TenCate, a major manufacturer, distributor and installer of synthetic turf for sports and landscape applications, has announced the development of a new manufacturing process which allows for the production of top-of-the-line artificial grass without the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The use of PFAS is heavily regulated in many countries, as they carry toxic compounds which have been the subject of several major litigation cases against global manufacturers like 3M and DuPont.
“TenCate has worked tirelessly to eliminate any PFAS from our manufacturing process,” said Joe Fields, President and CEO of TenCate Americas. “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,” added Fields.
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. 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,” Fields said. “We still took action, however, because we’re dedicated to giving our customers complete peace of mind.”
Further initiatives
TenCate is also responsible for a number of initiatives aimed at sustainability and safety for turf products.
It recently launched a program to recycle end-of-life synthetic turf across the nation. The initiative, a joint program between TenCate, Cyclyx International and ExxonMobil, is the first in the US to recycle old synthetic turf into feedstock that can be used to create new turf and other products. Known as TenCate Turf Recycling Solutions, the initiative is processing aged turf fields from parks, high schools, colleges and other sites.
It has also creating biodegradable infill as a sustainable alternative to rubber infill, which is made from a renewable inorganic mineral that’s 100% recyclable and non-toxic. TenCate also uses other organic or natural infills, including those made with cork or walnut shells.
