Local collection and recycling; that is the sustainable, decentralized goal of the new partnership between LimeGreen® and GBN Artificial Grass Recycling (AGR). These pioneers in sustainability are joining forces to focus on the preservation of value for ONE-DNA™ artificial turf. The trimmings and End-of-Life (EoL) artificial turf will be processed into high-quality circular raw material: RTA (Recycled Turf Agglomerate). The circular RTA can be reused by manufacturer TenCate Grass as a raw material for new products, which means circular artificial turf for landscape applications, gardens, school playgrounds, public spaces, balconies, or terraces. A unique collaboration in the artificial turf industry.
The path to high-quality recycling
More and more organizations are choosing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship. And this is crucial because climate change, harmful gas emissions, and the depletion of primary resources are major issues that will shape our future. That’s why LimeGreen® introduced something new to the global artificial turf market with its ONE-DNA™ artificial turf: artificial turf made from a single material (PE) that allows for complete recycling. This not only results in an energy-efficient production process but also prevents artificial turf from being burned or dumped at the end of its lifespan. With this product, the path to high-quality recycling is clear, thanks to the step towards local collection and processing of the artificial turf after use. That’s why LimeGreen® is partnering with GBN AGR for high-quality recycling of ONE-DNA™ turf in the Netherlands and neighboring European countries.
Making material flows circular
Jasper Eppingbroek, Managing Director of LimeGreen®, explains the new partnership with GBN AGR: “As a leading waste-to-product company, GBN Groep (part of GBN AGR) aims to make all material flows circular one by one. This objective aligns seamlessly with our ONE-DNA™ product strategy for our entire artificial turf portfolio. For this partnership, we will place local containers together with GBN AGR at our partners’ locations. This allows both artificial turf processing companies and consumers who purchased our artificial turf to contribute directly to direct recycling.
“The processing of ONE-DNA™ artificial turf will be carried out in a separate recycling process at GBN AGR, separate from traditional artificial turf. This results in pure raw materials with only one material DNA for reuse. Together, we are taking the step towards a fully circular approach in the value chain!” says Eric van Roekel, CEO of GBN Groep.
Take-Back Program
To ensure that the artificial turf trimmings and used, contaminated artificial turf are actually delivered to GBN AGR, LimeGreen® is setting up two streams. Firstly, after the installation of an artificial turf project, the trimmings are collected in LDPE bags and PE big bags at LimeGreen® partners’ locations. Secondly, there is LimeGreen®’s Take-Back Program, which allows end-of-life turf to be collected for recycling by GBN AGR.
ONE-DNA is the future of artificial turf
Eric van Roekel, CEO of GBN Groep, states: “Making an impact is what we do at GBN Groep. With the establishment of GBN AGR in 2020, we succeeded, together with the industry, in implementing a responsible processing process for end-of-life artificial turf. This process is unique because it is executed in a transparent, circular, and certified manner. Recycling is just the beginning at GBN AGR. Our manufactured circular raw materials are given a second life as raw materials or products, thus driving the circular economy. That’s our goal!
This partnership is a significant step forward. ONE-DNA artificial turf and the Take-Back Program are essential parts of creating a circular economy for the artificial turf industry. With ONE-DNA artificial turf, we reach not only the business market but also the consumer market, making the recycling of end-of-life artificial turf accessible to everyone. ONE-DNA artificial turf will be recycled in large quantities at our factory only about 10 years from now when it reaches the end of its lifespan. It is the future of artificial turf, and we are focusing on it today with this partnership. With this investment in design for re-use, 100% circularity is the new norm!”
