synthetic grass
LiteEarth™ Capping System Launches, Featuring Act Global Turf
LiteEarth Product
A new, patent pending capping system called LiteEarth™ launched at the international Waterproof Membranes Conference in Dusseldorf, Germany. The system features a single-ply composite of synthetic grass fused with EPDM geomembrane to produce a one of a kind product for a wide range of permanent closures.
LiteEarth features high-quality synthetic grass manufactured by Act Global. The turf provides a natural looking surface, and is more aesthetically pleasing than exposed membrane or natural grass that is not well-maintained. It also eliminates the use of costly and environmentally damaging fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and mower exhausts required for natural grass maintenance.
The LiteEarth system provides long-term protection that is impermeable to air, gas and water, at a fraction of the cost of traditional natural grass capping. Comparatively, LiteEarth can save hundreds of thousands of dollars per acre over 30 years, by reducing materials, labor, maintenance and installation costs. LiteEarth can also save more than 400,000 pounds of CO2 per acre.
For more information on LiteEarth, and to view the full press release, visit www.LiteEarth.com.
Act Global Sports Achieves FIFA Two Star Certification with Advanced Woven Turf System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUSTIN, TX
New woven synthetic turf football pitch gets FIFA two star certification. Surface provides superior playability, excellent ball roll characteristics and pile resilience.
Aalten, Netherlands (October 23, 2012)– Act Global Sports, a world leader in synthetic turf manufacturing, received a FIFA two star certification at MOSIR – Aleksandrów Łódzk stadium in Poland, featuring the company’s advanced woven turf system. This new generation of turf offers a superior playing surface for athletes.
The football pitch is home to the Municipal Sport Center team. The client opted for Act Global’s Xtreme Turf WX50 system due to its quality, durability and top performance qualities.
One of the key features of WX50 is the resiliency of the pile. The fibers do not have the pile direction of a typical tufted product and stand up straight before any infill is applied. The distinctive woven technique results in excellent tuft lock, high water permeability and very consistent ball roll. In addition, the product has no PU or SB latex coating, and therefore offers better opportunities for recycling and sustainability.
“This is an exciting achievement for Act Global, and for facilities looking for top playing surfaces. We will continue to offer the latest generation of turf to our customers, and work with trusted partners, to complete installations that meet professional performance standards,” said Zlotnicki. “We look forward to introducing our woven system to new markets in Europe and around the world.”
As the synthetic turf market advances, Act Global is committed to staying at the forefront of technology and product development. They are a FIFA Preferred Producer of Football Turf, with installations in 70 countries, and a total of 58 FIFA certified fields.
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ABOUT ACT GLOBAL SPORTS
Act Global Sports, headquartered in the United States, is a world leader in synthetic turf and artificial grass manufacturing. The company’s monofilament and fibrillated artificial Xtreme Turf and Xtreme Lawn products replicate natural grass for use in international stadiums, indoor sport centers, field grass, synthetic lawns and other synthetic grass uses. Act Global has four manufacturing locations in USA, Europe and Asia and installations in over 70 countries. Act Global Sports is notable for currently being the first company in the world that is a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, Synthetic Turf Council Certified Manufacturer and holds an ISO 9001 certification. For additional information, please visit email info@actglobalsports.com.
John Baize of Act Global Named Chairman of the Synthetic Turf Council Board of Directors
John Baize, Act Global Managing Director
New board elected at recent membership meeting
Austin, Texas (October 18, 2012) – John Baize, managing director of Act Global Sports, was recently re-elected to the Board of Directors and then named Chairman of the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) during its Annual Membership Meeting in Dallas, Texas.
The STC promotes the industry, educates the general public, and assists buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf and landscape applications. Baize’s re-election to the Board recognizes his leadership position within the industry overall.
“Our Board plays an extremely active role in shaping the strategic direction of the Council,” explains Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council. “John’s contributions to the industry are well-known, and we are confident the association will continue to grow under his leadership.”
Based in Austin, Texas USA, Act Global specializes in the manufacturing of synthetic turf for sports, landscaping, airport and specialty uses. The company has installations in 70 countries around the world, and is an STC Certified Manufacturer, FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf and ISO 9001 Quality Certified. Baize has been especially committed to advancing STC’s mission of maintaining the highest quality practices and standards throughout the industry.
Baize comments, “The Synthetic Turf Council is comprised of an amazing group of women and men who spend so much of their time to serve our industry. I am very honored and pleased to be a member and to be appointed as Chairman of the STC. Our new Board of Directors already held two meetings and I am so happy to be part of such a highly talented and engaged team. We will work together to grow our industry and further our mission to promote community wellness and environmental responsibility through the use of synthetic turf.”
