Circulary

Once synthetic grass reaches the end of its life-cycle, it is usually incinerated or ends up in a landfill. Versalis, in collaboration with the Radici Group – the yarn producer – and Safitex – the producer of the carpet (Eco Next) – developed an innovative synthetic grass that can be easily recycled and repurposed for the production of goods that require high-quality standards, like sports products (shin guards, elbow pads, and bibs) and home furnishes (vases, accessories, and garden equipment).

Through our collaboration with the supply chain, we have been able to align the product development and production practices of synthetic turf with our circularity objectives. The circular model applied here can be replicated to improve resource efficiency and recyclability of other manufactured goods.

• The project offers an alternative solution for the end-of-life management of synthetic turf, avoiding landfilling and incineration, reducing GHG emissions and ensuring a higher level of circularity.
• The environmental footprint of the synthetic turf is in line with the EU Product Environmental Footprint methodology (based on Life Cycle Assessment) and verified by an independent certification body.
• At the end-of-life, 85% of the original product can be recycled and used in sports sector’s applications and home furnishes.

• Promoting the benefits of recyclable synthetic turf to citizens and sport associations;
• The support from institutions is crucial to encourage the use of technological solutions to improve the sustainability of products throughout their entire life-cycle.

• Tessiture Pietro Radici SPA (Radici Group)
• Safitex
• ICA
• ERGO
• Certiquality

Alessandra Colombo

Alessandra.Colombo@versalis.eni.com