A Sustainable Step Forward: HC Eindhoven Installs Poligras Paris GT zero

Pioneering side-by-side turf setup shows elite hockey can thrive with less water

In 2024, HC Eindhoven made a forward-thinking investment in sustainability and performance by installing two Poligras Paris GT zero hockey pitches—one to be irrigated, as traditionally done, and the other to be used dry. This combination makes the club the first in the world to operate both usage models side by side, offering a real-world comparison of elite play with and without water.

Originally developed for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Poligras Paris GT zero is the first climate-neutral hockey turf in the world. Manufactured using 100% renewable energy and composed of bio-based I’m Green™ polyethylene derived from sugarcane, the turf delivers outstanding playability with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. It is also the only hockey turf currently approved by the FIH for both traditional water-based and non-irrigated use.

The club’s main pitch, equipped with an efficient ET shockpad, is irrigated—but water usage has dropped by over 70%. “We went from watering ten times per match day to just three,” says HC Eindhoven president Paul Manders. “That’s a saving of 25,000 litres each time.” For training, irrigation is rarely needed.

What’s more, the adjacent non-irrigated pitch performs to the same high standard. The turf retains moisture from rain or atmospheric humidity, and feedback from players indicates that the playing characteristics closely match those of a watered surface. Even in dry weather, ball speed, consistency and 3D skills remain unaffected—marking a clear upgrade from traditional sand-based systems.

Founded in 2000 through the merger of HC Racing and PSV Tegenbosch, HC Eindhoven is one of the region’s most active hockey clubs, offering competitive and recreational hockey for all ages, including youth, G-hockey, and trim hockey. The facilities are in frequent use by club members, regional teams, and visiting squads—making it an ideal setting for showcasing new-generation playing surfaces.

With Poligras Paris GT zero, the club has aligned itself with the future of hockey: top-level performance, drastically reduced water consumption, and a responsible approach to infrastructure. The Olympic technology may have made its debut in Paris, but its long-term impact is already being felt in Eindhoven.

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