“One of the challenges we faced in producing yarns for artificial grass was improving its ability to endure relentless exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions,” said Norio Funakoshi, Chief of Fundamental Research Section, Hagihara Industries, Inc. “As our customers were looking for enhanced durability, BASF stepped in to address this issue by recommending the ideal blend of additives,” added Funakoshi.
BASF and Hagihara Industries have developed highly durable polyolefin yarns for artificial turf used in sports arenas.
After three years of collaboration, they created a formulation with Tinuvin light stabilisers, enhancing turf durability against sunlight and extreme weather.
The innovation allows artificial turf to last up to 10 years, with Fagiano Okayama’s practice field as a prime example.
BASF’s range of light stabilizers are designed to convert UV rays into harmless thermal energy, serving as an umbrella to shield against the sun’s damaging effects. Certain UV rays can attack polymers, compromising their strength and elongation. However, with the use of selected Tinuvin grades, this radical reaction can be effectively prevented.
Hagihara Industries successfully incorporated the advanced formulation of these additives into their yarn manufacturing process, which resulted in the production of artificial turf that lasts up to 10 years. Fagiano Okayama, a J-League football club located in Okayama Prefecture, manages the company’s exceptionally durable artificial turf on its practice field. The turf has been acclaimed for its quality.
“We are thrilled to highlight the fruitful partnership between BASF and Hagihara Industries,” said Hazel Sprafke, Vice President, Global Business Management, Plastic Additives, Asia Pacific. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to addressing our customers’ needs through continuous innovation and effective solutions.”
As a trusted partner for innovation, BASF continuously pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Beyond synthetic turf, BASF’s comprehensive range of light stabilizers offers versatile solutions for demanding outdoor applications, such as construction tarps, heavy-duty waterproof sheets, and swimming pool covers. BASF‘s innovative solutions ensure that its partners in the plastics industry can deliver high-performance, durable, and cost-effective products.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
