Every year, over 325 million tennis balls are discarded worldwide. The most common way is disposal in general waste, where they will end up in landfills or incinerators. Our project aims to change that by unlocking new, scalable ways to recycle tennis balls into valuable raw materials, ideally suitable for producing new tennis balls.

Since launching on January 1st, 2024, we’ve connected with a growing group of collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers. Together, we’re exploring innovative recycling techniques such as sorting, separation, micronizing, devulcanization, and depolymerization. By running practical tests and openly sharing our findings, we aim to accelerate knowledge and innovation across the industry.

Our approach is hands-on and collaborative. We believe that by connecting stakeholders and supporting material development, we can overcome the current limitations in recycling tennis balls and identify real-world applications for the recovered materials. The core deliverable of this initiative is a comprehensive report outlining effective recycling methods and practical applications for the recycled components (ideally into new tennis balls).

This project is open-ended, and we're committed to continuous learning and improvement. We invite partners, researchers, and innovators to join us in shaping a truly circular future for tennis!

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