Demand for synthetic turf has escalated over the past few years, with about 8,000 athletic fields currently in operation across North America. Each year, thousands of residences, businesses, parks, municipal spaces and golf courses turn to synthetic turf for its numerous benefits.
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About Act Global Sports
Act Global Sports, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a world leader in synthetic turf and artificial grass manufacturing. The company’s monofilament and fibrillated artificial Xtreme Turf and Xtreme Lawn products replicate natural grass for use in international stadiums, indoor sport centers, field grass, synthetic lawns and other synthetic grass uses. Act Global has four manufacturing locations in USA, Europe and Asia and have sold to 70 countries through an expanding partner network of leading sport field and landscape contractors. Act Global is notable for being the first company in the world that is a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, Synthetic Turf Council Certified Manufacturer and holds an ISO 9001 certification. For more information, visit www.actglobalsports.com.
About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications. The organization is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
Act Global Sports Passes FIFA Two Star Retest in Hungary
FIFA two star pitch in Hungary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 7, 2012
Aalten, Netherlands – Act Global Sports recently passed a FIFA two star retest on one of the main synthetic turf pitches at the Hungarian Puskas Football Academy. The field is host to the well-known Suzuki Cup Tournament, hosting teams such as Real Madrid, Panathinaikos Football Club and Austria Wien.
The pitch features Act Global’s Xtreme Turf Premier S60, designed for top stadium-level football use. The artificial turf has a V-shaped fiber profile, reinforced with spine, which provides durability and strength. Premier S60 offers good pile resilience and high performance characteristics.
“Act Global Sports is honoured to cooperate with such a recognized training facility in Central Europe,” said Robert Zlotnicki, Central and Eastern Europe Manager for Act Global Sports. “We look forward to continuing to expand our partnerships and FIFA certified installations throughout Europe and around the globe.”
As a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, Act Global is responsible for maintaining the highest quality and performance standards for their synthetic turf systems. All Act Global products pass rigorous torture and laboratory testing for durability, climatic resistance, player-to-surface interaction, ball-to-surface interaction and more.
Act Global Sports Leads Synthetic Turf Market in Vietnam
First FIFA two-star pitch in Vietnam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2012
International firm completes Vietnam’s first FIFA two-star installation and hosts FIFA educational seminar
ACT Global Sports recently completed the first and only FIFA two-star installation in Vietnam at Lam Dong Teachers College Stadium in Dalat City. The new football turf replaced natural grass, and is used for top-level Vietnam League One football (soccer) matches.
ACT Global’s Xtreme Turf consists of a tufted fiber on a reinforced triple backing. As a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, their artificial turf products are scientifically tested and engineered to meet the highest quality and performance FIFA standards. ACT Global’s Xtreme Turf has been installed in many top-performing professional stadiums around the world.
The field was professionally installed by Hoang Nguyen Trading and Construction Company Ltd in partnership with ACT Global. Project scope included a full design and build, featuring a sub-base with a sub-soil drainage system and sturdy, suitable roof design. Maintenance training and equipment was also provided as part of the project
Prior to the new field design and synthetic turf, games often were cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather, and the stadium was not getting enough playing time. Daniel Clapham, regional sales manager, said he has since received positive feedback regarding the quality of the turf, reduced maintenance and increased revenue from field rental.
“ACT Global is proud to be part of such a successful and professionally executed project in this mountainous region with such high annual rainfall,” said Clapham. “Players and coaches agree that investing in high-quality synthetic turf systems can provide huge performance benefits as well as increased playing hours all year round.”
Clapham said that this is a trend they are noticing around the world, as more emerging markets are turning from price-driven decisions to recognizing the long-term value of quality products, professional installation methods and commitment to field maintenance.
ACT Global also recently hosted a FIFA seminar in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam that was attended by some of the regions foremost experts. FIFA spoke in detail about the developments in the artificial turf industry in recent years and the positive impact this has had on the sport including the multiple benefits of selecting a FIFA Preferred Producer for football turf. Mr. Hy, president of the Vietnamese Football Federation, and Mr. Vien, vice president, both attended and confirmed the benefits of the new Dalat stadium, as well as the commitment of the Federation to the FIFA Quality Concept.
Act Global Sports To Appear on Fox & Friends
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUSTIN, TX
Leading turf manufacturer will discuss synthetic laws on national television show
ACT Global Sports is pleased to announce an upcoming appearance on national television show “Fox & Friends” on June 7, 2012 to discuss the environmental benefits of using artificial grass for landscaping. The segment will air at 6 a.m. EST (check your local listings) and will be available for viewing on www.foxandfriends.com following the live broadcast.
