BASF, a global leader in chemical innovation, and Hagihara Industries, Inc., a leading Japanese synthetic fiber producer, have partnered to develop next-generation polyolefin yarns for artificial turf used in sports facilities.

Through three years of joint research, the companies have engineered an advanced formulation incorporating BASF's Tinuvin® light stabilizers, dramatically improving the turf's resistance to UV radiation and weather damage while maintaining vibrant color over time. 

 Yusuke Utaka (left) of Hagihara Industries Inc. and Dai Watanabe (right) of BASF Japan Ltd., avid football fans, kick back on the synthetic turf field enhanced with BASF’s Tinuvin®.

BASF's Tinuvin® technology works by converting harmful UV radiation into harmless thermal energy, effectively protecting the polymer structure from degradation that typically causes weakening and color fading. This innovation allows synthetic turf to maintain its mechanical properties and visual appeal significantly longer than conventional alternatives. 

The breakthrough artificial grass, already installed at Fagiano Okayama's J-League practice field in Okayama Prefecture, demonstrates exceptional durability with an expected lifespan of up to 10 years.

"One of the challenges we faced in producing yarns for artificial grass was improving its ability to endure relentless exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions," explained Norio Funakoshi, Chief of Fundamental Research Section at Hagihara Industries. "BASF stepped in to address this issue by recommending the ideal blend of additives.” 

This partnership underscores BASF's commitment to advancing material science through collaborative innovation, enabling customers across industries to meet evolving performance and sustainability requirements. The companies continue to explore new applications for their weather-resistant artificial turf technology in sports and beyond.

BASF, a global leader in chemical innovation, and Hagihara Industries, Inc., a leading Japanese synthetic fiber producer, have partnered to develop next-generation polyolefin yarns for artificial turf used in sports facilities.

Through three years of joint research, the companies have engineered an advanced formulation incorporating BASF's Tinuvin® light stabilizers, dramatically improving the turf's resistance to UV radiation and weather damage while maintaining vibrant color over time. 

 Yusuke Utaka (left) of Hagihara Industries Inc. and Dai Watanabe (right) of BASF Japan Ltd., avid football fans, kick back on the synthetic turf field enhanced with BASF’s Tinuvin®.

BASF's Tinuvin® technology works by converting harmful UV radiation into harmless thermal energy, effectively protecting the polymer structure from degradation that typically causes weakening and color fading. This innovation allows synthetic turf to maintain its mechanical properties and visual appeal significantly longer than conventional alternatives. 

The breakthrough artificial grass, already installed at Fagiano Okayama's J-League practice field in Okayama Prefecture, demonstrates exceptional durability with an expected lifespan of up to 10 years.

"One of the challenges we faced in producing yarns for artificial grass was improving its ability to endure relentless exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions," explained Norio Funakoshi, Chief of Fundamental Research Section at Hagihara Industries. "BASF stepped in to address this issue by recommending the ideal blend of additives.” 

This partnership underscores BASF's commitment to advancing material science through collaborative innovation, enabling customers across industries to meet evolving performance and sustainability requirements. The companies continue to explore new applications for their weather-resistant artificial turf technology in sports and beyond.