Witchford company hopes to ease artificial pitch health fears with new product
Witchford-based Murfitt Industries is hoping to eliminate the health concerns surrounding artificial pitches with its new product, PRO-gran. - Credit: Archant
A Witchford businessman has launched a game-changing product in the world of artificial pitches.
PRO-gran has already been installed at Cirencester Town's Corinium Stadium. - Credit: Archant
Mark Murfitt, who runs Murfitt Industries, has launched PRO-gran – a new turf infill that eliminates the risk to the health of players and the environment from black rubber crumb artificial turf. The rubber pellets found in other 3G pitches are alleged to contain cancer-causing carcinogens, and many pitches have been ripped up and replaced amid fears they could be damaging to young players’ health.
PRO-gran is a polymeric infill and has been found to exceed the EU’s toxicology standards and Mark hopes that his product can help ease the fears surrounding fake pitches.
He said: “Although the consensus of the studies about black rubber crumb is that it causes no significant risk to health or the environment, we wanted people to enjoy participating in sport without worrying about the playing surface.
“A year of research and development later we offer a product that not only eliminates any concern about player or public health, but also creates a more enjoyable playing experience. The infill combines the exceptional dynamic properties of rubber which is then coated in polyurethane to make it 100 per cent safe.
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“Since PRO-gran has been installed on its first two pitches, the feedback we’ve had from the clubs and installers has been incredibly positive and means that we are able to spread good news about the future of artificial pitches and how they help millions of people in the UK and around the world lead healthier lifestyles.”
One of those sides is semi-professional side Cirencester Town, which is based in the Cotswolds.
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Scott Griffin, club secretary, said: “The players love that they can control the ball as there’s a consistency, no dust and hardly any splashing. It’s great as we are very keen to make sure the pitch is safe and healthy to play on now and for the future. Because of PRO-gran everyone involved with the club has peace of mind.
“Another big impact of the new pitch infill is the community benefit. It’s open to everyone, and because of how safe and consistent PRO-gran is, other local teams are making use of this fantastic facility for playing and training. We have also been able to double our junior teams and attract more talent since it was laid.”
