Mizuno Wins Gold in the “Use & Reduce” Category at the PLASTICS Smart (PlasMa) Award 2026

The “Re Green Grass UMI” series, on sale since February 2026, has won the Gold Award in the “Use & Reduce” category at the Plastics Smart (PlasMa) Award 2026, an award program of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.^*1

*1 Ministry of the Environment, “Plastics Smart (PlasMa) Award 2026” official website
https://plastics-smart.env.go.jp/award_26/

The “Re Green Grass UMI” series consists of artificial turf^*2 and infill material made with Kaneka’s biodegradable biopolymer, Green Planet® (hereinafter “Green Planet”). Green Planet is a biomass-based resin derived from renewable resources. Through the action of microorganisms, it biodegrades not only in soil but also in marine environments, ultimately breaking down into water and CO₂.

*2 This includes products for both indoor sports applications and landscaping uses made from the same material.

In addition, for the first time for Mizuno, the artificial turf in the “Re Green Grass UMI” series has obtained JBPA certifications under the Marine BiodegradablePla identification and labelling system (Marine BiodegradablePla) and the BiomassPla identification and labelling system (BiomassPla).^*3

*3 Certification for the infill material was obtained by Kaneka.

Both certifications are granted as partial certifications. Notably, the partial certification under the Marine BiodegradablePla identification and labelling system is the first case recognized by JBPA. The BiomassPla certification was awarded at the highest grade, indicating a biomass plastic content of 90% or more.

Artificial turf is widely used not only on sports fields but also at commercial facilities and in parks because it is easy to maintain and stays green year-round.
However, through wear and tear, turf fibers and infill materials can fragment into smaller pieces. These fragments may then unintentionally reach the ocean via gutters or on clothing, potentially affecting marine ecosystems as microplastics.

To help address these challenges, Mizuno collaborated with Kaneka to develop the “Re Green Grass UMI” series, designed with consideration for the marine environment.
In February 2026, “Re Green Grass 9,” a baseball-specific product in the “Re Green Grass UMI” series, was adopted for the first time in the warning track area at Vantelin Dome Nagoya, the home stadium of the Chunichi Dragons.
In addition to its marine biodegradability and biomass-derived characteristics, the product was recognized for meeting the standards required for competitive play, including safety, durability, and cushioning performance.

Mizuno has been engaged in environmental conservation activities for more than 30 years, dating back to the 1990s.
Going forward, the company will continue promoting the introduction of this series at sports and commercial facilities, while also advancing the development of biodegradable artificial turf suitable for outdoor environments.