Biodegradable sporting item and packaging thereof

Abstract

A process for preparing a composite biodegradable material for an item used in sports, the process comprising: powderising a first non-biodegradable polymer and powderising a biodegradable polymer; melting the first powderised non-biodegradable polymer and the powdered biodegradable polymer to form a liquefied first composite polymer; adding an emulsifier to the liquefied composite polymer; wherein the first composite polymer is extruded under a predetermined pressure; cooling the extruded first composite polymer, and wherein the cooled first composite polymer is molded to form surface pieces for assembly to a predetermined three-dimensional shape; and wherein aerobic biodegradation of first composite polymer is faster with respect to the first non-biodegradable polymer, and wherein the aerobic biodegradation is slower than anaerobic biodegradation of the first composite polymer.

Description

BIODEGRADABLE SPORTING ITEM AND PACKAGING THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of biodegradable plastic (BDP) in the manufacturing of rubber related sporting equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed balls made of rubber but is not limited to tennis balls and packaging, including BDP to minimize environmental impact.BACKGROUND

[0002] Approximately 87 Million people in the world play tennis with it being one of the most popular individual, non-team sports in the world. Tennis balls are used in various settings and tournaments alone can consume a significant number of balls. The New York Times estimates that 350 million tennis balls are manufactured around the world and only 0.5% are recycled into other products. The discarded tennis balls end up in landfill and take over 100 years to decompose. Further, it is estimated that 125 million canisters are discarded each year adding to landfills and other environmental challenges. Currently there is no 100% biodegradable product on the market to accelerate decomposition, reduce landfill and the negative impact on the environment. Current brands in the market only offer recyclable packaging.

[0003] While recycling programs for these non-biodegradable products exist, in 2019, WILSON™ unveiled their TRINITI™ line of tennis balls designed with sustainability and durability in mind to empower players. The TRINITI™ line of tennis balls are designed with a new elastomer core that keeps tennis balls fresh four times as long compared to standard tennis balls without the need for any type of pressurization meaning that there’s no need for any type of plastic tubing either though many serious tennis players dislike at the idea of non-pressurized balls. Rather, the TRINITI™ tubing is made of a biodegradable paper-based container and there is no sealed pressure and only the two stickers keeping it closed. Pressure is not necessary for this TRINITI™ line as WILSONTM has developed a Proprietary system which keeps more pressure inside the core without letting it escape. This core eliminates the need for pressurized plasticpackaging. Accordingly, TRINITI™ conies in a recyclable and biodegradable cardboard sleeve While keeping tennis balls fresh four times as long as normal balls, when these balls are no longer fresh, it is still a non-biodegradable tennis ball in landfill.

[0004] Another type is RENEW AB ALL™ tennis balls. RENEW AB ALL™ tennis balls are fully recyclable tennis ball made from recycled tennis balls having developed a technique to separate a regular used tennis ball’s felt from its core. They collect discard balls throughout the country recycle the used plastic base felt elsewhere and re-employ the black rubber into a brand new renewable now instead using 100% organic wool and cotton as its outer felt without any microplastics. These balls also come in recyclable packaging with a fully recyclable tube, it does not increase more non-biodegradable matter in landfill, however, it is still using a non-biodegradable part and does not break down in landfill once these RENEWABALL™ tennis balls parts through prolonged recycling may no longer be reused due to not recycled material fatigue which ultimately affects a sellable quality that make take into account the proper bounce and integrity of the ball that meets the quality threshold that professional tennis players can use.

[0005] Finally, though designed to be as non-recyclable as possible organizations have developed processes in recent years to separate tennis ball layers and reuse their components and repurpose the discarded ball’s insides into materials needed for tennis court construction, recycled clothing, even equestrian arena footing, proving that afterlife possibilities do in fact exist for the once impenetrable product if initiative is taken. With all this said, it’s obvious that current mitigation and alternative efforts to seriously control tennis ball waste and pollution remains a far-off prospect in its current implementation. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED

[0007] It may be an advantage to provide a ball made of rubber with biodegradable plastic (BDP) blended into the rubber and fabric to make the entire ball and packaging susceptible of being consumed by bacteria and microbes found in the environment.

[0008] It may be an advantage to provide a tennis ball with biodegradable plastic (BDP) blended into the rubber and fabric to make the entire ball and packaging susceptible of being consumed by bacteria and microbes found in the environment.

[0009] It may be a further advantage to provide a tennis ball with the biodegradable plastic that does not compromise the physical properties of the product such as the tennis ball for playing tennis, or the hermetic canister and cap which can contain the tennis ball.

[0010] It may be an advantage to include biodegradable plastic in the production process for both the rubber compound and the natural / synthetic felt of a tennis ball.

[0011] It may be an advantage to provide an emulsifier to ensure the liquefied portions are blended together with additives that may not normally be miscible to form a homogenous mixture

[0012] It may be a further advantage to include biodegradable plastic in the production process of a hermetic canister and the cap so that the hermetic canister and the cap are biodegradable in landfill.

[0013] It may be an advantage to provide a biodegradable plastic which is a polymer that can be added in the production process for both the rubber compound and natural / synthetic felt of a tennis ball, a canister, and the cap thereof.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0015] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0016] A first aspect of the present invention may relate to process for preparing a composite biodegradable material for an item used in sports, the process comprising: powderising a first non-biodegradable polymer and powderising a biodegradable polymer; melting the first powderised non-biodegradable polymer and the powdered biodegradable polymer to form a liquefied first composite polymer; adding an emulsifier to the liquefied composite polymer; wherein the first composite polymer is extruded under a predetermined pressure; cooling the extruded first composite polymer, and wherein the cooled first composite polymer is molded to form surface pieces for assembly to a predetermined three-dimensional shape; and wherein aerobic biodegradation of first composite polymer is faster with respect to the first non- biodegradable polymer, and wherein the aerobic biodegradation is slower than anaerobic biodegradation of the first composite polymer. In this description, the term “powderising” means to make a powder by breaking up or cause a material to become dust, “powderising” may also mean to pulverize.

[0017] Preferably, the assembled surface pieces form an open container body having a first opening at a first end, wherein the opening is sealingly coverable by a lid made of a further surface piece from the first composite polymer.

[0018] Preferably, the lid having a rim engaging portion adapted to receive a rim defining the first opening of the container body. More preferably, the lid further comprises a protruding portion adapted to be received in the first opening of the container body, when the rim engaging portion is engaged with the rim of the container body.

[0019] Preferably, the assembled surface pieces form a tubular body having a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end, wherein the first opening is sealingly coverable by a first lid, and the second opening is sealing coverable by a second lid, wherein the first lid and the second lid is each made of a surface piece from the first composite polymer.

[0020] Preferably, the first lid has a first rim engaging portion adapted to receive a first rim defining the first opening of the container body, and the second lid having a secondrim engaging portion adapted to receive a second rim defining the second opening of the container body. More preferably, the first lid further comprises a first protruding portion adapted to be received in the first opening of the container body, when the first rim engaging portion is engaged with the first rim of the container body, and the second lid further comprising a second protruding portion adapted to be received in the second opening of the container body, when the second rim engaging portion is engaged with the second rim of the container body.

[0021] Preferably, the first non-biodegradable polymer is an elastomer, and wherein the first composite polymer is molded into a first surface piece having a first edge and a second surface piece having a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first surface piece is bonded to the second edge of the second surface piece forming a core.

[0022] Preferably, the core is pressurised from encapsulating compressed air within the bonded first surface piece and the second surface piece. More preferably, the first surface piece is a first shell-half, and wherein the second surface piece is a second shellhalf. Alternatively, the first surface piece is a first prolate shell-half, and wherein the second surface piece is a second prolate shell-half.

[0023] Preferably, the elastomer is one chosen from the group of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and wherein the biodegradable polymer is at least one chosen from the group of: polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and starch-based bioplastics, and BDP.

[0024] Preferably, the process further comprises using at least one filler chosen from the group of: clay, calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate; a vulcanisation agent and a vulcanisation activator, and a curing compound. More preferably, the formulation measured in parts by weight, comprises the following: 72 parts natural rubber, 28 parts butadiene rubber, 40 parts clay, 8 parts magnesium carbonate, 20 parts calcium carbonate, 2.5 parts zinc oxide, 3.5 parts sulphur, 10 parts BDP.

[0025] Preferably, the process of manufacturing the item made of biodegradable material further comprising the steps of: melting and extruding a second polymer and the powdered biodegradable polymer to form a second composite polymer, and applying a biodegradable adhesive to affix the second composite polymer to cover the external surface of the core.

[0026] Preferably, the second composite polymer is one selected from the group of: melton cloth, needle cloth, synthetic fiber cloth, and a blend of wool and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0027] Preferably, the wherein the second composite polymer degrades slower than the first composite polymer.

[0028] Preferably, the core is of a predetermined size receivable in the container body.

[0029] Preferably, the second composite polymer affixed to the external surface of the core is of a predetermined size receivable in the container body.

[0030] Preferably, the item for sports may be at least one selected from the group of: tennis ball, tennis ball cannister, tennis ball cannister lid, squash ball, Australian Football League (AFL) ball, Rugby ball, National Football League (NFL) ball, soccer ball, basketball, rubber shoe or shoe with a rubber component, padel ball, golf ball, pickleball ball, and basketball.

