Smart Connection Consultancy
Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
read moreGlobal sportswear giant adidas has built a sustainable synthetic sports field using 1.8 million plastic bottles.
Partnering with Miami Edison High School in the US-state of Florida, sited just a short distance from the stadium where this week’s NFL Super Bowl as staged, adidas used the bottles as infill for the field, which is being used for gridiron football.
The bottles were collected from nature - at remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines - in order to prevent them from ending up permanently in the eco-system and were then washed and treated before being converted and used as infill for the synthetic 3G pitch.
According to James Carnes, Vice President of Brand Strategy at adidas, the project is part of the company's commitment to becoming climate neutral by 2050 - as well as using manufacturing methods which will prevent plastics from polluting the ocean.
Carnes explained “we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, and we are dedicated to creating that change.
"Since 1998, we’ve been developing and introducing innovations to end plastic waste. Our commitment to eliminate the use of virgin polyester in our products by 2024 helps us get one step closer to being a more circular company.
"We're not just focused on changing how we do business – we're dedicated to changing how our industry does business."
Cameron Collins, the North America Director of Football at Adidas, added “we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, and this field is a demonstration of our taking action on that belief. More than a place for these young athletes to play, it’s a reminder of our collective responsibility to end plastic waste.”
The field’s recent unveiling was followed by a 7-on-7 tournament featuring local male and female athletes.
Images show the completed field at the Miami Edison High School in the US-state of Florida, and the plastic bottle infill. Courtesy of adidas.
23rd January 2020 - Global tourism initiative to combat plastic pollution
30th December 2019 - National plastics summit set to address Australia’s growing waste problem
24th December 2019 - adidas and New Zealand Open form long-term partnership
17th December 2019 - New synthetic surface benefits athletes in Geelong
9th December 2019 - MCG looks to boost sustainability with ban on plastic plates and cutlery
5th December 2019 - Australian Synthetic Sports Surfaces Discussion Group launched on LinkedIn
2nd December 2019 - Smart Connection Consultancy releases updated guidance for Synthetic Sports Surfaces
31st October 2019 - PGA and adidas form new performance partnership
31st October 2019 - City of Sydney to add artificial turf surfaces at three sports fields
29th August 2019 - Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council opens latest artificial turf development
1st August 2019 - Zoggs expands environmental commitments with swimwear made from plastic waste and reduction in plastic goggle packaging
17th July 2019 - Cairns initiative sees discarded plastic straws recycled into park seating
7th June 2019 - World Surf League reveals plan to become carbon neutral and eliminate plastic use this year
18th March 2019 - Plastic drinking cups removed from Sydney Showground
3rd January 2017 - Adidas unveils design for fitness-focused World of Sports campus
9th December 2016 - ASTM International standard for artificial turf infill
4th December 2016 - adidas ends IAAF sponsorship, ASICS steps in
8th September 2016 - Revolutionary stabilisation method for artificial turf and hybrid fields set for Australian launch
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