Three Companies Shaping the Future of Recycled Rubber
Crumb rubber has been a reliable material for decades, but the recycled rubber industry continues to expand its use through innovative design, implementation, and outreach.
Today, we're checking in with companies advancing recycled rubber through novel technology, large-scale design, or thoughtful education.
Innovative Tech: Stockmeier's Polyurethane Coatings
Recycled tires aren't simply shredded and sent straight to the playground or football field. Crumb rubber is treated through an extensive process that involves adding a protective and vibrant coating to ensure durability and color consistency. Stockmeier, a chemical company based in Germany, has invented a coating that provides long-lasting, vibrant color.
Stockmeier Urethanes' Stobielast® S coatings are made of polyurethane, which makes them superior to typical, water-based coatings. Unlike water-based coatings, Stockmeier's coatings chemically bond with the rubber, enhancing durability and preventing issues like fading and wear. By using renewable, bio-based materials, Stockmeier's coatings are as sustainable as they are effective.
Expansive Implementation: Fieldturf's NFL Fields
Over at FieldTurf, recycled rubber is playing in the big leagues. A global leader in artificial turf, FieldTurf has been a trusted partner at some of the most iconic stadiums, including Gillette Stadium (home to the Patriots and the New England Revolution) and Seattle's Lumen Field (home to the Seahawks, Sounders FC, and Reign FC). These venues showcase FieldTurf's cutting-edge CORE system, which uses recycled rubber to deliver exceptional performance and safety.
In 2024, Gillette Stadium and Seattle's Lumen Field completed the installation of FieldTurf's CORE system. The CORE system, known for its durability and player safety features, meets FIFA Quality Pro certification standards and is designed with a heavyweight infill that has been proven to reduce the incidence of injuries. FieldTurf's innovative wide-gauge design further enhances safety by improving cleat release times, making it a preferred choice for professional sports teams.
Playground Education: PlayCore's Webinars and Resources
PlayCore, which designs and builds recreational environments using recycled rubber, has been creating resources for communities, governments, and businesses to understand more about recycled rubber products. Recently, PlayCore hosted a series of webinars to help professionals and community members design outdoor settings for early childhood development and create accessible environments that cater to everyone, including those with disabilities. Additionally, PlayCore has developed essential design guides such as "7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design" and "Outdoor Adult Fitness," providing concrete strategies to enhance community space and ensure that people of all ages and abilities get the most out of their outdoor experiences.
To bring these projects to life, PlayCore offers a Grant Finder Tool, connecting communities with funding opportunities for their play and recreation initiatives. PlayCore's educational resources ensure that all communities have access to the safety benefits of recycled rubber, ultimately building healthier and happier neighborhoods.
When you peek inside the recycled rubber ecosystem, you'll find many different companies innovating the material, implementing it across massive stadiums and small local parks, and helping communities use recycled rubber to make their communities safer and healthier for all.