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Triton Group and TenCate: Pioneering a Sustainable Future for Railroad Infrastructure

In an innovative approach to recycling, Triton Group and TenCate have teamed up to convert retired synthetic turf fields into durable composite railroad ties. This partnership, joined by iSustain, aims to address the growing problem of plastic waste and the need for sustainable materials in infrastructure.

The Details of the Partnership

On October 20, 2026, the two companies announced their collaborative effort, revealing plans to process up to 21 million pounds of repurposed turf plastic over the next five years. This initiative allows Triton to achieve a monthly processing capacity of around 350,000 pounds of retired turf material, potentially recovering enough resources from 600-800 turf fields to create over 300,000 composite railroad ties.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Greg Janson, President and CEO of Triton Group, emphasized the industry's issue of demand rather than supply. "The Triton Tie creates demand for challenging materials like synthetic turf. TenCate has material that needs a solution, and we have a product and process that provides it," he stated. The Triton Tie, which is reinforced with glass fiber, serves as an efficient substitute for traditional wood ties; it meets or exceeds the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) standards and has already gained approval from major U.S. railroads.

Joe Fields, CEO of TenCate Americas, added, "Innovation means thinking about the entire life of a field. We are constantly searching for ways to enhance turf products, from their design to the reuse of materials post-replacement. Our partnership with Triton represents a pioneering pathway to transforming turf plastic waste into functional infrastructure."

Environmental Impact

The switch to composite railroad ties is not only about recycling; it also has significant environmental implications. Many railroad ties are treated with creosote, a chemical used to extend wood's lifespan but detrimental to both ecological health and trees. By replacing 300,000 wood ties with composites, the partnership could prevent nearly a million gallons of creosote from being used while preserving around 75,000 mature hardwood trees.

Under the agreement, TenCate is responsible for retrieving materials from old fields, separating the infill (sand and rubber), and then shipping the cleaned turf to Triton. Utilizing a proprietary process, Triton ensures that only clean polyethylene resin is used in producing the Triton Tie, keeping the rubber entirely out of the final product.

A Step Towards Circular Economy

Mark Huber, Vice President of iSustain, who played a crucial role in this collaboration, remarked, "Recycling is effective when there is a dependable end market for recovered materials. By linking TenCate's recovered turf with Triton's composite railroad ties, we have developed a practical and scalable solution that turns a challenging material into a vital infrastructure component."

As TenCate expands its recycling capabilities in the United States, it carries on test runs of recycled material integrated into new turf. The company also collaborates with mechanical recycling operations in Europe and is keen on advancing similar capabilities domestically.

Joe Fields emphasizes a forward-thinking vision, stating, "Each generation of turf must improve upon the last, including how we handle it post-use. This means perpetually finding new applications for recovered materials, such as rubber and plastic, and ensuring they stay in circulation."

Janson concludes, "When the end market operates effectively, recycling systems function optimally. This partnership is a testament to that principle."

About the Companies

TenCate:

TenCate stands as a leading manufacturer of synthetic turf systems globally, serving a vast network across sports and landscaping sectors. They are dedicated to expanding their operations while supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

Triton Group:

Triton Group specializes in converting challenging streams of post-consumer plastics into useful recycled materials for diverse applications. Their commitment to sustainability and building a circular economy underpins their operational foundation.

iSustain:

Founded in 2014, iSustain focuses on devising and managing recycling solutions, aiding companies in realizing their sustainability goals by efficiently diverting waste from landfills. Their proficiency aligns closely with the ideals of circularity, promoting longevity in material usage.

This groundbreaking partnership represents a significant step forward in both recycling efforts and sustainable infrastructure development, positioning Triton Group and TenCate as trailblazers in environmental innovation.