Sustainability as the driving force behind sports innovation

ARTICLE

POLICY & LEGAL

Johan Koning, Sunday 19 January 2025

124 sec

We evaluate every link in our process

SKOR aims to make sports not only more accessible, but also more sustainable. As a manufacturer and supplier of sports products, the company's focus is not just on creating high-quality sports solutions, but also on doing so in the most environmentally friendly and sustainable way. Jeffrey Jonkman of SKOR explains: "We evaluate every link in our process—from the materials we use to the lifespan and maintenance of our products—to minimize our environmental impact."

That's why, in addition to the products they develop, the company also has a strong internal focus on sustainability.

Sustainable building and production process

"Our facility is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, and with 650 solar panels installed, we're energy self-sufficient," Jonkman explains. "In addition, we've implemented several climate-saving measures to reduce our CO₂ footprint. Most of our vehicle fleet is electric. Although the range of some service vehicles is still a challenge, we are working toward full electrification."

Materials: recycled and sustainable

SKOR aims to use as many recycled materials as possible in its production processes. "We're always looking for ways to repurpose materials to reduce our environmental impact," says Jonkman. "Sometimes, however, it's necessary to add a small percentage of new materials to ensure the quality and durability of the product."
This combination of recycled and new materials ensures the products last longer and are safer and more reliable. "In this way, we offer sustainable solutions without compromising on performance or product lifespan."

Recycled aluminum for sports goals

A good example of this approach is the aluminum used in sports goals. Jonkman: "The aluminum we use consists of 80% recycled material, supplemented with 20% new aluminum to ensure the necessary strength and quality. Safety and reliability are our top priorities. A football goal has to withstand impact and must not become brittle, so this blend is essential. At the same time, it remains a sustainable product because the recycled aluminum can be reused again and again."

The sustainable dugout

SKOR is also making strides in plastic sustainability. "One of our flagship products is the dugout, which is made entirely from recycled materials," says Jonkman. "The aluminum frame is built as described earlier, and the polycarbonate panels are made from recycled plastic. Even the benches are made from recycled artificial turf. This may be the most sustainable product in our entire range."

The challenge: awareness and acceptance

Although SKOR is making great progress in sustainability, there's still a challenge in the acceptance of sustainable products. "Municipalities are increasingly considering the total lifecycle and sustainability of products, but that's often more difficult for sports clubs," Jonkman explains. "Clubs want to make sustainable choices, but often lack the financial resources to cover the higher initial costs. Without additional support—such as subsidies or financial arrangements—it remains difficult for many clubs to opt for sustainable solutions."
Jonkman emphasizes the need for more awareness of the long-term benefits of sustainability—not just for the environment, but also in terms of cost savings over time.

Rebound line: refurbishing sports equipment

"At SKOR, the circular economy is high on the agenda, and our Rebound line is a perfect example of this. Through this line, we collect old sports equipment—such as football goals with cracked welds—and give them a second life. We repair the items, for example by removing damaged parts and turning them into youth goals.
Even though you can see from the profiles that the product has been used before, it is fully restored to like-new technical condition, complete with warranty. We've already implemented this approach successfully for the municipality of Amsterdam. With the Rebound line, we're operating at the top level of the R-ladder—the sustainability ladder—by promoting reuse and significantly extending the lifecycle of our products."

This article was originally published on January 19, 2025, on the website of Fieldmanager.

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