Mizuno Installs Kaneka PHA-Based Artificial Turf at Vantelin Dome Nagoya

Mizuno Corporation has successfully renovated the playing surface of the Vantelin Dome Nagoya using a next-generation artificial turf system incorporating Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™. This installation marks a significant milestone in the adoption of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) materials within professional sports infrastructure, addressing growing concerns regarding microplastic leakage from stadiums.

Sustainable Innovation in Professional Baseball

The Vantelin Dome, home to the Chunichi Dragons professional baseball team, now features Mizuno’s high-performance turf specifically engineered to balance athletic requirements with environmental responsibility. The collaboration utilizes Kaneka’s proprietary biopolymer, which serves as a key component in the turf’s pile binder. By replacing traditional petroleum-based synthetic binders with a bio-based alternative, the companies aim to reduce the environmental footprint associated with turf wear and tear.

The Chemistry of Green Planet™

Kaneka Green Planet™ is a 100% plant-derived biopolymer produced through microbial fermentation. Unlike conventional synthetic plastics, this PHA material demonstrates excellent biodegradability in a wide range of environments, including seawater and soil.

The material is designed to break down into carbon dioxide and water if released into the environment, offering a proactive solution to the issue of turf abrasion. As athletes slide and run, artificial turf fibers can degrade into microplastics that eventually wash into waterways. The integration of Green Planet™ ensures that these micro-particles do not persist as pollutants in marine ecosystems.

Setting a New Standard

This project represents a commercial breakthrough for Kaneka in the sports facility sector. While maintaining the durability and shock absorption required for professional baseball, the new turf aligns with global sustainability goals. Kaneka continues to expand the applications of its PHA technology, viewing the sports industry as a vital sector for reducing the accumulation of non-degradable plastics in the environment.

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