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DSM THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS AND TERRA SPORTS FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers BV and Terra Sports Technology BV have formed a strategic alliance to develop, produce and market dedicated thermoplastic materials (TPE) for use in artificial turf systems for football fields. The basis of this cooperation is that both companies use their experience to develop a special Sarlink product line that gives unique sports and playing performance in a new generation of artificial turf systems. The first products are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2005. The current third generation of artificial turf systems can be recognized by tufted long fibres filled with a layer of rubber granules between these fibres. Because of this combination the sliding performance of artificial turf systems improved significantly compared with earlier generations of artificial turf (for example, hockey pitches and tennis courts). Many clubs and players have discovered artificial turf as an alternative to natural turf, and this has resulted in strong market growth. National and international football associations, including UEFA and FIFA strongly support further development of the artificial turf systems. User experiences on current artificial turf systems show some important differences in sport characteristics compared with natural turf pitches. Filling this gap is defined as the most important goal of the joint development programme. Both companies are convinced that the application and market knowledge of Terra Sports Technology BV and the TPE expertise of DSM Sarlink will result in a new fourth generation artificial turf system. This new generation will show superior football characteristics, is targeted to have the highest rating on health and environmental safety, and will be designed to perform consistently during all seasons.
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