[0031] A second aspect of the present invention may relate to a ball for practicing sports, the ball may comprise a substantially spherical core formed with rubber; and an outer felt formed of a fibrous material, wherein at least one of the substantially spherical core and the outer felt include a selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer.

[0032] Preferably, the fibrous material includes a synthetic fiber.

[0033] Preferably, the fibrous material includes a wool.

[0034] Preferably, the biodegradable polymer is a nutrient for one or more microbes found in an environment.

[0035] Preferably, the selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer is selected based on a physical property of the ball.

[0036] Preferably, the biodegradable polymer is edible by microorganisms found in an environment.

[0037] Preferably, the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer is selected based on a threshold that causes a microorganism to consumer the ball after a predetermined period of time.

[0038] A third aspect of the present invention may relate to a container for sporting goods, the container comprising: a hermetic canister formed of a first plastic material; and a lid to cover the hermetic canister, formed of a second plastic material, wherein at least one of the first plastic material and the second plastic material contain a selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer.

[0039] Preferably, the biodegradable polymer is a nutrient for one or more microbes found in an environment.

[0040] Preferably, the selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer is selected based on a physical property of the hermetic canister.

[0041] Preferably, the biodegradable polymer is edible by microorganisms found in a disposal environment.

[0042] Preferably, the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer is selected based on a threshold that causes a microorganism to consumer the hermetic canister and the lid after a predetermined period of time.

[0043] Preferably, the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the first plastic material is selected based on a desired internal pressure in the hermetic canister when closed.

[0044] Preferably, the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer is different for the first plastic material and for the second plastic material.

[0045] A fourth aspect of the present invention may relate to a method of manufacturing a tennis ball, the method comprising the steps of: including a first selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer in a rubber precursor; forming the rubber precursor into a spherical core; emulsifying the rubber precursor into a rubberized sphere; including a second selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in a fibrous material; and forming a surface cap on the spherical core with the fibrous material.

[0046] Preferably, the method includes a second selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the fibrous material comprises mixing the biodegradable polymer with a synthetic fiber.

[0047] Preferably, the method includes a second selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the fibrous material comprises mixing the biodegradable polymer with a wool fiber.

[0048] Preferably, the method includes a first selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the fibrous material comprises determining a threshold amount of the biodegradable polymer that preserves a desired physical property of the tennis ball.

[0049] Preferably, the method further comprising mixing the biodegradable polymer with a resin to form the rubber precursor.

[0050] Preferably, the method further comprising selecting the biodegradable polymer from a nutrient of one or more bacteria in a disposal environment.

[0051] In the context of the present invention, the words “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive, sense, that is in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0052] The invention is to be interpreted with reference to the at least one of the technical problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present aims to solve or ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0053] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic showing the process of producing a composite material that is biodegradable.

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates a partial cutaway cross-sectional view of a tennis ball showing the layers and parts.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates a pressurized container for tennis balls including a canister body and a lid made of plastic having the BDP additive.

[0056] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a microscopic image of an unexposed sample rubber to anaerobic biodegradation process.

[0057] Figures 4C and 4D illustrate a microscopic image of the exposed sample rubber of Figures 4A and 4B to anaerobic biodegradation process after 45 days.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates a graph showing the percentage biodegradation of the positive control (cellulose being the reference material) determined based on conversion of carbon from cellulose to carbon in the gaseous phase (e.g. CH4 and CO2).

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates a graph showing the percentage biodegradation of the test sample (rubber) determined based on conversion of carbon from the test material to carbon in the gaseous phase (e.g. CH4 and CO2).

[0060] Figure 7 illustrates a graph showing the percentage biodegradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET, more specially the use of 34-PET, a 34 linear oligomer was used.

[0061] Figure 8 illustrates a zoomed in graph of Figure 7 showing the focus of the biodegradation of 34-PET.

[0062] Figure 9A illustrates the sample of 34-PET showing the clear visual sample before testing

[0063] Figure 9B illustrates the sample of Figure 9A showing the sample turned into biomass, which is black in colour, after testing.

[0064] Figure 10 illustrates a graph showing the percentage biodegradation of yarn determined based on conversion of carbon from the yarn to carbon in the gaseous phase (e.g. CH4 and CO2).

[0065] Figure 11 illustrates a partial cutaway cross-sectional view of a soccer ball showing the layers and parts.

[0066] Figure 12 illustrates the soccer ball’s outer cover after stitching panels together showing the arrangement and panel shapes used.

[0067] Figure 13 illustrates the biodegradable basketball showing the circumference.

[0068] Figure 14 illustrates a general shape of the biodegradable pickleball.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1, there may be a tennis ball 100 comprising a core formed from a rubber composition and felt (melton) which covers the external surface of the core. The core is a hollow pressurised sphere. In a tennis ball for use in regulation-ball tennis, the interior of the core is filled with compressed gas having a pressure that is higher than the atmospheric pressure by 40 kPa to 120 kPa. The tennis ball is also referred to as a pressurized tennis ball (pressure ball). Preferably, the core seals the hollow or cavity under pressure and the material from the core is constructed is enough strong to maintain pressurised void or cavity, when is use.

[0071] The tennis ball manufacture may comprise the following steps or stages:

[0072] Stage 1: Production of Solutions.Upon arrival at the factory, raw rubber arrives in bales weighing between 70 and 250 pounds (31.75 to 113.40 Kg). The rubber undergoes a meticulous mastication or kneading process, effectively kneading it to achieve a softer texture for better workability and to ensure the subsequent flow of the solution. A specific rubber formula is carefully devised to impart the necessary properties, such as strength and colour, facilitating the curing process. This rubber compound is then placed in a tank alongside a quantity of petroleum solvent, allowing it to soak. After several hours, a sticky dough emerges. To achieve the desired consistency, the dough is thinned by stirring in additional solvent until the optimal solution is attained.

[0073] Standard core compositions for pressurized balls typically utilize natural rubber with a substantial amount of fine -particle filler to reduce gas permeability. A typical formulation, measured in parts by weight, comprises the following: Natural rubber: 72 partsButadiene rubber: 28 parts Clay: 40 partsMagnesium carbonate: 8 parts Calcium carbonate: 20 parts Zinc oxide: 2.5 parts Sulphur: 3.5 parts BDP: 10 parts

[0074] The next stage is extrusion. The rubber mixture is subjected to heating and then extruded by applying pressure to push it through an orifice, resulting in the formation of a rod. This rod is subsequently sliced into small pieces known as pellets. Following their creation, these pellets are then allowed to cool down. More specifically, the process of creating the rubber compound beings with heating the material which enhances its malleability and flow properties. Once sufficiently heated, the compound is subjected to extrusion, a key manufacturing step. This involves forcing the heated rubber compound through an orifice under controlled pressure. The shape and size of this orifice determine the dimensions of the extruded material. As the rubber exits the orifice, it takes the form of a continuous, elongated rod. This rod, while still maintaining some of its warmth and pliability from the heating process, is then promptly cut into smaller segments, which is referred to as pellets. The size of these pellets is carefully calibrated based on the requirements of subsequent manufacturing steps or the specifications of the final product. After cutting, these pellets undergo a cooling process. Cooling is crucial as it stabilizes the rubber, solidifying its form and halting any further thermal-induced changes or deformations. This cooling can be achieved through various methods, such as exposure to ambient air or using specialised cooling equipment. Proper cooling ensures that the pellets retain their shape and acquire the desired material properties, preparing them for the next stages of production.

[0075] Following the creation and cooling of the pellets, they are transferred into a hydraulic press. This press is specifically designed to mold the pellets into hemispherical shapes, commonly referred to as ‘half-shells’. During this process, not only are thepellets shaped, but they also undergo a partial curing process. This partial curing is typically conducted for a duration of approximately 2 and a half minutes at a temperature of 150°C. This step is crucial as it helps in stabilizing the form of the half-shells and developing certain material properties. After the molding and partial curing, the halfshells are removed from the hydraulic press. During the pressing process, excess material, known as ‘flash’, often spreads out of the molds. This flash connects the individual half-shells, resulting in them being joined together in a continuous sheet. The next step involves separating these connected half-shells. For this purpose, another hydraulic press equipped with cutting knives is employed. This press is specifically designed to trim away the flash, effectively detaching the half-shells from the sheet. The precision of the cutting knives ensures that the separation is clean and the integrity of the half-shells is maintained.

[0076] The next stage involves the edge buffing process. In this stage, the focus is on preparing the edges of the half-shells for the subsequent bonding process. The edges of each half-shell are initially roughened, which is referred to as buffing. This is achieved through the use of a grinding wheel, which meticulously abrades the surface of the rubber edges. The primary purpose of this roughening process is to create a more textured surface, enhancing the adhesive properties of the edges. This texturing is crucial as it provides a better ‘key’ or grip for the adhesive, ensuring a stronger and more reliable bond in later stages. Once the edges of the half-shells have been adequately roughened, the next step involves the application of a vulcanizing rubber solution. This solution is carefully applied to the buffed edges. Vulcanization is a chemical process that involves the addition of sulfur or other equivalent curatives to the rubber. Calcium carbonate and sulfur are two important ingredients used in the vulcanization process of rubber. Each of these components offers distinct advantages. Calcium carbonate is a cost-effective filler as it is relatively inexpensive compared to other filllers and can reduce overall material costs. It also enhances processing characteristics, which makes the rubber easier to mix and shape. By adding calcium carbonate, the stiffness and hardness of the rubber compound can be increased, which is beneficial in improving bounce consistency, enhanced durability and suitability for different courts for maintaining bounce and speedwhich offers a more consistent playing experience. Increased stiffness and hardness also offers better performance in cooler conditions, where a stiffer ball can retain its bounce more effectively. And increased hardness can reduce the amount of deformation the ball undergoes when struck. This vulcanization process fundamentally changes the molecular structure of the rubber, making it more durable, elastic, and resilient. The application of the vulcanizing solution to the edges of the half-shells is particularly important as it prepares the surface for a strong and permanent bond, ensuring the integrity and durability of the final assembled product.

