Hagihara Industries uses innovative Tinuvin formulations to improve weather resistance and longevity of synthetic turf
BASF, a global leader in chemical invention, and Hagihara Industries, a main synthetic fiber manufacturer in Japan, have joined forces to develop highly sturdy polyolefin yarns for artificial turf used in sports arenas, which include football stadiums, baseball fields, and tennis courts.
After three years of collaborative studies and development, the two enterprise have created a evolved formulation with a series of Tinuvin grades that significantly improves the durability of synthetic grass, making it much less susceptible to harm from sun exposure and ensuring it retains its vibrant color.
“One of the challenges we confronted in manufacturing yarns for artificial grass was enhancing its capacity to endure relentless exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions,” stated Norio Funakoshi, Chief of Fundamental Research Section, Hagihara Industries, Inc. “As our customers were looking for more suitable sturdiness, BASF stepped in to address this issue by recommending the best mixture of additives,” delivered Funakoshi.
BASF’s range of light stabilizers are designed to convert UV rays into innocent thermal energy, producing as an umbrella to guard 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 may be efficiently prevented.
Hagihara Industries effectively integrated the improved formulation of these additives into their yarn production procedure, which resulted inside the manufacture of artificial turf that lasts up to 10 years. Fagiano Okayama, a J-League football club placed in Okayama Prefecture, manages the enterprise’s incredibly sturdy artificial turf on its practice field. The turf has been praised for its first quality.
“We are pleased to emphasize the efficient partnership among BASF and Hagihara Industries,” stated Hazel Sprafke, Vice President, Global Business Management, Plastic Additives, Asia Pacific. “This collaboration demonstrate our commitment to addressing our clients’ demands by continuous innovation and effective solutions.”