Our European Partner, RSI Sports Joins FIFA Innovation Programme with Groundbreaking Circular Turf System (CTS).
CTS features EasyLock Panels, our modular base layer that is 100% made from old artificial turf.
Revolutionizing Sports Fields with Sustainability, Performance, and Proven Circularity
RSI Sports Group has officially joined the FIFA Innovation Programme with its Circular Turf System (CTS) - a fully circular, high-performance artificial turf system designed to address the pressing environmental challenges of modern sports infrastructure.
In a world where millions of square meters of synthetic turf reach end-of-life every decade, RSI's CTS offers a scalable solution built on full recyclability, modular design, and climate-positive engineering.
“We're not just building turf - we're redefining its lifecycle,” said Arnoud Fiolet, Managing Partner at RSI Sports Group.
The FIFA Innovation Programme
The FIFA Innovation Programme was created to accelerate and validate forward- looking technologies that improve football infrastructure while meeting rigorous sustainability and performance standards. RSI's CTS is now part of this exclusive program - a clear signal of its potential to set a new global standard for turf systems.
The first CTS pitch under the FIFA Innovation Programme is scheduled for construction in Dordrecht, The Netherlands - making the city a pioneering ground for the future of circular sports facilities.
Why PET? A Proven Material for Circularity
The choice of mono-material PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sets CTS apart from traditional synthetic turfs made from difficult-to-recycle mixes like PE and PP. PET is:
- Strong, durable, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for sports use.
- Globally recyclable, supported by one of the world’s most mature recycling systems.
- Central to over 40 deposit return schemes worldwide, with collection rates exceeding 90% in countries like Germany and Norway.
- Europe alone recycled 1.8 million tonnes of PET in 2021, according to Petcore Europe, with consistent growth in capacity and quality.
PET's chemical stability allows for multiple reuse cycles without performance loss, enabling CTS to be deconstructed and reborn as new turf - again and again.
EasyLock Panels: Turning Waste into Foundation
CTS features EasyLock Panels, a modular base layer that is 100% made from old artificial turf. In fact, the base of one new pitch incorporates the fibers from three decommissioned fields - offering an unmatched waste recovery rate.
These panels eliminate the need for traditional foundations such as asphalt or concrete, cutting emissions, speeding up installation, and reducing excavation. They can be reused across lifecycles and relocated easily, delivering on both environmental and economic efficiency.
Performance Without Compromise
CTS is built for elite-level play. It includes:
- Organic infills that provide stable footing and natural feel.
- Moisture-retaining fibers that passively cool the surface in hot conditions.
- Olivine mineral treatment, which captures up to 480 kg of CO₂ per square meter, turning each field into a climate-active surface.
Designed for a Circular Future
With over 400 million m² of synthetic turf installed globally, most with a 10–15 year lifespan, the urgency for circular solutions is growing. CTS is fully aligned with:
- The EU Circular Economy Action Plan
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- Emerging EU standards targeting 50% recycled content by 2030 and 100% by 2050
“Innovation means accountability," said RSI's CEO. “CTS isn't just built to comply with tomorrow's standards - it's designed to lead them."
About the FIFA Innovation Programme
The FIFA Innovation Programme is a platform that looks towards the future of football, and sees FIFA work with stakeholders to develop exciting innovations that benefit the global game.
For more information: FIFA Innovation Programme
About RSI SPORTS Group
Reliable, Sustainable, Innovative.
RSI SPORTS Group is a global leader in sports infrastructure, delivering high-quality, sustainable, and cutting-edge solutions for community pitches, stadium fields, and mobile applications. Committed to innovation and performance, we redefine sports surfaces with advanced technologies that enhance both playability and aesthetics.
Contact:
Arnoud Fiolet
info@rsisportsgroup.com
+31 6 83571015