[0077] The next stage is the curing and inflation process. In the production of pressurized tennis balls, two primary methods are employed for inflating or pressurizing the ball. The first method involves a chemical process, known for its precise controllability. This inflation takes place post-assembly of the core, utilizing inflation chemicals such as sodium nitrite and ammonium chloride. These chemicals react to produce nitrogen during the molding process, effectively inflating the ball. The second method, which involves compressed air, is more intricate. It involves the following steps: a) the two hemispherical shells are aligned, and a press begins to close them without the edges completely touching yet; b) at this stage, a rubber sealing ring isolates the internal platen area from the external atmosphere, ensuring no air escapes; c) compressed air is then introduced into this isolated platen area at a predetermined pressure; d) subsequently, the press platens fully close, encapsulating the compressed air within the shell halves and creating a pressurized core; e) the platens are then heated to vulcanize the rubber solution, followed by a cooling process before the core is extracted. Typically, these balls are pressurized to about 12 lb / in2(0.844 kg / cm2). However, due to the gas- permeable nature of the rubber compounds used, the balls tend to lose pressure over time and may fall out of specification in a few months. To preserve their pressure, pressurized balls are sold in sealed, pressurized cans, which maintains their internal pressure until the cans are opened.

[0078] The next stages involve applying a core solution. In this stage, the ball cores undergo a buffing process. This process is essential for creating a roughened surface oneach core, which significantly enhances its ability to adhere to the next layer. The rough surface acts as a ‘key’, allowing the subsequently applied solution to bond more effectively. Following the buffing, the next step involves coating the cores with a rubber solution. This is achieved through a process known as barrelling. In this operation, the buffed cores are placed in a barrel along with a precisely measured amount of rubber solution. The barrel is then rotated, causing the cores and the rubber solution to tumble together. This tumbling action ensures that each ball core is evenly and uniformly coated with the rubber solution. This coating process is crucial as it prepares the surface of the cores for the next layers, ensuring strong adhesion and uniformity in the final product. The uniform layer of solution also contributes to the consistent performance characteristics of the balls.

[0079] The next stage involves applying the fabric cover. In this stage, the focus shifts to the application of the fabric cover on the tennis balls. Two primary types of cloth are utilized for this purpose: melton cloth, which has a high wool content, and Needle cloth, which is generally more cost-effective and can include a higher proportion of synthetic fibers. The cloth used for covering the balls is delivered in rolls, each measuring 100 meters. A key step in preparing the cloth involves coating its reverse side with a vulcanizing solution. This can be achieved through one or more spreading operations, ensuring the cloth is adequately prepared for the next steps. Using an automated stamping machine, ‘dumb-bell’ shaped blanks are then precision-cut from multiple layers of this cloth. It takes two of these cut blanks to cover each tennis ball. Next, the edges of these blanks are also treated with the vulcanizing solution. This treatment is crucial as these edges will form the seams of the ball. Once the solution has dried, the covers are ready to be applied to the ball cores. The covering process involves precise machine placement of two covers onto each core. One cover is aligned along the core seam, while the other is positioned at a 90-degree angle to this seam. This careful positioning is essential for ensuring the ball’s uniformity and optimal performance. The use of vulcanizing solutions in both the cloth coating and seam formation plays a vital role in creating a durable, well-bonded fabric cover that can withstand the rigors of tennis play.

[0080] The next stage is the molding process. In this stage, the assembly of the tennis ball undergoes a crucial molding process. The ball, now with its core and fabric cover in place, is inserted into a molding press. The purpose of this step is twofold. Firstly, it involves the application of heat, which activates and cures the rubber solution that has been applied to both the core and the reverse side of the cloth cover. Simultaneously, the heat and pressure exerted by the press serve to cure the rubber solution at the join between the two halves of the fabric cover. This curing process not only bonds the material together securely but also shapes the join into a smooth, uniform seam. Once the heating and pressing are complete, the ball is cooled while still within the press. This cooling phase solidifies the bonds and finalizes the shape of the ball. Upon removal from the press, it’s noticeable that the cloth cover has become very smooth and tightly compressed against the core, which is a result of the heat and pressure applied during molding. A distinctive ridge is often present around the circumference of the ball, marking the point where the mold halves closed upon it. This molding stage is critical as it ensures the durability and integrity of the ball, creating a seamless and uniform product that tis ready for use in tennis play. The process effectively unifies all the components of the ball, setting the stage for its final performance characteristics.

[0081] The next stage is the steaming process. In this stage, the newly molded tennis balls undergo a steaming process, which is essential for enhancing their surface texture and appearance. This procedure involves slowly tumbling the balls through an environment saturated with steam. The exposure to steam has a transformative effect on the cloth cover of the balls. The steam causes the fibers of the cloth to ‘fluff up’, resulting in a raised and softer surface texture. This change not only improves the tactile feel of the ball but also impacts its aerodynamic properties and interaction with the tennis racquet. Moreover, an important aspect of this steaming process is its ability to eliminate the ridge formed around the ball during the molding stage. The steam may help in relaxing and expanding the fibers at the seam, smoothing out the ridge that was created when the mold closed. This steaming stage is a crucial part of the finishing process for tennis balls. It ensures that the final product not only meets the required performancestandards but also has the desired aesthetic and tactile qualities that players expect from a high-quality tennis ball.

[0082] The next stage is the finishing or final inspection and packaging. In this stage, the tennis balls under a thorough inspection and grading process. This step is critical to ensure that each ball meets the established standards for quality and performance. During testing, various aspects such as size, weight, bounce, and overall construction are meticulously examined. Based on these evaluations, the balls are graded, ensuring that those meeting the requisite criteria proceed to the final phase. Once the balls pass the quality checks, they are branded with the manufacturer’s logo or brand name. This is typically done through a transfer process, where the brand logo or name is precisely and durably applied to the surface of each ball. This not only serves as a mark of authenticity but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product. For pressurized tennis balls, the packaging process involves a special consideration. These balls are packed into pressurized cans or tubes, which are designed to maintain the internal pressure of the balls. This packaging is crucial as it ensures that the balls retain their bounce and other performance characteristics while in storage and until they are ready to be used. Finally, with the branding and packaging complete, the tennis balls are ready for distribution and dispatch. They are shipped to retailers, tennis clubs, and other distributors, where they will eventually make their way to tennis courts for players to enjoy. This final stage signifies the culmination of a detailed and precise manufacturing process, resulting in high-quality tennis balls ready for competitive play or recreational use.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, the process of producing this biodegradable composite material is shown in the flowchart. Firstly, one or more non-biodegradable plastic materials are used / chosen 30. It may be a conventional plastic base, such as but not limited to polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). And a choice of biodegradable plastic 32 such as but not limited to polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), or starch-based bioplastics. As biodegradable plastics and conventional plastics often have different physical and chemical properties, for ensuring compatibility, additives like compatabilizers and / or bio-based plasticizers may be used. Compatabilizers may be maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene or maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, or functionalised polymers with specific chemical groups like anhydride, amine or oxazoline groups can act as compatibilizers in various polymer blends; and bio-based plasticizers may be for example, epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) and castor oil-based plasticizers. These are environmentally friendly alternatives derived from renewable sources. These additives help in binding the non-biodegradable plastic and the biodegradable plastics together and can improve the physical properties of the blend or mixture of materials. The blending ratio is also an important factor for consideration as higher proportions of biodegradable plastic may generally increase the biodegradability of the final product, but this may adversely affect other properties such as strength, flexibility, and moisture resistance.

[0084] Once the combination of non-biodegradable plastic and the biodegradable plastic is chosen, the selected plastics and additives are mixed and melted together 34. This is done using extruders, which mix and melt the combination of materials together under high temperature and pressure 36. The extruder then produces a homogenized blend, which is then cooled and cut into pellets. These pellets become the raw composite material for producing biodegradable products 38, in which the biodegradable products 38 maybe one selected from the group of: the tennis ball, the tennis ball packaging such as the canister and lid.