The World Health Organization says that water scarcity affects one in three people on every continent. According to the Clean Water America Alliance, a mild winter has caused 48 of 50 states to be considered abnormally dry or having drought conditions. Some areas have imposed watering restrictions, which limit the number of times home and business owners can water their grass.
Jennifer Alt, marketing coordinator at ACT Global, said that synthetic turf is a solution to help conserve valuable drinking water. Artificial grass saves about six billion gallons of water annually.
“Synthetic lawns are a perfect alternative to natural grass in dry climates,” said Alt. “They require no mowing or watering and will remain green and plush year round.”
ACT Global’s Xtreme Lawn synthetic grass products are durable and multi-functional, used for landscaping, playgrounds, residential areas, businesses, pet areas, concerts and more.
Synthetic lawns eliminate the chore of ongoing lawn maintenance, and reduce air pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these engines can emit carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Artificial turf also removes about one billion pounds of fertilizers and pesticides annually, and can help control seasonal allergies.
Alt encourages homeowners associations and municipalities to approve the use of synthetic turf in their local communities. Several municipalities currently offer rebates and incentives due to the numerous water savings.
About Fox & Friends
“Fox & Friends” is an American morning news show on the Fox News Channel. The program begins at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time daily.
City of Round Rock Funds Synthetic Turf Using Community Development Block Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUSTIN, TX
Local firm Act Global Sports supplies the city’s first artificial turf field
Austin, Texas (May 16, 2012) – The new Xtreme Turf synthetic field at Buck Egger Park in Round Rock is the first of its kind for the city. The field, funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), provides a quality sports surface for community members to enjoy. In addition to the play areas, Round Rock is allocating the grant towards construction of the parking lot, sidewalks and lighting system.
The CDBG is a federal grant program that helps communities address challenges facing their cities. Funds may be used for community development activities, construction of public facilities and improvements, public services and economic development, and job creation.
The synthetic turf was supplied by local manufacturer ACT Global Sports, based in Austin, Texas. The two-tone green, durable turf is an upgrade from the previous worn natural grass and dirt area. The Xtreme Turf system is comparable in quality and performance to some of the top professional fields around the world. As part of ACT Global’s standing as a FIFA Preferred Producer of football turf, their systems undergo rigorous scientific testing to meet the highest performance standards.
The trend of installing artificial grass is gaining traction, especially in dry climates where water restrictions are encouraged or mandated. According to John Baize, director of ACT Global Sports, the latest synthetic turf mimics natural grass in quality and appearance, but provides several additional benefits. Synthetic grass better withstands inclement weather conditions, offers extended usage over natural grass, and requires less maintenance and no water, which can provide significant time and money savings.
“We are proud to be a part of a successful, local project in our own neighborhood,” said Baize. “Safe parks and playing surfaces can have a positive physical and social impact on a community. We applaud the City of Round Rock for their creative funding solution to deliver a new level of enjoyment to the Round Rock community.”
Individuals or businesses interested additional funding options for synthetic turf systems in their neighborhoods can find more information at www.actglobalsports.com/fundraising or on the Synthetic Turf Council website www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
ACT Global Update!
Our year is off to a wonderful and busy start at ACT Global Sports! We have several new announcements we would like to share.
1. New FIFA Certifications
ACT Global Sports has completed several new FIFA certifications at fields around the globe. We recently passed re-testing in Hungary, and completed certification in Netherlands and Poland. We also just passed our first FIFA testing in the US. ACT Global’s certifications demonstrate our continued dedication to maintaining the highest-quality fields.
2. Successful launch of Malaysia factory
ACT Global Sports officially launched Malaysia’s first artificial turf manufacturing facility, located in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. We selected Malaysia due to its tradition of advanced technology and quality manufacturing. The extended manufacturing of our Xtreme Turf and Xtreme Lawn brands in Malaysia will include clear performance, durability, financial and logistical benefits for both customers and players. Malaysia Managing Director Mahesh Ganapathy has worked in carpet and synthetic turf manufacturing for over 20 years. ACT Global is proud to have him on board as a highly technical project manager and experienced with start-up operations.
3. Hosted FIFA Seminar in Las Vegas
Following the Synthetic Turf Council Meetings held in Las Vegas, ACT Global Sports hosted a FIFA Seminar for industry design consultants, test institutes, manufacturers, contractors and maintenance providers. The presentations from our company and other industry experts provided the attendees a greater understanding of the roadmap to a truly high-quality sports turf installation.
4. FIFA Seminar in Vietnam on May 14th.
We will host our next FIFA Seminar in Vietnam on May 14, 2012 to highlight the benefits of synthetic turf.
Cheers!
