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When you think of sports surfaces like outdoor basketball courts you probably don’t immediately think of sustainability. You are possibly more inclined to think of polymers and plastics, both of which probably don’t necessarily initiate the best connotations when it comes to thinking of the environment.

But what if I told you that you’re wrong.

Understandably industries within Australia need to adapt to best practices and the use of renewable resources when possible. This is why our team of leading international scientists is exploring ways to create new products that meet these guidelines. These best practices of research into environmental sustainability at APT are carried under the banner of Green Technology (GT). Any of our products that use this technology carry this in their name, such as our Classic GT synthetic grass.

Oh, Sugar Sugar.

One of the first main breakthroughs was the creation of a CO2-neutral synthetic turf. This was achieved through the use of bio-based plastics, with our Ligaturf being composed of 70% sugarcane extract. Sounds pretty sweet huh!

Essentially sugarcane is grown as a food source for human consumption. The canes are pressed up to 3 times to maximize the amount of sugar that can be extracted. After this point, once it can no longer provide any further use for foods, APT then takes these leftover husks for processing. Combining a ratio of 85% cane husks with 15% petrochemical components we are then able to manufacture our bio-based plastic.

These sugarcane husks would normally not have any particular use so not only are they being re-purposed for creating our products, but they are also no longer simply being discarded and allowed to decay, which of course would also create emissions during this process.

Going extra green

In addition to the use of ‘green’ raw materials, we are also concerned about the energy sources and power used to create our products. Our European production lines have ensured that nearly all production is generated through the use of renewable energy sources. This includes wind, solar and hydro-generated power.  Over time we will be working to ensure all our production lines also follow this switch to renewable energy sources.  As these types of technologies improve the added benefits will increase, allowing us to greatly improve the amount of CO2 generated throughout all our production lines globally.

Surface use and Recycling

Through the use of our sporting surfaces, no matter which type of sport, or purpose that you have chosen or require, the impact of installing this is of significant benefit to the environment. No more use of water to help the grass grow, thus preserving our water supplies. No more toxic chemicals to keep away bugs, or weeds. Significantly improved longevity and durability for all sporting surfaces

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Add in a few extra benefits of fewer injuries to athletes, and reduced maintenance costs and you know you’re on a winner. Oh and one more thing. When our sporting surfaces eventually are no longer in the best condition, we look to repurpose, renew and recycle these whenever possible!