R&D PROJECT 2022
Goe-Production is initiating an R&D project where 15 artificial grass fields will be installed at different geographical locations in Norway to test the bioinfill under different climatic conditions. Each artificial grass field will consist of different systems to be tested and qualified according to FIFA-requirements. The R&D project is planned to start in January 2022, and will have a duration of approximately 1 year. The project will carry out the optimalization of a winter system, without underheating, with the aim of achieving formal FIFA-certification. Acknowledged external R&D institutions shall optimize and define life cycle analyzes of the granulate to document the environmental impacts and carbon footprint of the infill. Optimal maintenance methods shall also be developed to ensure optimal lifespan and user-friendliness of the granulate. The project will contribute to increased dissemination of knowledge regarding the use of biological infill on artificial grass fields, as well as contributing to the development of environmentally friendly artificial grass fields. During the project, Goe-Production will simultaneously develop and verify a production line with suitable capacity and price demanded to supply the Norwegian market.
The project builds on experiences from the first field test of the biological granulate in Kristiansand. The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) is involved as professional support in the project.
PRIMARY GOALS OF THE PROJECT
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Test the infill under different climatic conditions through all seasons in Norway. This will be executed by installing 15 fields throughout different parts of Norway.
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Optimalization of a winter system - Objective: FIFA-Quality Pro, without underheating.
SUB-GOALS OF THE PROJECT
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15 different systems shall be qualified according to FIFA-requirements.
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Maintenance methods shall be defined and optimized.
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Life cycle assessments (LCA) shall be optimized and defined. These will be carried out by external R&D institutions.
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Contribute to increased dissemination of knowledge regarding the use of biological infill on artificial grass fields.
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Develop and verify a production line with realistic capacity to supply the Norwegian market.
STATUS OF THE PROJECT - KRISTIANSAND
GOE BIO granulate was first installed at Sukkevann Idrettspark (Field A) in Kristiansand, August 2021. In short, the field is considered an alternative to the rubber granulate field in the same sports facility (field C). We have carried out the first winter evaluations under changing temperatures between 5 and -10 °C. Changing precipitation in the form of rain and snow has led to, among others, frozen ground in the fields. The winter evaluations have so far shown promising results. Both field A and field C have frozen at the bottom under these climatic conditions, but both fields have had an airy infill in the grass, and been playable with varying game quality. The biological infill has not frozen itself, but frost at the bottom is due to frozen sand. This applies to both fields. It is concluded that the biogranulate field can be further optimized for winter use.
Field A in Kristiansand has been tested and passed in accordance with FIFA Quality Pro requirements - professional football. The field has been tested by Sports Labs Ltd, a FIFA-accredited laboratory.
Field B, at Sukkevann Idrettspark will be installed during Jan / Feb 2022, provided that weather conditions allow it. An optimized winter version of GOE BIO granules will be installed.
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PLAN
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A full-size football field and a slightly smaller field (with underheating) will be installed during the first quarter of 2022. In January and February 2022, an improved production line will be installed and tested that will deliver to the abovementioned two fields. The production line will be further developed.
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Furthermore, 13 additional fields will be installed around Norway to be used in climate studies through the winter of 2022/2023. Upon completion of climate studies, the latest version of the product will be available for the market.