Launching Bioplastic Turf Product Made from Sugarcane
Braskem, a leading thermoplastics polyolefins and biopolymers producer in the Americas, and ProdTek, a product development and manufacturing company serving the artificial turf, flooring and textile industries with innovative solutions, announced the bioplastic Turf products made from Braskem’s I’M GREEN™ with sustainably-produced and 100% recyclable sugarcane based bioplastic.
ProdTek’s new Turf Cushion™ line is installed under artificial turf for a wide range of applications including play grounds, play areas, sports fields, roof tops, indoor play areas and other areas where shock attenuation is critical for users. Furthermore, it is fast and easy installations including 20% safety performance as well as 10 year limited warranty, also made in the United States.
The Turf Cushion™ underlay is composed of recycled polyethylene and Eco Raw™, which utilizes Braskem’s I’M GREEN ™ Polyethylene bioplastic, a sustainably-produced sugar cane based polyethylene, and qualifies for High Recycled Content status.
In utilizing Braskem’s I’M GREEN ™ polyethylene as a renewable alternative to petroleum based polyethylene, ProdTek’s Turf Cushion™ can make a significant contribution to reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions in the product value creation chain.
John Karr, the president at ProdTek, stated, “We feel very good about our new Turf Cushion™ Pad. Not only is it carbon neutral and 100-percent recyclable, it provides enhanced safety for children in playground environments and is economically advantageous for turf installation companies. We feel like we have a product that creates value for everyone and serves society as well.”
In which of ProdTek’s new Turf Cushion™ underlayment offers customers a range of product lifecycle benefits including installation crews reporting up to a 25-percent reduction in installation time. At the end of its life, Turf Cushion™ is also 100-percent recyclable and can be reclaimed and turned into pellets for making a variety of products, including toys, containers and more.
José Augusto Viveiro, sales leader Americas for Braskem’s Renewable Chemicals, commented, “Braskem is proud to be partnering with ProdTek to enhance the sustainability of Turf Cushion ™ with our I’M GREEN ™ Polyethylene biopolymer. Our partnership reflects our shared vision for innovation in sustainable materials to drive better products for consumers and the planet. Additionally, ProdTek’s USDA BioPreferred® status is a further testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing the use of renewable agricultural resources.”
Kate Lewis, Senior Program Analyst at U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) BioPreferred® Program said, “The BioPreferred® Program is dedicated to supporting rural communities and helping promote a thriving bioeconomy. Partners like Braskem that consistently innovate and find ways to incorporate renewable biobased materials – like sugarcane – into their products are critical. ProdTek’s Turf Cushion™ product was certified by the program because is formulated with Braskem’s biobased content. That is quite an achievement. The benefits of this product not only help all the children who will be on sports fields and playgrounds, but rural communities as well.”
Currently, Braskem and ProdTek are members of USDA’s BioPreferred Program, which works to increase the development, use, and purchase of biobased products.
