Padel is another fast-growing sport similar to tennis or squash. Like pickleball, padel is quickly attracting new players at all levels, with 30 million active players already participating in the sport across 140 countries.
As with Pickleball (previously examined) , the environmental impact of this new sport is often overlooked. Stringless rackets made from composite materials are used by players. The GEA range from the Spanish company Siux features flax fabrics on the front and back of the racket. The natural fiber reinforcement lowers the environmental impact of the racket, although we are not given any details to quantify this, and we are not told what other materials are in the racket.
‘The GEA racket is engineered for precision, offering a broader optimized spot, enhanced power, and a medium touch that supports balanced, controlled gameplay,’ according to the company.
With the rapid growth of these sports, it is important to consider their environmental impacts. Padel balls are similar to tennis balls and are made from a blend of natural and synthetic rubber (made from petroleum-based chemicals) and covered with felt, made from a blend of wool and nylon or polyesters. Balls wear out after few games. Beyond rackets and balls padel is usually played on courts covered with artificial turf, which needs to be replaced every 5 years or so. With millions of people flocking to padel and pickleball it is important to find more sustainable alternatives so that the benefits of a sporty life are not only enjoyed by participants but shared by our environment as well.
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