We’re here to solve the long-standing problem of ball recycling. This is how we do it:
The Challenge
Approximately 400 million tennis and padel balls are produced worldwide each year, most of which end up in mixed waste after only a few uses. Recycling multi-layered pressurized balls is challenging, which is why globally only 0.5% of used balls are recycled.
In Finland around 330,000 people play padel and tennis, and they are estimated to consume a total of around one million balls annually. As on a global scale, balls end up in mixed waste or disappear into the nature in Finland as well.
Our Solution
G-Task and its partners have developed a solution to the challenge of recycling used balls. The goal is to create a nationwide recycling system in Finland, in which the materials of the used balls are given a new life through chemical recycling and the overall recycling rate of tennis and padel centers is increased. After Finland, the goal is to build a European-wide collection network.
In the new recycling system, three lidded containers are placed at the sides of the courts. One container is for used balls, while the remaining two containers are for metal and plastic waste, such as the metal lids and plastic tubes used for packaging material for the balls. Plastic ball tubes and their lids are recycled through existing plastic and metal recycling channels.
For used balls, our partner Wastewise uses an advanced chemical recycling process. Through the process of pyrolysis, the balls are turned into a liquid oil product that serves as a raw material for the plastics industry.
Our Impact
G-Task’s recycling system is designed to bring circularity to tennis and padel facilities. By collecting not only used balls but also plastic and metal waste, the system is estimated to raise recycling rates in participating facilities to as high as 94.4%.
Chemical recycling turns used tennis and padel balls from waste into a valuable resource that can re-enter the production cycle. The plastic produced through this process is identical in quality to virgin plastic, making it suitable for all applications, even medical and food packaging.
The pyrolysis oil produced in this process provides a raw material for the plastics industry, helping to reduce dependence on crude oil and lowering the environmental impact.