[0085] As shown in Figure 2, Figure 2 illustrates a partial cutaway cross-sectional view of a tennis ball 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tennis ball may include the feature of a hollow core 4, which is enveloped by two sections of felt 6, covering this core. The felt may be attached to the core be adhesive glue. The core’s material is a rubber compound or a rubber compound that has been treated with a biodegradable plastic / polymer (BDP). The core may be constructed of two matching hemispheres which are ultrasonically welded or glued together to form the spherical shape of the core. The core’s material may have varying hardness for providing the necessary bounce and to maintain its shape. Positioned between these two felt sections is a seam 8. Typically, the core’s thickness may range from approximately 3 mm to 4 mm.Inside the core, there may be compressed gas. This may be gas from air or a specific mixture of gases that are chosen to optimize the internal pressure. Thereby affecting the bounce and feel of the ball. The pressurization of the core may be crucial for the ball to maintain its bounce over time and may be a distinguishing feature of high-performance tennis balls. The felt sections on the exterior may be affixed to the core’s surface using an adhesive. The advantage of the felt section is that they play a significant role in the ball’s aerodynamics, and its interaction with the tennis racquet. While the felt is typically made from a wool and synthetic fiber blend, to increase the biodegradability of the felt, biodegradable plastic is also incorporated so that the felt can also be biodegradable together with the treated rubber incorporated with the biodegradable plastic so that the ball is all biodegradable. As of yet, the widespread use of biodegradable adhesives in the manufacture of tennis balls hadn’t been reported or adopted in the industry. Traditional tennis balls are typically made with components such as adhesives that are not fully biodegradable. It is most preferable to also to use a biodegradable adhesive which can be made from natural materials like starch, dextrin, cellulose. These biodegradable adhesives may be designed to break down naturally over time without leaving harmful residues.

[0086] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, a pressured container 20 for tennis balls 2 comprising a canister body 22 and a lid 22 made of plastic having biodegradable plastic additive, for bacterial microbe consumption when deposited in a landfill after discarding. This also an innovative approach to addressing environmental concerns associated with the disposal of tennis ball containers 20. In this embodiment, the pressurized container 20, which includes both a normally non- biodegradable canister plastic body 20 and a plastic lid 22, is constructed using a treated plastic that is infused with BDP, similar to the method used as described from the creation of the treated rubber tennis ball with BDP. As accelerated biodegradability comes from anaerobic conditions similar to landfill conditions at which the treated plastic becomes the food source for naturally occurring anaerobic microbes. While the treated plastic for the canister 20 and lid 22 are relatively durable in air and aerobic conditions, it may be appreciated that there is still a rate of degradation, whilst is slow but naturallyfaster compared to nonbiodegradable products (in which the term non-biodegradable can mean taking more than hundreds of years to decompose). There are some times that balls and / or cannisters may not be ending up in landfill but neglected at an aerobic environment somewhere that could not be retrieved from a mishit in the tennis courts. As such, in order to be environmentally friendly, while the ball can still biodegrade, it is at a less optimal rate compared to anaerobic landfill.

[0087] The BDP additive can advantageously facilitate the breakdown of the plastic materials by microbes. When the container is discarded in a landfill, where a majority of waste end up, the additive makes the plastic more susceptible to microbial consumption. These microbes digest the plastic, breaking it down into natural byproducts like biogas and biomass, for example, as shown in Figures 4C, 4D, and 9B. In the context and embodiment of tennis ball containers, the use of such an environmentally conscious container aligns with sustainability and responsible manufacturing. Tennis balls are often sold in pressurized containers to maintain their bounce and performance, and these containers traditionally contribute to plastic waste. These embodiments allow a more sustainable option to consumers.

[0088] Tests between non-biodegradable products and the composite material is shown to work. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a microscopic image of the test sample of the composite biodegradable rubber unexposed to anaerobic biodegradation process after 45 days incubation condition; and Figures 4C and 4D shows a microscopic image of the test sample of the composite biodegradable rubber exposed to anaerobic biodegradation process after 45 days incubation condition. As unexposed anaerobic biodegradation of the composite biodegradable rubber simulate stockist and / or playing conditions where the products are exposed in aerobic conditions, it therefore shows that it will not prematurely biodegrade and so producing a useable and sellable commercial product, which has the added advantage of being environmentally friendly.

[0089] Table 1 shows the percentage biodegradability of the test sample or biodegradable composite material with respect to the positive control, which is cellulose as the reference material after 45 days of anaerobic environment incubation.Table 1.

[0090] Table 2 shows the percentage weight loss was calculated based on the initial weight and final weight of the test sample after the 45 days study from Table 1.Table 2.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 presents data on the biodegradation process of a positive control sample such as cellulose, which is a naturally occurring organic compound commonly used as a reference material in biodegradation studies. Cellulose is chosen due to its well-known biodegradability. The biodegradation percentage indicated in the graph represents the extent to which the cellulose has been broken down by anaerobic microbial action. This biodegradation process involves the conversion of cellulose’s carbon content into gaseous forms, primarily methane (CFU) and carbondioxide (CO2), which are typical byproducts of the biodegradation process under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, respectively. The conversion of solid carbon from the positive control into these gases is a critical aspect of the biodegradation process. It signifies the microbial breakdown of the complex cellulose molecules into simpler molecules that can be released into the atmosphere. The measurement of methane and carbon dioxide production is a standard method for quantifying the degree of biodegradation, as it provides a clear indication of the microbial activity and the breakdown of the organic material. As shown in the graph, the percentage biodegradation starts off slowly at first as the number of microbes acting on the material is low and the rate of biodegradation goes higher as more microbes proliferate due to the available abundant food source and as more microbes work together, more biodegradation happens over a shorter period of time. As it does come to a point where there are more microbes than there is the available material, biodegradation happens at a slower rate towards full biodegradation of the matter.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6, Figure 6 presents data on the biodegradation process of the composite material showing a similar rate / gradient of biodegradation. As the composite material is not a naturally occurring biodegradable material, it will take some time for the microbe to evolve or through natural selection where the microbe happens to able to biodegrade the unnatural composite material. As the microbe is naturally selected, it may be appreciated that it will be slow at first as there’s a low quantity of the microbe present that could biodegrade the material and when the particular microbe proliferate, the rate of biodegradation increases steadily.

[0093] Figures 7 and 8 show the percentage biodegradation of a composite material, 34- PET against a non-biodegradable material (NEG) and a biodegradable product (POS) in a longer term study and it shows that it can take around 1288 days to achieve 60.1% biodegradation. In this test, temperature and moisture are optimized and these conditions vary in different landfills. While conditions may not be as favourable as test conditions, biodegradation would not be as accelerated but it will still happen relatively soon compared to a material that does not biodegrade. Having a majority of the productbiodegraded in less than 4 years over a material that is considered non-biodegradable or over 100s of years is a good step in the right direction towards promoting biodegradable products for an environmentally friendly future. As shown in photos Figures 9 A and 9B, when the samples were physically examined, it appeared that some sample still remained but the sample lacked all integrity. The visual sample had turned from clear to white and disintegrated from the slightest touch. A high fraction of the remaining sample carbon was likely converted to biomass. Carbon chain analysis would help define the level of carbon that remains in the inoculum.

[0094] As tennis balls has an elastomer and a felt material, material of the felt can also be incorporated with a biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic fibers are mixed with felt fibers and different mixes or blends can be tested to achieve the optimal balance between biodegradability and the functional properties of the composite felt, without compromising on the high-quality tennis ball that could be used by professionals. The fiber processing may involve carding, wherein the carding process is a process that disentangles, cleans, and intermixes fibers to produce a continuous web suitable for subsequent processing. The fibers are then processed into felt using needling or pressing and steaming methods.Table 3

[0095] To test the biodegradability of the composite felt, Table 3 and in view of the Figure 10, shows the percent weight loss of the composite felt over 45 days determined over biodegradation of the product based on conversion of carbon from the composite feltto carbon in the gaseous phase (methane and carbon dioxide). Considering the cumulative gas production and its analysis, indicates that the process of biodegradation has occurred. After 45 days of incubation, the level of biodegradation for the positive control (reference material) was 93.35% while the test sample of composite felt (knit fabric) showed 8.52% relative to the positive control.

[0096] Similarly, in another embodiment of the present invention, there may be a padel ball 100 comprising a core formed from a rubber composition and felt made from a combination of wool and synthetic fibers which covers the external surface of the core. The core is a hollow pressurised sphere. In a padel ball for use in regulation-ball for padel, the interior of the core is filled with compressed gas having a pressure that is lower than a tennis ball, or around 4-5 psi. The padel ball is also referred to as a pressurized padel ball (pressure ball). Preferably, the core seals the hollow or cavity under pressure and the material from the core is constructed is enough strong to maintain pressurised void or cavity, when is use.

[0097] The padel ball manufacture may comprise the following steps or stages:

[0098] Stage 1: Production of Solutions.Upon arrival at the factory, raw rubber arrives in bales weighing between 56 grams to 59.4 grams. The rubber undergoes a meticulous mastication or kneading process, effectively kneading it to achieve a softer texture for better workability and to ensure the subsequent flow of the solution. A specific rubber formula is carefully devised to impart the necessary properties, such as strength and colour, facilitating the curing process. This rubber compound is then placed in a tank alongside a quantity of petroleum solvent, allowing it to soak. After several hours, a sticky dough emerges. To achieve the desired consistency, the dough is thinned by stirring in additional solvent until the optimal solution is attained.

