The world’s first circular climbing holds Research indicates that the global market for climbing holds will double in the next ten years. Only in Europe, 800 climbing halls are estimated to be built in this period. Greenholds climbing holds will be the world’s first circular climbing holds used for the Olympic climbing sport. The aim is to make the infrastructure of the climbing gyms more sustainable. At the end of the lifecycle, 100% recycling of the product will be possible. Not only the product but also the circular business model will become non-disruptive. Prototypes are now being tested and market introduction is foreseen in 2021. The ambition is that the climbing holds that will be used at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will be circular. Non-chemical weed control on sport playfields How can one develop automatic electrical weed control for sports and recreation areas without the use of chemicals and emissions to air, soil, and water? This question contains some important elements in ‘greening’ the sports. through wear and tear, the spread of artificial fiber, as well as the infill granules that artificial grass produces, is harmful to the environment. The Sweco company is dedicated to the mitigation of this environmental impact. At the end of its life cycle, the synthetic turf should be disposed of sustainably. Sweco has taken the lead in forming a consortium of expert service providers to solve this problem. Through this consortium, a unique type of fiber and artificial grass surface is being developed, consisting of fibers that, under the right conditions, can be composted at the end of their usage. Together with the University of Wageningen, Ramm BV develops recognition with camera technology and plant-specific pictures. With ‘deep learning algorithms’ the computer can recognize the five most common weeds, in a velocity of five to twenty frames per second. With the use of Rootwave technology, the weed is killed with electricity. The technical features are combined on a machine running behind a compact tractor. The world’s first compostable artificial grass surface The advantages of using synthetic turf for outdoor sports are manyfold. Sporting on an artificial turf pitch is possible 24 hours a day and all days of the week without a resting pause that natural grass playfields need. However, Sportinnovator www.sportinnovator.nl/english info@sportinnovator.nl 15 +31 (0)70 349 54 24
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