New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution: GKB are pleased to launch the next generation of their Deep-Clean machine, introduced in direct response to growing concern around microplastic pollution from artificial turf fields.

Featuring different sieve options to suit various infill types and a self-cleaning filter system, the Deep-Clean – developed in collaboration with SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau – sieves, separates and collects microplastics with precision.

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

Recent research from the University of Barcelona has raised alarm after finding that up to 15% of the microplastics found in open water originate from artificial turf pitches. These particles, released via fibre wear and tear or from infill materials such as rubber and TBE, accumulate within the surface and eventually contaminate the environment via footfall, rainfall or maintenance activities.

The new GKB Deep-Clean directly addresses this issue, penetrating the surface to extract contamination such as broken fibres as well as smaller particulates nestled within the infill layer.

Redeveloping one of the most popular machines within GKB’s synthetic portfolio, the new Deep-Clean will be available with a 1.2m, 1.5m or 1.8m working widths – all offering effective dust extraction to collect dirt and microplastic contamination, and return clean infill granules back into the surface. Importantly, the unique cleaning system means that dirt automatically falls into the collection container, eliminating the need to replace filters which significantly reduces ongoing maintenance costs.

Its operation couldn’t be simpler. Brushes lift the fibre and infill, before passing the collected material through a vibrating sieve to separate the infill from both large and finer contaminants. The result is a cleaner, safer and more presentable pitch in just one pass.

The introduction of the Deep-Clean is the first major development in the strategic partnership between GKB Machines and SMG, formally announced in March 2025. The agreement sees GKB providing essential maintenance products to the German company and, likewise, market machines developed by SMG under the GKB brand for the combined benefit of customers around the world. Together, the focus is on providing practical, high-performance and sustainable solutions for the construction and maintenance of synthetic sports fields.

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Turf Matters now on WhatsApp!

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Turf Matters now on WhatsApp!: Turf Matters is now on WhatsApp, giving you the opportunity to get all the latest industry news and updates sent directly to your phone.

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Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology

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Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology: One of Australia’s leading golf courses, Links Kennedy Bay, has fully re-opened following an 18 hole re-design that includes the addition of over 100 pot bunkers featuring synthetic revetted faces from U.K. bunker specialists EcoBunker.

The ambitious project was led by former Tour professional and acclaimed course architect Graham Marsh, working alongside Western Australian industry leader Trevor Strachan. With the original back nine sold for development, the redesign required a brand-new back nine as well as the rerouting of holes 5 to 9. The changes gave Marsh a rare blank canvas to elevate playing conditions while safeguarding the long-term integrity of the course.

Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology

Links Kennedy Bay Re-opens with EcoBunker Technology

“The use of EcoBunker was validated through a feasibility study by Trevor Strachan, which confirmed its long-term advantages over natural revetting,” said Adam Strachan of Sports Turf Construction, project manager for the redevelopment. “I was initially concerned about using synthetic faces in such a beautiful, natural landscape, but the results are superb. The bunkers are indistinguishable from natural revetts and come with a minimum 25-year lifespan.”

Chief among the challenges for the re-design were the extreme weather conditions in the area. Along with the very hot, dry summers, Perth is renowned as one of the windiest cities in the world. In addition, the region receives up to 600mm of rain annually, most of which comes in the winter months, making bunkers vulnerable to sand blow, wash out and erosion.

“The course previously had natural revetted bunkers, but with exposure to the elements many wasted away into sandy faces and became very irregular. The new design ensures consistency across the course, maintains the intended challenge that golfers face from the bunkers, delivers a sharp, natural aesthetic and will do all these things for many years without significant maintenance,” continued Strachan.

Bunker walls on the course now range from 60cm to a dramatic 1.8 metres. Installed by Sports Turf Construction with support from EcoBunker Australian distributor Turfcare Australia, the system adapted to every design challenge across the four phase project.

“The course takes inspiration from the world’s great links courses,” Strachan concluded. “We’re particularly proud of our interpretation of the famous ‘Hell Bunker’ from the 14th at St Andrews. EcoBunker gave us the stability to create an intimidating, visually striking feature that will stand the test of time. After building 100+ EcoBunkers at Kennedy Bay, I’ll be looking to use this technology wherever possible in future projects.”

For more information on how EcoBunker can help meet the challenges faced at your course, visit www.ecobunker.co.uk

For all enquiries relating to Australian-New Zealand and South Pacific, please contact Turfcare Australasia at www.turfcareaus.com.au or Sales@turfcareaus.com.au

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

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Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador: STIGA is delighted to announce England Rugby player Tom Curry as the brand’s newest ambassador. The partnership brings together one of rugby’s most respected and powerful players with one of Europe’s leading garden machinery brands — united by shared values of teamwork, reliability, performance, and community.

Through this exciting collaboration, Tom will be working with STIGA to explore his growing passion for gardening and test a range of innovative products designed to help him create his own “pitch-perfect lawn” at home.

Tom Curry said:

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for STIGA. The timing of this partnership is perfect as I’m currently in the process of moving house and looking forward to spending lots of time in my garden. I can’t wait to test out STIGA’s great range of products and see what they can do. For when I’m in camp or during busy training periods, the STIGA autonomous robot mower sounds ideal!”

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

Tom Curry Joins STIGA as Brand Ambassador

“I’ve always been passionate about recognising the importance of grassroots rugby — you need strong foundations to grow, achieve, and follow your dreams. That’s why this partnership with STIGA feels so natural. Just like rugby, great gardens start from the ground up.”

Renowned for his uncompromising tackling and relentless work rate, Tom is a player whose performances embody precision, power, and consistency — qualities that STIGA prides itself on delivering in every product.

As part of STIGA’s wider partnership with England Rugby, this collaboration with Tom reflects a shared commitment to supporting the game at every level — from grassroots clubs to the international stage. STIGA’s belief in nurturing potential and creating lasting impact mirrors the way rugby builds communities and inspires the next generation.

James Gordon, Managing Director at STIGA, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom to the STIGA family. His work ethic, reliability, and commitment to performance — both on and off the pitch — perfectly align with our values. Together, we’re championing growth, from grassroots clubs to home gardens, helping people nurture their own green spaces with pride.”

Shared Values, Shared Impact

At their core, rugby and STIGA are built on the same foundations — teamwork, reliability, performance, and community. It’s this shared spirit that helps both players and gardeners grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact

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