[0099] Standard core compositions for pressurized balls typically utilize natural rubber with a substantial amount of fine -particle filler to reduce gas permeability. A typical formulation, measured in parts by weight, comprises the following:Natural rubber: 72 partsButadiene rubber: 28 partsClay: 40 partsMagnesium carbonate: 8 parts Calcium carbonate: 20 parts Zinc oxide: 2.5 parts Sulphur: 3.5 parts BDP: 10 parts

[0100] The next stage is extrusion. The rubber mixture is subjected to heating and then extruded by applying pressure to push it through an orifice, resulting in the formation of a rod. This rod is subsequently sliced into small pieces known as pellets. Following their creation, these pellets are then allowed to cool down. More specifically, the process of creating the rubber compound beings with heating the material which enhances its malleability and flow properties. Once sufficiently heated, the compound is subjected to extrusion, a key manufacturing step. This involves forcing the heated rubber compound through an orifice under controlled pressure. The shape and size of this orifice determine the dimensions of the extruded material. As the rubber exits the orifice, it takes the form of a continuous, elongated rod. This rod, while still maintaining some of its warmth and pliability from the heating process, is then promptly cut into smaller segments, which is referred to as pellets. The size of these pellets is carefully calibrated based on the requirements of subsequent manufacturing steps or the specifications of the final product. After cutting, these pellets undergo a cooling process. Cooling is crucial as it stabilizes the rubber, solidifying its form and halting any further thermal-induced changes or deformations. This cooling can be achieved through various methods, such as exposure to ambient air or using specialised cooling equipment. Proper cooling ensures that the pellets retain their shape and acquire the desired material properties, preparing them for the next stages of production.

[0101] Following the creation and cooling of the pellets, they are transferred into a hydraulic press. This press is specifically designed to mold the pellets intohemispherical shapes, commonly referred to as ‘half-shells’. During this process, not only are the pellets shaped, but they also undergo a partial curing process. This partial curing is typically conducted for a duration of approximately 2 and a half minutes at a temperature of 150°C. This step is crucial as it helps in stabilizing the form of the halfshells and developing certain material properties. After the molding and partial curing, the half-shells are removed from the hydraulic press. During the pressing process, excess material, known as ‘flash’, often spreads out of the molds. This flash connects the individual half-shells, resulting in them being joined together in a continuous sheet. The next step involves separating these connected half-shells. For this purpose, another hydraulic press equipped with cutting knives is employed. This press is specifically designed to trim away the flash, effectively detaching the half-shells from the sheet. The precision of the cutting knives ensures that the separation is clean and the integrity of the half-shells is maintained.

[0102] The next stage involves the edge buffing process. In this stage, the focus is on preparing the edges of the half-shells for the subsequent bonding process. The edges of each half-shell are initially roughened, which is referred to as buffing. This is achieved through the use of a grinding wheel, which meticulously abrades the surface of the rubber edges. The primary purpose of this roughening process is to create a more textured surface, enhancing the adhesive properties of the edges. This texturing is crucial as it provides a better ‘key’ or grip for the adhesive, ensuring a stronger and more reliable bond in later stages. Once the edges of the half-shells have been adequately roughened, the next step involves the application of a vulcanizing rubber solution. This solution is carefully applied to the buffed edges. Vulcanization is a chemical process that involves the addition of sulfur or other equivalent curatives to the rubber. Calcium carbonate and sulfur are two important ingredients used in the vulcanization process of rubber. Each of these components offers distinct advantages. Calcium carbonate is a cost-effective filler as it is relatively inexpensive compared to other filllers and can reduce overall material costs. It also enhances processing characteristics, which makes the rubber easier to mix and shape. By adding calcium carbonate, the stiffness and hardness of the rubber compound can be increased, which is beneficial in improving bounce consistency,enhanced durability and suitability for different courts for maintaining bounce and speed which offers a more consistent playing experience. Increased stiffness and hardness also offers better performance in cooler conditions, where a stiffer ball can retain its bounce more effectively. And increased hardness can reduce the amount of deformation the ball undergoes when struck. This vulcanization process fundamentally changes the molecular structure of the rubber, making it more durable, elastic, and resilient. The application of the vulcanizing solution to the edges of the half-shells is particularly important as it prepares the surface for a strong and permanent bond, ensuring the integrity and durability of the final assembled product.

[0103] The next stage is the curing and inflation process. In the production of pressurized tennis balls, two primary methods are employed for inflating or pressurizing the ball. The first method involves a chemical process, known for its precise controllability. This inflation takes place post-assembly of the core, utilizing inflation chemicals such as sodium nitrite and ammonium chloride. These chemicals react to produce nitrogen during the molding process, effectively inflating the ball. The second method, which involves compressed air, is more intricate. It involves the following steps: a) the two hemispherical shells are aligned, and a press begins to close them without the edges completely touching yet; b) at this stage, a rubber sealing ring isolates the internal platen area from the external atmosphere, ensuring no air escapes; c) compressed air is then introduced into this isolated platen area at a predetermined pressure; d) subsequently, the press platens fully close, encapsulating the compressed air within the shell halves and creating a pressurized core; e) the platens are then heated to vulcanize the rubber solution, followed by a cooling process before the core is extracted. Typically, padel balls are pressurized with an internal pressure of between 4.6 Kg and 5.2 Kg per 2.54 square cm. However, due to the gas-permeable nature of the rubber compounds used, the balls tend to lose pressure over time and may fall out of specification in a few months. To preserve their pressure, pressurized balls are sold in sealed, pressurized cans, which maintains their internal pressure until the cans are opened.

[0104] The next stages involve applying a core solution. In this stage, the ball cores undergo a buffing process. This process is essential for creating a roughened surface on each core, which significantly enhances its ability to adhere to the next layer. The rough surface acts as a ‘key’, allowing the subsequently applied solution to bond more effectively. Following the buffing, the next step involves coating the cores with a rubber solution. This is achieved through a process known as barrelling. In this operation, the buffed cores are placed in a barrel along with a precisely measured amount of rubber solution. The barrel is then rotated, causing the cores and the rubber solution to tumble together. This tumbling action ensures that each ball core is evenly and uniformly coated with the rubber solution. This coating process is crucial as it prepares the surface of the cores for the next layers, ensuring strong adhesion and uniformity in the final product. The uniform layer of solution also contributes to the consistent performance characteristics of the balls.

[0105] The next stage involves applying the fabric cover. In this stage, the focus shifts to the application of the fabric cover on the padel balls. Natural fiber such as wool may be a key component in the felt cover of padel balls. Synthetic fiber such as nylon may be a durable elastic synthetic fiber which may be often blended with wool to enhance the felt’s resilience. The cloth or fiber used for covering the balls is delivered in rolls, each measuring 100 meters. A key step in preparing the cloth or fiber involves coating its reverse side with a vulcanizing solution. This can be achieved through one or more spreading operations, ensuring the cloth is adequately prepared for the next steps. Using an automated stamping machine, ‘dumb-bell’ shaped blanks are then precision-cut from multiple layers of this cloth. It takes two of these cut blanks to cover each tennis ball. Next, the edges of these blanks are also treated with the vulcanizing solution. This treatment is crucial as these edges will form the seams of the ball. Once the solution has dried, the covers are ready to be applied to the padel ball cores. The covering process involves precise machine placement of two covers onto each core. One cover is aligned along the core seam, while the other is positioned at a 90-degree angle to this seam. This careful positioning is essential for ensuring the ball’s uniformity and optimal performance. The use of vulcanizing solutions in both the cloth coating and seamformation plays a vital role in creating a durable, well-bonded fabric cover that can withstand the rigors of padel play.

[0106] The next stage is the molding process. In this stage, the assembly of the padel ball undergoes a crucial molding process. The padel ball, now with its core and fabric cover in place, is inserted into a molding press. The purpose of this step is twofold. Firstly, it involves the application of heat, which activates and cures the rubber solution that has been applied to both the core and the reverse side of the cloth cover. Simultaneously, the heat and pressure exerted by the press serve to cure the rubber solution at the join between the two halves of the facbric cover. This curing process not only bonds the material together securely but also shapes the join into a smooth, uniform seam. Once the heating and pressing are complete, the padel ball is cooled while still within the press. This cooling phase solidifies the bonds and finalizes the shape of the ball. Upon removal from the press, it’s noticeable that the cloth or fiber cover has become very smooth and tightly compressed against the core, which is a result of the heat and pressure applied during molding. A distinctive ridge is often present around the circumference of the padel ball, marking the point where the mold halves closed upon it. This molding stage is critical as it ensures the durability and integrity of the padel ball, creating a seamless and uniform product that tis ready for use in padel play. The process effectively unifies all the components of the padel ball, setting the stage for its final performance characteristics.

[0107] The next stage is the steaming process. In this stage, the newly molded padel balls undergo a steaming process, which is essential for enhancing their surface texture and appearance. This procedure involves slowly tumbling the padel balls through an environment saturated with steam. The exposure to steam has a transformative effect on the cloth and / or fiber cover of the padel balls. The steam causes the fibers of the cloth to ‘fluff up’, resulting in a raised and softer surface texture. This change not only improves the tactile feel of the padel ball but also impacts its aerodynamic properties and interaction with the padel racquet. Moreover, an important aspect of this steaming process is its ability to eliminate the ridge formed around the ball during the moldingstage. The steam may help in relaxing and expanding the fibers at the seam, smoothing out the ridge that was created when the mold closed. This steaming stage is a crucial part of the finishing process for padel balls. It ensures that the final product not only meets the required performance standards but also has the desired aesthetic and tactile qualities that players expect from a high-quality padel ball.

