Flicx and The Environmental Impacts of Cricket

As ambitions turn towards a greener game, tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability within the game of cricket. Flicx is looking at how our pitches can be more environmentally friendly, while mitigating our environmental impact.

Cricket is a sport largely played outside with no cover from the elements. The effects of climate change will eventually have a detrimental impact on the sport we love. The increase of temperatures, scarcity of water and the unpredictable weather phenomena will have an influence not only on the playing conditions, pitches, and outfields but the players, coaching staff, and umpires too.

Flicx Pitches and the Circular Economy

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves the principles of  leasing, reusing, repairing, long life and recycling existing materials and extending the life cycle of the products as long as possible.

In practice it moves away from the liner model of consumption “purchase – use – dispose”, to a more sustainable circular model reducing waste to a minimum and keeping products and materials in use. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible. These can be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value and minimising waste.

Waste: In the design and manufacture of the 2G Flicx Pitches we aim to mitigate our waste as much as possible reducing our environmental impact and maximising the usage of materials. During the production phase there is minimal waste produced, connecting lugs that are removed from the pitch are collected to be recycled.  

Recyclability: 2G Flicx Pitches are made of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) interlocking tiles where 60% is made up of recyclate and 40% is virgin material. LDPE is a widely recycled material in the UK. After the life of a 2G Flicx Pitch, it can be recycled. Materials can be recovered to be used again keeping materials in use and diminishing the wastage of resourceful materials.

Design and Long Life: The principle of repairing and long life is important part of the circular economy model. Designing long lasting and durable products that are easily repaired, removing the need to throw away and create new products.Flicx Pitches are made up of modular interlocking tiles and in the case a tile may wear during its life, all tiles are easily replaceable. Our Pitches have been designed to be durable and long-lasting portable cricket wickets. All our pitches have a 5-year warranty and a 10-year expected lifespan. Some of our pitches from the late 1990’s still going strong with good maintenance and by following our manufacturers guidance.

Maintenance: The maintenance of grass turf cricket wickets requires large amounts of time/effort, energy, and costs to prepare a true and safe surface for games to be played on. There are large amounts of water required to maintain the outfield and prepare the wicket for a good standard for cricket alongside fuel and electricity to use machinery such as rollers and mowers to maintain facilities. Flicx Pitches require minimal maintenance and upkeep to provide a true cricket wicket. The Flicx Pitch can be laid on any firm and even surface to convert any space into a cricket field. Unlike that of a grass wicket it does not require the continual maintenance, cost, time, and effort to keep the wicket true and safe for games to be played on. Ultimately minimising the cost for clubs, schools, and foundations, alongside the reducing the environmental impact within cricket.

It is important to play our role in minimising our impact and creating a greener and more sustainable game of cricket.

If you require any further information or would like a quote, do get in touch with our helpful team at https://flicx.com/get-a-quote/ or email sales@flicx.co.uk or call us on 01295 816765

Useful Links
https://www.sportengland.org/news/small-grants-programme-returns-awards-15000