Artificial Grass Backings

Artifcial grass products come in a variety of backings: polyurethane, latex, ezBBAC (Nexcel Synthetics), EnviroCel (UTT), Duraflo (Challenger), just to name a few. The focus of this article is the EnviroCell backing. EnviroCel backings replace over 90% of the petruoeum-based polymers used in polyurethane secondary backins with bio-based polymers derived from domestically grown soybeans. EnviroCel is consistent with Eco Alliance's objective to continue to offer leading edge, eco friendly products. Envirocel meets our "green" standards in two ways:

• EnviroCel is made from a renewable resource. Every yard of EnviroCel installed means increased soybean production - contributing to improved air quality through the reduction of CO2.
• EnviroCel incorporated post-consumer recycled PET plastic from soft drink and water bottles.

EnviroCel - like ezBAC and Duraflo is porous - so drainage holes are not required.

It is estimated that as little as 1% of the earth's water is available for humans to drink - a limited resource too valuable to waste. Artificial grass uses less water, reduces the need for pesticides, and can assist in providing effective erosion control. Artificial grass is now being used to protect and maintain trails in our national parks. Adding EnviroCel technology to artificial grass adds to its green value.

EnviroCel backings for artificial grass are made from BioCel - a compound developed by Universal Textile Technologies (UTT) - is a combination of bio-based polymers and Celceram. Bio-based polymers are polyurethane polymers that are manufactured with a portion of the polyol coming from a soybean plant. Celceram stabilized and toughens the polyurethane compound. BioCel does not impact the performance of the secondary backing - but rather deliver the same level of performance in a more eco-friendly manner.

EnviroCel backings is not a food source for bacteria so it will not promote the growth of bacteria in artificial grass. It also contributes to LEED points - specifically the requirement for rapidly renewable materials unter the Materials and Resources Section of Version 2.0 of the LEED guidelines.