In the current push to cut urban emissions, especially those from vehicles, Synthelast, based in Elche, has introduced a playground-ready pavement designed to curb pollution. The surface is a floor made from recycled tires with photocatalytic properties. Its performance has been validated and has drawn attention from many municipalities seeking cleaner, safer public spaces.
Founded in 1973, Synthelast nears half a century of experience in the footwear sector, a natural alignment given Elche’s role as a regional hub for the industry. The company’s general manager explains that its origin lay in developing materials for shoe soles, including polyurethane, a material that was relatively new to local manufacturers. Over time, additional materials such as PVC and rubber were incorporated to support broader production needs.
About ten years ago, Synthelast expanded into construction, applying the same material science principles to a new field. The move was motivated by sustainability goals, with a commitment to using recycled products from their own processes or customers, often repurposing discarded shoe soles and substituting petroleum-based components with non-petroleum alternatives that sometimes derive from aging oils with plasticizing properties.
The company then identified a chance to create rubber flooring for playgrounds and formed an agreement with Recycled Tires and Rubber (RNC), a partner from the Murcia region. This collaboration enabled Synthelast to push its technology further by adopting techniques already used in construction to achieve a soil decontamination effect in the rubber coating used for playground surfaces. The project received support from the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) and has involved more than three years of research. The lab work focused on applying a specially formulated photocatalytic substance called Idsum to the rubber coating. When exposed to sunlight, this substance helps break down pollutants, and it remains active, though to a lesser degree, under street lighting too.
Field tests confirmed the technology’s potential. Initial assessments occurred in the Euphore lab, followed by a real-world demonstration on a playground in Murcia, where the surface is installed. The results show a 16% reduction in nitrous oxide and a capacity to combat viruses and bacteria. These outcomes are especially meaningful in today’s cities, which are increasingly restricting traffic and adopting measures to reduce emissions from vehicles while safeguarding public health. The findings also suggest a favorable reception among families and communities where playground safety and environmental quality matter most.
The initiative earned both Synthelast and RNC the prestigious Silver Broom 2022 award from the Waste Management and Environmental Technical Association (Ategrus). With the surface already rolling out across several municipalities in the Canaries, other cities have shown interest, recognizing the material as a proactive step toward protecting children and supporting local policies aimed at reducing pollution and improving urban livability.
Looking ahead, the company sees momentum building. Francisco Rodriguez notes that the new product is contributing to a rising turnover and expects growth to continue. After reaching a turnover of 5.7 million last year, the company anticipates an increase of around thirty percent in the current year as demand expands beyond Spain into neighboring markets in North America and beyond. This growth reflects a broader trend where durable, environmentally friendly surface technologies gain traction in public spaces, schools, and recreational areas alike, aligning with municipal ambitions to create healthier, more resilient urban environments.