A small ball for table tennis, but a big effort for the planet. For the first time, balls made from recycled plastic were used in an international competition, the Europe Smash, in Malmö, Sweden. The model in question, the DHS RS40+, is made from more than 65% raw materials from household appliances—refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines. This initiative embodies the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) ambition for environmental sustainability, without compromising the quality of the game.
Validated by athletes
The ITTF gave its technical approval in March, and table tennis players were able to test this ball ahead of the tournament. This was necessary to ensure the quality of the equipment used and the players' comfort level, the first criteria to consider in a competition of this level. The feedback was positive. The RS40+ offers a more reliable feel and a little less spin, which actually makes it easier to control in high-pressure situations. ", says German Patrick Franziska.
For the Egyptian Omar Assar, " It offers the consistency you expect at this level. Every player has their own preferences when it comes to balls, but the way this one was made suits me perfectly. And the fact that it's made from recycled materials makes it even more impressive.. » Sun Yingsha, world number 1 among women, also validated this model, without noticing " of major difference » compared to traditional balls. Exactly what was needed to ensure the tournament could take place without disrupting the athletes' benchmarks and for the spectacle offered to live up to expectations.
Sustainability as a priority
When Petra Sörling presented the world's first recycled competition ball at a Grand Smash, she felt she was seeing " a dream " come true. " It is the result of hard work, said the ITTF president. From the very beginning of my first term, we have made sustainability a priority. (…) After a long process of research, testing, and trials with player input, we have finally reached this important milestone: competing with a recycled ball that meets the expectations and standards of high-level table tennis. I am both delighted and proud that, thanks to the shared commitment of all parties involved, we have achieved this goal in such a short time. »
Steve Dainton, ITTF Group Chief Executive, also welcomed the progress: “ What DHS has created here proves that innovation doesn't have to compromise performance. The RS40+ has been tested by the best, approved by the best players, and stands up to the pressure of the Grand Smash. » The FI thus prides itself on establishing " a benchmark in sustainable innovation in sport ", which is in line with the promises of its president. In the spring, the Swede also emphasized that upon her election, she had taken the decision to create a position of sustainability manager, a sign of her commitment. There will be some surprises this year with good initiatives in terms of recycled equipment, new green products coming out soon, she confided to us. I'm very proud because it's concrete. There are also areas where we have a lot of work to do, but we're moving forward. »