[0108] The next stage is the finishing or final inspection and packaging. In this stage, the padel balls under a thorough inspection and grading process. This step is critical to ensure that each ball meets the established standards for quality and performance. During testing, various aspects such as size, weight, bounce, and overall construction are meticulously examined. Based on these evaluations, the padel balls are graded, ensuring that those meeting the requisite criteria proceed to the final phase. Once the padel balls pass the quality checks, they are branded with the manufacturer’s logo or brand name. This is typically done through a transfer process, where the brand logo or name is precisely and durably applied to the surface of each padel ball. This not only serves as a mark of authenticity but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product. For pressurized padel balls, the packaging process involves a special consideration. These padel balls are packed into pressurized cans or tubes, which are designed to maintain the internal pressure of the padel balls. This packaging is crucial as it ensures that the padel balls retain their bounce and other performance characteristics while in storage and until they are ready to be used. Finally, with the branding and packaging complete, the padel balls are ready for distribution and dispatch. They are shipped to retailers, padel clubs, and other distributors, where they will eventually make their way to tennis courts for players to enjoy. This final stage signifies the culmination of a detailed and precise manufacturing process, resulting in high-quality padel balls ready for competitive play or recreational use.

[0109] Similar to the tennis ball or padel ball, the process of producing this biodegradable composite material is shown in the flowchart. Firstly, one or more non- biodegradable plastic materials are used / chosen 30. It may be a conventional plastic base, such as but not limited to polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). And a choice of biodegradable plastic 32 such as but not limited to polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), or starch-based bioplastics. As biodegradable plastics and conventional plastics often have different physical and chemical properties, for ensuring compatibility, additives like compatabilizers and / or bio-based plasticizers may be used. Compatabilizers may be maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene or maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, or functionalised polymers with specific chemical groups like anhydride, amine or oxazoline groups can act as compatibilizers in various polymer blends; and bio-based plasticizers may be for example, epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) and castor oil-based plasticizers. These are environmentally friendly alternatives derived from renewable sources. These additives help in binding the non-biodegradable plastic and the biodegradable plastics together and can improve the physical properties of the blend or mixture of materials. The blending ratio is also an important factor for consideration as higher proportions of biodegradable plastic may generally increase the biodegradability of the final product, but this may adversely affect other properties such as strength, flexibility, and moisture resistance.

[0110] Once the combination of non-biodegradable plastic and the biodegradable plastic is chosen, the selected plastics and additives are mixed and melted together 34. This is done using extruders, which mix and melt the combination of materials together under high temperature and pressure 36. The extruder then produces a homogenized blend, which is then cooled and cut into pellets. These pellets become the raw composite material for producing biodegradable products 38, in which the biodegradable products 38 maybe one selected from the group of: the padel ball, the padel ball packaging such as the canister and lid.

[0111] The biodegradable padel ball may include the feature of a hollow core 4, which is enveloped by two sections of felt 6, covering this core. The felt may be attached to the core be adhesive glue. The core’s material is a rubber compound or a rubber compound that has been treated with a biodegradable plastic / polymer (BDP). The core may be constructed of two matching hemispheres which are ultrasonically welded orglued together to form the spherical shape of the core. The core’s material may have varying hardness for providing the necessary bounce and to maintain its shape. Positioned between these two felt sections is a seam 8. Typically, the core’s thickness may range from approximately 3 mm to 5 mm. Inside the core, there may be compressed gas. This may be gas from air or a specific mixture of gases that are chosen to optimize the internal pressure. Thereby affecting the bounce and feel of the padel ball. The pressurization of the core may be crucial for the padel ball to maintain its bounce over time and may be a distinguishing feature of high-performance padel balls. The felt sections on the exterior may be affixed to the core’s surface using an adhesive. The advantage of the felt section is that they play a significant role in the padel ball’s aerodynamics, and its interaction with the padel racquet. While the felt is typically made from a wool and synthetic fiber blend, to increase the biodegradability of the felt, biodegradable plastic is also incorporated so that the felt can also be biodegradable together with the treated rubber incorporated with the biodegradable plastic so that the ball is all biodegradable. As of yet, the widespread use of biodegradable adhesives in the manufacture of padel balls hadn’t been reported or adopted in the industry. Traditional padel balls are typically made with components such as adhesives that are not fully biodegradable. It is most preferable to also to use a biodegradable adhesive which can be made from natural materials like starch, dextrin, cellulose. These biodegradable adhesives may be designed to break down naturally over time without leaving harmful residues.

[0112] In another aspect of the present invention, a pressured container 20 for biodegradable padel balls 2 comprising a canister body 22 and a lid 22 made of plastic having biodegradable plastic additive, for bacterial microbe consumption when deposited in a landfill after discarding. This also an innovative approach to addressing environmental concerns associated with the disposal of padel ball containers 20. In this embodiment, the pressurized container 20, which includes both a normally non- biodegradable canister plastic body 20 and a plastic lid 22, is constructed using a treated plastic that is infused with BDP, similar to the method used as described from the creation of the treated rubber padel ball with BDP. As accelerated biodegradabilitycomes from anaerobic conditions similar to landfill conditions at which the treated plastic becomes the food source for naturally occurring anaerobic microbes. While the treated plastic for the canister 20 and lid 22 are relatively durable in air and aerobic conditions, it may be appreciated that there is still a rate of degradation, whilst is slow but naturally faster compared to nonbiodegradable products (in which the term non-biodegradable can mean taking more than hundreds of years to decompose). There are some times that balls and / or cannisters may not be ending up in landfill but neglected at an aerobic environment somewhere that could not be retrieved from a mishit in the padel courts. As such, in order to be environmentally friendly, while the ball can still biodegrade, it is at a less optimal rate compared to anaerobic landfill.

[0113] The BDP additive can advantageously facilitate the breakdown of the plastic materials by microbes. When the container is discarded in a landfill, where a majority of waste end up, the additive makes the plastic more susceptible to microbial consumption. These microbes digest the plastic, breaking it down into natural byproducts like biogas and biomass. In the context and embodiment of padel ball containers, the use of such an environmentally conscious container aligns with sustainability and responsible manufacturing. Padel balls are often sold in pressurized containers to maintain their bounce and performance, and these containers traditionally contribute to plastic waste. These embodiments allow a more sustainable option to consumers.

[0114] Similarly, in another type of goods such as biodegradable soccer balls, includes a BDP material blended into the rubber and fabric to make the entire ball susceptible to being consumed by bacterial and microbes found in the environment. The inclusion of the BDP with the rubber does not compromise the physical properties of the product, be it a ball for playing soccer. When the biodegradable soccer ball ends up in landfill, naturally occurring microbes consume it entirely, leaving behind organic matter. In one embodiment, a biodegradable soccer ball may include a core formed from a rubber composition with lining and panel-cover covering the core. The core may be a rubber bladder. Biodegradable soccer balls used in professional matches may undergo rigorous testing to meet specific standards set by governing bodies like The FederationInternationale de Football Association (FIFA). These biodegradable soccer balls are designed to deliver optimal performance for elite players. Key characteristics of professional-grade soccer balls include: FIFA approval, where the biodegradable soccer balls used in international competition and professional leagues meet FIFA’s strict standards for size, weight, and performance, and also designed for predictable flight and accuracy, even in challenging weather conditions. It may be appreciated that although a biodegradable soccer ball is manufactured, the surface of the professional biodegradable soccer ball is often textured for enhanced control, allowing players to manipulate the biodegradable soccer ball with precision and precise ball-handling skills.

[0115] The process of manufacturing a biodegradable ball consists of four phases. These are covering, stitching or glueing, lining and bladder as shown in Figure 11. Stage 1 includes covering, where the covering of the biodegradable soccer ball is made of six polyurethane layers which are die cut into 32 panels, which are thermally bonded or stitched together. This covering is important to protect the ball, and the prevent it from absorbing too much water.

[0116] In Figure 12, it shows the inner view of the biodegradable soccer ball’s outer cover after stitching panels together. The biodegradable soccer ball may have 32 panels, where there’s twelve pentagonal panels and 20 hexagonal panels give the biodegradable soccer ball a perfect spherical shape.

[0117] Stage 2 includes lining, where the lining is the middle layer between the covering and the bladder of a biodegradable soccer ball. It is a combination of multiple layers of polyester and cotton. The thickness and quality of the material determine the durability and lifetime of the biodegradable soccer ball.

[0118] Stage 3 includes the bladder, where the bladder is the inner part of the biodegradable soccer ball that holds the air. It is usually made of latex or butyl rubber and is inserted into the soccer ball through a small hole. Once the bladder is in place, the hole is sealed to prevent air from escaping.

[0119] In another embodiment of the present invention, the present disclosure may also be directed to manufacturing competition biodegradable basketballs made to the National Basketball Association (NBA) standards. The biodegradable basketball may include a BDP material blended into the rubber to make the entire basketball susceptible to being consumed by bacteria and microbes found in the environment. The inclusion of the BDP with the rubber of the basketball does not compromise the physical properties of the product. But it can be advantageous that when the biodegradable basketball is lost at an unreachable spot or location or ending up in landfill, the naturally occurring microbes can consume it entirely, leaving behind organic matter which is beneficial for the environment. Similar to the previous embodiments, the BDP is a polymer that can be added in the production process for the rubber compound of the basketball.