ACT Global Sports hosts FIFA Seminar on Synthetic Turf
Act Global hosts FIFA Seminar at STC meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Austin, Texas
Leading North American industry delegates explore the benefits of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf
Following the Synthetic Turf Council Meetings held in Las Vegas, leading USA manufacturer ACT Global Sports hosted a FIFA Seminar for industry design consultants, test institutes, manufacturers, contractors and maintenance providers. The FIFA delegation was represented by Group Leader Mr. Johannes Holzmuller, Junior Manager Nicholas Evans and Dr. Eric Harrison, the primary author of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf. The presentations by these experts and information from ACT Global as a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf provided the attendees a greater understanding of the roadmap to a truly highly quality sports turf installation.
Just recently the Synthetic Turf Council adopted the durability and natural grass performance benchmarks of the FIFA Quality Concept. The FIFA Quality Concept was develop so players and stadium owners would have guidelines for choosing a field system that is safer for the players, performs like a natural grass stadium, saves maintenance costs and lasts for years of intense use. The Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance set forth by the STC, establishes the very same methods based upon proven research and is being promoted for voluntary use by field owners and their consultants.
Dr. Eric Harrison the author of the FIFA Quality Concept presented his ideas in support for and the science behind the Synthetic Turf Council’s decision to adopt these methods for the American multi-purpose sports’ market. Dr. Harrison states, “The adoption of the FIFA Quality Guidelines by the STC for synthetic turf in North America is a strong indication of the industry’s commitment toward enhancing durability and performance for all ages of athletes in many sports. FIFA leadership has strived to deliver the objectives of its guidelines through many years of education, testing and monitoring of sports surface performance around the globe and was pleased to have this forum for in-depth discussions.”
Director John Baize commented, “We firstly appreciate the support of FIFA, sponsorship by ProGrass and the many attendees who invested their time to participate. We are very pleased that so many firms are passionate about increasing true quality to our customers as evidenced by the significant amount of lively discussion. As a FIFA Preferred Provider, we appreciate the opportunity to be a catalyst for selected leaders of the synthetic turf industry to better understand and implement FIFA Quality Guidelines for the North American market. This is an important step in the industry’s effort to continually upgrade and raise the bar for athletic performance for the growing synthetic turf market.”
As a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, ACT Global is responsible for maintaining ISO 9001 Quality Standards as well as enhanced obligations in the areas of research, testing, manufacturing, construction, installation and maintenance. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas and has regional locations in The Netherlands, Cyprus, Poland, Thailand, Australia, France, The United Kingdom, Malaysia and China. Local sales and support is offered with representatives located in over 50 countries through an expanding partner network of leading sport field contractors. ACT Global Sports is notable for being the only company in the world that is a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, Synthetic Turf Council Certified Manufacturer and holds an ISO 9001 certification.
Environmental Benefits of Synthetic Turf
Issued by Synthetic Turf Council – 2011
Landscape
1. Saves Water – A Resource in Short Supply
- According to the EPA, over one-third of residential water is used for lawn irrigation nationwide, totaling over 4 billion gallons of water a day.
- The Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates that every square foot of natural grass replaced saves an additional 55 gallons of water per year. The average lawn is 1,800 square feet, so the average home with synthetic turf saves 99,000 gallons of water each year.
- The average U.S. Household can save up to 70% on their water bill, or $500.
- Earns LEED points for Water Efficient Landscaping
2. Eliminates the use of lawn mowers
- According to the EPA, a 3.5 horsepower gas-powered lawn mower releases the same amount of air polluting emissions in one hour as a new car driven 340 miles.
- Over 17 million gallons of gas and oil are spilled each year from refueling lawn equipment; that is more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
3. Eliminates the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers
- The EPA has identified runoff of toxic pesticides and fertilizers as a principal cause of water pollution. Synthetic turf eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Sports Fields
1. Saves Water – A Resource in Short Supply
- One full-size synthetic turf sports field saves 500,000 to 1,000,000 gallons of water each year. For example, the El Paso Independent School District estimates its 10 new synthetic turf sports fields will save 80 million gallons of water each year, and $832,000 in water, mowing, repairs, and general maintenance.
- Earns LEED points for Water Efficient Landscaping
2. Recycles tens of millions of used tires annually to be used as crumb rubber infill
3. Eliminates the use of billions of pounds of toxic pesticides and fertilizers
- The EPA has identified runoff of toxic pesticides and fertilizers as a principal cause of water pollution. In Florida alone, the EPA estimates that about 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, 350,000 acres of lakes and 900 square miles of estuaries are impaired by runoff of pesticides and fertilizers.
Act Global Sports is a proud member of the Synthetic Turf Council.
Information gathered from www.syntheticturfcouncil.org
Links
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