As Tokyo prepares to host the first ever carbon-neutral Olympic Games in 2020, it has announced it will be using sustainable artificial turf for its hockey fields.
The turf, developed and supplied by International Hockey Federation (FIH) partner, Polytan, is created using 60% renewable polyethylene technology. Based on Braskem’s I’m Green material, the Poligrass Tokyo GT uses bio-based polyethelene derived from sugar cane, a vegetable raw material that captures carbon dioxide from the environment as it grows.
An elastic base layer ensures optimum absorption and is an important part of the entire hockey turf system. The Polytan PolyBase GT elastic layer, which has also been newly developed, gives the hockey turf an even better environmental balance. A binder that can score highly thanks to its reduced CO2 production is used for the permanent elastic binding of the granules.
“FIH is delighted that this new turf technology will support Tokyo’s carbon-neutral vision and make a positive contribution to the Games. FIH has a strategic priority to improve hockey’s environmental footprint, which is why partnerships with progressive companies such as Polytan are crucial. We are pleased to note that the surface that will be used in Tokyo requires two-thirds less water than surfaces used at previous Olympic Games,” said Thierry Weil, CEO of FIH.