[0120] In an embodiment, a biodegradable basketball can include a core formed from a rubber composition and panel-cover covering the core. The core is a rubber bladder. Basketballs used in professional matches undergo rigorous testing to meet specific standards set by governing bodies like the NBA. Officially approved basketballs are designed between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds pressure and 30 to 31 inches (75-78 cm) in circumference, as shown in Figure 13.

[0121] The method of manufacturing process of the biodegradable basketball may comprise the following steps:( 1 ) The making of a basketball begins with the interior bladder. Black butyl rubber in bulk form (and including recycled rubber) is melted in the hopper of a press that feeds it out in a continuous sheet that is 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) thick.A guillotine-like cutter cutting the long strip into sheets that are 18 inches (45.7 cm) long, and they are stacked up. A hand-controlled machine then selects the sheets one at a time and, using a punch press, punches a 1 -in-diameter (2.54 cm diameter) hole that will hold the air tube for inflating the bladder.(2) The sheets are carried on a sheet elevator or conveyor to an assembly line where the air tube is inserted by hand. A heated melding device bonds it to the sheet, which isfolded into quarters. Another punch press stamps out a rounded edge and, at the same time, binds the edges to make the seams of the bladder. This bladder may not be perfectly shaped.(3) The odd-shaped bladder may be taken to a vulcanizing machine, in which the vulcanization process is a process for heating rubber under pressure that advantageously improves its properties by making it more flexible, more durable, and stronger. In the vulcanizer, the bladder is inflated. Heating by vulcanization uniformly seals the rubber so it will hold air. Completed bladders are stored in a holding chamber for 24 hours. This quality control measure tests their ability to hold air and when those that deflate are then recycle.(4) This step involves shaping the carcass. The bladders that withstand the 24-hour inflation test are conveyed from the holding chamber to the twining or winding department. They make this journey suspended from a conveyor system by their air tubes. Machines loaded with spools of either polyester or nylon thread or string wrap multiple strands at a time around each bladder. This is the same process used to make the inside of a golf ball, for example. The irregularly shaped bladders now begin to take on a better, more rounded shape as the precisely controlled threads build and shape the basketball. The typical street-quality basketball may have a carcass made of multiple wraps of three strands of polyester thread. The basketballs used by professional teams may have carcasses constructed of nylon thread that is wrapped using four strands of thread. The same over-head conveyors continue carrying the carcass-encased bladders by their air tubes to the next step in the process where the carcasses and covers will meet.(5) This step involves crafting the covers of the basketball. The exteriors or covers of the basketball may have been in production as the bladders and carcasses have taken shape. On 60-inch long (152 cm long) tables, coloured rubber is unrolled from a continuous roll. The smooth rubber does not have pebbling (small bumps) that characterizes the surface of a finished basketball so that the outlines for the panels can be clearly marked on the rubber. A silk screen is moved along a series of metal markers that are guides markingthe length of the rubber sheet needed for each basketball. The silk screen operator then moves the screen by hand and imprints the outlines of the six panels making up the ball. Only one colour is used at a time, and depending on the design, multiple silk screenings may be needed to colour the six panels with all the colours on the basketball.(6) This step involves using a hand-operated punch press, which is equipped with specially designed and tooled dies, which punches the rubber outlines to create six separate panels per basketball. The same die has a hole that is punched in one of the six panels to make an opening for the air tube. The excess rubber surrounding the panels may be lifted off the line and deposited in a bin for recycling.(7) This step involves an assembly worker picking up the six panels for a single basketball in a specific order and carries them to the vulcanizer. The interior of the vulcanizer for this process is different from the one for the bladders. It is form-fitted to hold the six panels, to create the channels between the panels, and to add any embossed information. The assembler then fits the panels individually into specified sections in the vulcanizer. A bladder / carcass is taken off the overhead conveyor, covered with a coating of glue, and placed inside the chamber of the vulcanizer that is lined with the cover panels. When the basketball emerges from the vulcanizer, most of its surface is still smooth (there are no bumps, called pebbling), but the channels and any embossing are formed into the surface.(8) The step of decals and foil decoration and information (if any) are applied by hand with small heat presses after the smooth ball is retrieved from the vulcanizer. Each basketball is carefully inspected for gaps between the panels. These can occur, but each gap may be filled during this inspection with a small piece of rubber that is hand-cut to fit the gap. The basketball then is fitted into another vulcanizer that unifies the finished surface, blending in any gap fillers, and is specially molded to form the surface pebbling. The vulcanized basketballs are stored again for 24 hours in a second test to make sure they hold air.(9) This step involves making the covers for basketballs that are made of synthetic laminated rubber or leather that are also made in panels that are die-cut like the rubber panels. The synthetic laminated panels are shaved or trimmed along the edges, fitted and glued together by hand, and laminated to the carcass to create channels. They are also embossed by a heating process and decals are added. Any glue traces around the edges are removed, and any imperfect panels are replaced in the final inspection of synthetic laminated covers. Leather covers are made of full-grain, genuine leather and are stitched with heavy-duty machines; instead of indented, formed channels. The stitching forms the channels in leather balls. They are printed by silk screening and foil stamping, and their inspection includes a review of the uniformity and colour of the leather.(10) Finally, the step of final testing, inspecting, and packing is done. Biodegradable basketballs that pass the second 24-hour air pressure test are “bounce tested” to meet the regulation for inflation pressure that results in each ball bouncing a prescribed / predetermined height. The biodegradable basketball is dropped from a height of 6 feet (72 inches) onto a solid surface, usually concrete or hardwood. The biodegradable basketball then should bounce back to a height of approximately 49 to 54 inches when dropped from this height. This test ensures that the biodegradable basketball has the correct air pressure and material quality, which are critical for consistent performance during games. Biodegradable basketballs that pass the bounce test are numbered to show the production run, and the decals and other artwork are inspected and touched up by hand as needed. Each completed biodegradable basketball is inspected again. The inspector removes the production run tag, and the ball is deflated so it can be easily packed and shipped. Each flattened basketball is packed in a polyethylene bag, and the bagged balls are boxed for bulk shipment to the distributor. The distributor also inspects the balls when they are received and is responsible for reinflating them to the correct pressure and packaging them in display boxes for sale, which is also biodegradable. The display boxes may also be packed in bulk for distribution to retailer.

[0122] In another embodiment of the present invention, the present disclosure may also be directed to manufacturing indoor or outdoor biodegradable pickleball ballssuch as the biodegradable pickleball ball shown in Figure 14. The biodegradable pickleball ball may include a BDP material blended into the rubber to make the entire pickleball ball susceptible to being consumed by bacteria and microbes found in the environment. The inclusion of the BDP with the plastic polymer of the pickleball ball does not compromise the physical properties of the product. But it can be advantageous that when the biodegradable pickleball ball is lost at an unreachable spot or location or ending up in landfill, the naturally occurring microbes can consume it entirely, leaving behind organic matter which is beneficial for the environment. Similar to the previous embodiments, the BDP is a polymer that can be added in the production process for the plastic polymer compound of the pickleball.

[0123] In an embodiment, pickleball balls are typically made from a hard type of plastic called polyethylene. This material is selected for its durability and resilience.The core of a pickleball ball usually consists of perforated plastic, featuring small holes that affect the pickleball ball’s aerodynamics during gameplay. The construction of the pickleball ball can vary based on its intended use, that is, whether it is for indoor or outdoor play. For example, for indoor biodegradable pickleball balls, these are made of softer materials, which make them easier to control. However, they don’t travel as far or as fast as outdoor pickleball balls. Indoor biodegradable pickleball balls often consist of two halves fused together and may have a slight seam. For example, for outdoor biodegradable pickleball balls, these are made with harder resins and plastics, allowing them to withstand outdoor conditions. These biodegradable pickleball balls must meet certain specifications according to the rules of pickleball from the USA pickleball association.

[0124] The biodegradable pickleball ball may have the following characteristics and specifications: A) For the construction of the biodegradable pickleball ball, the ball is made of a durable material molded with a smooth surface and free to texturing. The pickleball ball can be one uniform colour, except for identification markings. The pickleball may have a slight ridge at the seam, as long as it does not significantly impact the pickleball ball’s flight characteristics. B) For the approval of the biodegradablepickleball ball, the tournament director will choose the tournament pickleball ball. The pickleball ball selected for play in any USA Pickleball or the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) tournament must be named on the official list of approved pickleballs on the USA Pickleball and GPF websites. C) The biodegradable pickleball ball shall be 2.87 inches (7.29 cm) to 2.97 inches (7.54 cm) in diameter. The maximum out-of-round diameter variance shall not be greater than + / - 0.020 inch (0.51 mm). D) The biodegradable pickleball ball shall weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces (22.1 and 26.5 grams). E) The biodegradable pickleball ball shall have a bounce of 30 to 34 inches (76.2 to 86.4 cm) to the top of the pickleball ball when dropped from a height of 78 inches (198.1 cm) onto a granite surface plate that is a minimum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 4 inches (10.2 cm). The test is to be performed at an ambient temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (F) + / - 5 degrees F. F) The pickleball ball undergoing a test performed in accordance with (IAW) ASTM F1888-09 or known as the standard test method for compression-displacement of balls, to yield an average compression test result of less than 43 LBF. Each pickleball ball will be tested two (2) times, once with the load applied perpendicular to the ball seam (if applicable) and once with the load applied parallel to the ball seam (if applicable). If there are no seams, then the pickleball ball will be tested once in a random location and the second location will be approximately 90-degrees from the first. G) The biodegradable pickleball ball will have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes, with spacing of the holes and overall design of the pickleball ball conforming to flight characteristics. The pickleball ball must have a manufacturers or supplier’s name or logo printed or embossed on the surface, in addition to the “USA Pickleball Approved” seal or text treatment on the biodegradable pickleball ball packaging in the case of pickleball balls intended for competition, or “USA Pickleball Approved” seal for non-competition applications.

