Sustainable Plastics - October 2021 - 23

scientists talk
Major milestones
Project Pitch2Panel illustrates
the power of open innovation,
bringing together the best of
small and medium-sized enterprises
and academia.
Impact solutions successfully
characterised the content of
the synthetic turf waste stream
that was a key to optimising
the plastic extraction process,
separating the turf, sand, and
rubber. Subsequently, it performed
a comprehensive test
programme focused on trialling
different recyclate blends to enhance
the material properties
of the samples. The results led
to the second major milestone:
the start of the extrusion trials
by the PPRC. During the initial
trial, it was found that:
1)The excessive moisture
content from the recyclate
caused steam formation; and
2) contaminants (e.g., dust
and rubber particles) obstructed
the hopper of the extruder,
in addition to various other
common processing issues
with recyclates.
Through rigorous trials, the processing
conditions were adjusted
to improve the processibility of
the material. Acceptable contamination
limits were set, moisture
removal techniques were developed
and appropriate 2G and 3G
blend ratios for different applications
were determined.
The final products are extruded
plastic panels which,
according to tests performed
by Impact Solutions offer a performance
that is superior to the
existing alternatives.
Circular Economy
The P2P panels are more environmentally
friendly and economically
more attractive than the
current plywood wooden panels
that are used today. The materials
for these panels are sourced from
a burdensome waste stream, reducing
waste disposal in landfill
and the dependency on virgin
raw materials. From a practical
perspective, the P2P panels offer
benefits such as a longer service
life, as they are more resistant to
rotting or warping with moisture
and have a higher impact resistance.
Moreover, they are fully
recyclable, and can in fact be recycled
many times over.
The route to
market for the recycled
P2P panels
has been clearly
established, with
Sportex providing
both the solution
and the waste
feedstock, in addition
to installing
the new pitches.
The P2P project
consortium is
thrilled with this
achievement, not
only because of
the success of the
project, but also
for taking another
stride towards
a more circular
economy.
" Sport and innovation have
always been synonymous
with each other and, with
COVID-19 re-emphasising
how important physical activity
is for our overall wellbeing,
should not be at the
expense of environmental
sustainability. The Pitch2Panel
project funded as part of Innovate
UK's Sustainable InnoTechnical
Lead, Thomas Dobbie,
at Impact Solutions holding P2P
product.
vation Fund will not only help
reduce the cost of essential
outdoor recreation spaces,
but also keep tonnes of plastic
waste and harmful CO2 emissions
out of our landfills and
atmosphere. " - Jonny Voon,
Head of The Sustainable Innovation
Fund (Innovate UK).
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23
Sustainable Plastics - October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Plastics - October 2021
