuse and recycling of synthetic turf materials.
We receive the old turf, and begin by separating its various material components. The plastic materials are then sent to third-party partners, including an advanced recycling facility certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS program. At this facility, the recovered plastics from the old turf will be processed and turned into polyethylene pellets, which serve as feedstock for the production of new products.
These recycling efforts help reduce reliance on raw materials and the production of virgin plastic derived from fossil fuels. It also helps divert valuable materials from landfills by transforming components of aged turf into feedstock for new products. We are actively exploring opportunities to participate in a closed loop system, where recycled plastics are reintegrated into our own turf manufacturing process.
TenCate is taking ambitious steps to overcome the challenges of responsible disposal of synthetic turf. We’re actively exploring innovative ways to repurpose turf into usable feedstock for new products—advancing our commitment to sustainability. From the beginning, our products have been designed to address critical environmental concerns, including water scarcity and groundwater contamination caused by pesticides and other chemicals.
With our artificial grass solutions, we’re reinforcing our dedication to environmental stewardship and long-term impact. Our journey began with turf recycling initiatives in Europe, and our U.S. pilot program marks a natural and exciting progression in our global efforts.
Interested in partnering for truly circular turf removal, installation, or just want to learn more? Please get in touch! We are initiating our recycling program, with plans to expand nationwide in the near future.