[0125] The manufacturing process for the biodegradable pickleball can comprise the following steps:Step 1 : Creating the Mold The first step in the biodegradable pickleball ball manufacturing process is to create themold that will be used to form the pickleball ball. The mold is usually made from a combination of metal and plastic and is designed to fit the specific dimensions and performance characteristics of the pickleball ball. The mold is created using a computer- aided design (CAD) program, which ensures precise and accurate dimensions.Step 2: Filling the MoldOnce the mold is complete, it is filled with the material that will be used to make the ball. This material can be plastic, polymer, or a combination of both. The mold is then placed into a heating and cooling chamber, where the material is melted and then cooled to solidify.Step 3: Removing the FlashThe solidified pickleball ball is then removed from the mold and subjected to a process called flash removal. During this process, any excess material is trimmed away to ensure that the biodegradable pickleball is the correct size and shape. This step is crucial to ensure that the pickleball ball meets industry standards and performs optimally on the court.Step 4: Cross-linkingFor polymer pickleball balls, an additional step called cross-linking is performed. This process involves exposing the pickleball ball to high temperatures and pressures, which helps to strengthen and stabilise the material. Cross-linking ensures that the pickleball ball has consistent performance characteristics and a long lifespan.Step 5: Testing and Quality ControlRegardless of the material used, the final step in the biodegradable pickleball ball manufacturing process is to inspect and test the pickleball ball for quality. This process typically involves measuring the pickleball ball’s size, weight, and bounce characteristics to ensure that it meets industry standards. If the pickleball ball passes all of the tests, it is packaged and shipped to retailers or directly to customers. If the pickleball ball does notmeet quality standards at this stage, it is then discarded and the manufacturing process begins again.

[0126] It may be appreciated that the item for sports may be at least one selected from the group of: tennis ball, tennis ball cannister, tennis ball cannister lid, squash ball, Australian Football League (AFL) ball, Rugby ball, National Football League (NFL) ball, soccer ball, basketball, rubber shoe or shoe with a rubber component, padel ball, golf ball, pickleball, and basketball. It may be appreciated that the application and the item shaped may be extendable to any type of ball that can bounce or items that can used as a sporting good; and that the above list is non-exhaustive.

[0127] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein.

[0128] The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A process for preparing a composite biodegradable material for an item used in sports, the process comprising: powderising a first non-biodegradable polymer and powderising a biodegradable polymer; melting the first powderised non-biodegradable polymer and the powdered biodegradable polymer to form a liquefied first composite polymer; adding an emulsifier to the liquefied composite polymer; wherein the first composite polymer is extruded under a predetermined pressure; cooling the extruded first composite polymer, and wherein the cooled first composite polymer is molded to form surface pieces for assembly to a predetermined three-dimensional shape; and wherein aerobic biodegradation of first composite polymer is faster with respect to the first non-biodegradable polymer, and wherein the aerobic biodegradation is slower than anaerobic biodegradation of the first composite polymer.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the assembled surface pieces form an open container body having a first opening at a first end, wherein the opening is sealingly coverable by a lid made of a further surface piece from the first composite polymer.

3. The process of claim 2, wherein the lid having a rim engaging portion adapted to receive a rim defining the first opening of the container body; and wherein the lidfurther comprises a protruding portion adapted to be received in the first opening of the container body, when the rim engaging portion is engaged with the rim of the container body.

4. The process of claim 2, wherein the assembled surface pieces form a tubular body having a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end, wherein the first opening is sealingly coverable by a first lid, and the second opening is sealing coverable by a second lid, wherein the first lid and the second lid is each made of a surface piece from the first composite polymer; and wherein the first lid has a first rim engaging portion adapted to receive a first rim defining the first opening of the container body, and the second lid having a second rim engaging portion adapted to receive a second rim defining the second opening of the container body; and wherein the first lid further comprises a first protruding portion adapted to be received in the first opening of the container body, when the first rim engaging portion is engaged with the first rim of the container body, and the second lid further comprising a second protruding portion adapted to be received in the second opening of the container body, when the second rim engaging portion is engaged with the second rim of the container body.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein the first non-biodegradable polymer is an elastomer, and wherein the first composite polymer is molded into a first surface piece having a first edge and a second surface piece having a second edge, wherein the first edge of the first surface piece is bonded to the second edge of the second surface piece forming a core; and wherein the core is pressurised fromencapsulating compressed air within the bonded first surface piece and the second surface piece.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein the first surface piece is a first shell -half, and wherein the second surface piece is a second shell-half.

7. The process of claim 5, wherein the first surface piece is a first prolate shell-half, and wherein the second surface piece is a second prolate shell-half.

8. The process of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the elastomer is one chosen from the group of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and wherein the biodegradable polymer is at least one chosen from the group of: polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and starch-based bioplastics, and BDP.

9. The process of claim 8, further comprising using at least one filler chosen from the group of: clay, calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate; a vulcanisation agent and a vulcanisation activator, and a curing compound.

10. The process of claim 8, wherein a formulation, measured in parts by weight, comprises the following: 72 parts natural rubber, 28 parts butadiene rubber, 40 parts clay, 8 parts magnesium carbonate, 20 parts calcium carbonate, 2.5 parts zinc oxide, 3.5 parts sulphur, 10 parts BDP.

11. The process of any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising the steps of: melting and extruding a second polymer and the powdered biodegradable polymer to form a second composite polymer, and applying a biodegradable adhesive to affix the second composite polymer to cover the external surface of the core; and wherein the second composite polymer is one selected from the group of: melton cloth, needle cloth, synthetic fiber cloth, and a blend of wool and synthetic fiber cloth; and wherein the second composite polymer degrades slower than the first composite polymer.

12. The process of any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the core is of a predetermined size receivable in the container body of any one of claims 2 to 4.

13. The process of claim 11, wherein the second composite polymer affixed to the external surface of the core is of a predetermined size receivable in the container body of any one of claims 2 to 4.

14. The process of claim 1, wherein the item for sports may be at least one selected from the group of: tennis ball, tennis ball cannister, tennis ball cannister lid, squash ball, Australian Football League (AFL) ball, Rugby ball, National Football League (NFL) ball, soccer ball, basketball, rubber shoe or shoe with a rubber component, padel ball, golf ball, pickleball ball, and basketball.

15. A ball made from the composite biodegradable material of claim 1, the ball comprising:a substantially spherical core formed with rubber; and an outer felt formed of a fibrous material, wherein at least one of the substantially spherical core and the outer felt include a selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer.

16. The ball of claim 15, wherein the fibrous material includes a synthetic fiber, or wherein the fibrous material includes a wool; and wherein the biodegradable polymer is a nutrient for one or more microbes found in an environment; and wherein the selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer is selected based on a physical property of the ball.

17. The ball of claim 16, wherein the selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer is selected based on a physical property of the ball.

18. The ball of claim 16, wherein the biodegradable polymer is edible by microorganisms found in an environment.

19. The ball of claim 16, wherein the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer is selected based on a threshold that causes a microorganism to consumer the ball after a predetermined period of time.

20. A container for sporting goods made from the composite biodegradable material of claim 1, the container comprising: a hermetic canister formed of a first plastic material; anda lid to cover the hermetic canister, formed of a second plastic material, wherein at least one of the first plastic material and the second plastic material contain a selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the biodegradable polymer is a nutrient for one or more microbes found in an environment, or wherein the biodegradable polymer is edible by microorganisms found in a disposal environment, or wherein the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the first plastic material is selected based on a desired internal pressure in the hermetic canister when closed, or wherein the selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer is different for the first plastic material and for the second plastic material; and wherein the selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer is selected based on a physical property of the hermetic canister.

22. A method of manufacturing a tennis ball made from the composite biodegradable material of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: including a first selected proportion of a biodegradable polymer in a rubber precursor; forming the rubber precursor into a spherical core; emulsifying the rubber precursor into a rubberized sphere; including a second selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in a fibrous material; and forming a surface cap on the spherical core with the fibrous material.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein including a second selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the fibrous material comprises mixing the biodegradable polymer with a synthetic fiber.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein including a second selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the fibrous material comprises mixing the biodegradable polymer with a wool fiber.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein including a first selected proportion of the biodegradable polymer in the fibrous material comprises determining a threshold amount of the biodegradable polymer that preserves a desired physical property of the tennis ball.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising mixing the biodegradable polymer with a resin to form the rubber precursor.

27. The method of claim 22, further comprising selecting the biodegradable polymer from a nutrient of one or more bacteria in a disposal environment.

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