Synthetic turf recycling pioneer Re-Match has announced that it will discontinue its operations at the Herning factory in Denmark.

The Danish subsidiary has filed for restructuring with the relevant authorities.

According to a statement, “the industry and tender system still does not fully or sufficiently incentivize municipalities and turf providers to recognize the value of circularity and to use the most effective circular solution to handle their used synthetic turf.”

This decision to discontinue operations at the Herning facility follows an evaluation of the Company’s financial position, operational challenges, and the broader economic and industrial environment.

“I highly regret the closure of our exceptional Danish operations and the difficult parting of ways with many of the highly capable, mission driven colleagues at our Herning site – we were all working towards a shared goal. We will continue to make every effort to achieve this goal, accelerating the sustainability transition of this industry” says Coen Rooijmans, CEO of Re-Match.

Patented process

Over the years, Re-Match has made significant investments in its human capital, technologies and its patented operational capabilities, increasing its capacity to process synthetic turf, in a circular and sustainable way. The company uses a patented dry process that uses airflow to separate the various components of a synthetic turf system.

Reclaimed sand, yarn and backing is re-used either in the synthetic turf industry or in other industries, thus reducing the dependency on virgin petrochemical materials, and in turn reducing the industry’s lifecycle emissions and ecological footprint.

First ever

The factory in Denmark started operations in 2016 and had a capacity of around 150 synthetic turf football fields a year. At the time, the company envisioned feedstock coming in from Denmark and other Scandinavian countries.

While recycling of synthetic turf became an international focus point from 2017 onwards, the Danish plant never received sufficient feedstock to run at full capacity. While openly stating that the dumping or incineration of end-of-life turf is unacceptable and bad for the environment, municipalities and clubs in most countries still shy away from demanding the reclaimed turf being processed in an appropriate manner. Many view the costs involved as being too expensive.

Limited to Denmark operation

The restructuring process is limited to the subsidiary that manages the Herning site in Denmark. The subsidiary employs 33 people. The rest of the Re-Match group is continuing its operations.

According to the statement, “the board and management of Re-Match will continue to take the actions necessary to strengthen the group’s financial and operational foundations, positioning it to take advantage of a future that should increasingly value the positive economic and environmental impact Re-Match can have on the synthetic turf industry.”

According to Erik Osmundsen, Partner of growth fund Verdane and member of the board, Verdane remains committed.

“Verdane continues to engage in continuous dialogue with the board, management, and employees of Re-Match, as well as relevant legal counsel, throughout this period of restructuring and processes related to the Company’s Danish subsidiary. We regret the situation, but continue to have strong belief in the mission of the company and will seek to support it throughout the process.”