In July 2023, GBN Artificial Grass Recycling (AGR) and ONE-DNA™ entered into a collaboration focused on the collection and processing of ONE-DNA™ artificial grass materials within the Netherlands and selected neighboring European markets.
The collaboration aimed to create a dedicated route for the collection of installation offcuts and eligible ONE-DNA™ products after use.
A Focus on Material Management
As product manufacturers, installers and municipalities increasingly examine how materials are managed throughout their lifecycle, collection and processing infrastructure continues to gain importance.
At the time, ONE-DNA™ artificial grass was made in 100% PE (one polymer). This product structure differed from many conventional artificial grass systems that incorporate multiple polymers and coatings.
The collaboration with GBN AGR was established to support the separate collection and processing of ONE-DNA™ materials.
Collection Network
As part of the initiative, collection points were planned at participating partner locations.
These collection points were intended for:
- Installation offcuts generated during projects
- Eligible ONE-DNA™ materials returned through collection programs
- Other approved material streams related to ONE-DNA™ products
The objective was to facilitate efficient logistics and material handling within the network.
Separate Processing Route
According to GBN AGR, ONE-DNA™ materials were to be processed separately from conventional artificial grass streams.
This separate processing approach was intended to maintain material consistency throughout the recycling process, in line with the one-polymer design of the ONE-DNA™ range at the time.
The Take-Back Program in 2023
At the time, the collaboration also supported the take-back program of that period.
Two collection routes were planned:
Installation Offcuts: Material generated during installation could be collected and stored through participating partner locations.
EOL Products: under that program, eligible ONE-DNA™ products could be returned and directed into the designated collection and processing route.
Industry Collaboration
Jasper Eppingbroek, Managing Director, commented:
Material composition, collection infrastructure and processing routes are becoming increasingly important topics within our industry. This collaboration helps establish a dedicated route for ONE-DNA™ materials and supports our focus on mono-material product design.
Eric van Roekel, CEO of GBN Group, added:
By working together across the value chain, we can create practical collection and processing solutions that help improve transparency and traceability within artificial grass material streams.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration with GBN AGR was an operational step towards establishing dedicated collection and processing pathways for artificial grass made from one polymer.
By combining product design, collection logistics and material processing expertise, both organizations aimed to contribute to the continued development of material management solutions within the artificial grass sector.
Update, October 2026: this article describes the situation at the time of publication (July 2023). ONE-DNA™ does not currently operate a take-back program.
Related: Environmental impact · FAQ
