Conwed, the leading plastic netting manufacturer in the world, has joined the European Turfgrass Producers Association (ETP) based in Pisa, Italy. ETP was formed in November 2014 to connect more than 700 turf growers throughout Europe, many of whom are quite isolated in terms of their geography and their interaction with other growers. Bringing all those turf growers together, in collaboration with national turf associations, is a formal attempt to create solid, long-term business relationships and partnerships across the supply chain in the turf industry. Conwed manufactures a diverse range of netting configurations used in the turf growing industry. Sodnet is a special netting configuration designed to help grass seedlings germinate and grow in a uniformly strong structure. The roots intertwine with the durable mesh and prevent separation from the soil when rolled. Turf producers can also utilise Sodwrap netting to wrap turf rolls. It ensures protection against weather conditions and helps reduce turf loss during harvest, transportation and installation. It is applied during harvest to reinforce, contain, and wrap large turf rolls, according to a press release. Stefan Tielen, general manager at Conwed Europe said, “Our netting lets grass seeding grow in a continuous, solid structure, allowing early root entanglement which enables turf producers to harvest a crop sooner than their standard process. We have been a partner of choice of the turf industry for decades and we did not hesitate to support the new ETP in its goal to create a place where experiences, challenges and solutions can be shared across European turf growers.” Conwed Europe also manufactures oxo-degradable netting versions for those farmers and consumers looking for a turf netting alternative with a controlled degradation technology. Tielen said, “OxyGrid is used in turf harvesting and OxyWrap is used in roll wrapping. Both products have an additive that promotes degradation triggered by light, heat and moisture conditions. The result of this degradation is the loss of mechanical properties, embrittlement, and decomposition of the netting into fragmented molecules.” ETP is the ideal business community platform for turfgrass producers, industry sponsors and suppliers. Turf growers can meet and interact with growers from other European countries, learn about the latest research and development efforts in turf culture, obtain and share solutions to turf growing challenges, develop new business partnerships and networking.
