For the first time in Table History, a ball was made with recycled plastic used in international competition. The DHS RS40+, produced with 65% recycled ABS plastic, made its official debut in Europe Smash – Sweden 2025 in Malmö this week, which marked an important milestone in the dedication of the ITTF to sustainability.
This performance is the result of years of vision, cooperation and innovation, led by ITTF president Petra Sörling, who made sustainability a cornerstone of her first term.
From concept to competition
The path from concept to competition was fast but rigorous. The recycled material purchasing was completed earlier this year, with the first entry to the ITTF equipment department on 27 February 2025. More than 65% of the raw material comes from items such as household appliances – knitting, TVs, washing machines – a second life to waste, without switching on a single bounce.
After extensive tests, including material and performance alertation, the ball was officially approved by the ITTF on March 18, 2025. Parallel collaboration with players was central to the process. Players were given sample balls in the run -up to the event to guarantee sufficient preparation and adjustment time. Tests were also carried out for large competitions, including tests from Sharath Kamal Achanta, co-chairman of the ITTF Athletes Commission, during the ITTF World Championships Finals 2025.
This combination of laboratory precision and athlete-oriented feedback ensured that the ball met the high-performance standards that were expected at the elite level of table tennis.
Collaboration in the ecosystem
The core of this success was the close cooperation between the ITTF equipment department, the manufacturer DHS and the play community. The equipment department not only supervised the technical tests, but also led the development to guarantee compliance with international competition standards.
By working hand in hand with manufacturers, managers and athletes, the ITTF has demonstrated the power of collective responsibility in stimulating innovation for sustainability.
Leadership drives change
Since the start of her mandate, President Sörling has given priority to concrete sustainability initiatives in sport. Early in her term of office she started conversations with manufacturers to explore ways to reduce the environmental footprint of table tennis equipment.
“This really feels like a dream, to be here with a recycled ball in the game today. It’s the result of enormous hard work,” said President Sörling. “From the start of my first term we have made sustainability a priority. I met manufacturers to investigate how we could make our equipment more environmentally friendly, and I was encouraged by their openness and willingness to go on this journey with us.
“After a long process of research, testing and tasting with the involvement of players, we have finally reached this milestone: competing with a recycled ball that meets the expectations and standards of elite table tennis. I am both delighted and proud that, thanks to the shared efforts of all involved, we have achieved this in such a short period.”
Perspective of players
Although the production and the process were crucial, the ultimate test was on the field. Adriana Díaz, ITTF Planet Ambassador, is at the forefront of arguing for sustainable practices in table tennis.
“I think these changes are so important for our future,” Diaz said. “I am really happy that we have made a high quality ball with which we can play a smash. I really like it, it feels really good.”
Other top athletes echoed this sentiment and noted that the ball feels familiar in the game and at the same time offers the certainty of more sustainability.
“I heard that the ball uses a new material made from recycled plastic,” said Sun Yingsha, Women’s World No.1 and three times Grand Smash champion. “After two days of training I didn’t notice a big difference. It feels familiar, comfortable and easy to adjust. And I’m ready to give my everything every game.”
“The RS40+ has a reliable feeling and a little less spider, making it easier to control in high -pressure situations,” said Patrick Franziska. “The quality has been excellent – not a break, not even on peripheral hits – and I used it in practice last week. Until now I am really happy with how it performs.”
“The RS40+ feels reliable. It plays with the consistency that you expect at this level,” said Omar Assar. “For my playing style it actually feels better. Every player has his own preference when it comes to balls, but the way in which it is produced really works for me. And the fact that it is made with recycled materials simply makes it even more impressive.”
A milestone for the future
Europe Smash only marks the start of this new era for table tennis. “What DHS has created here is the proof that innovation does not have to compromise about the performance. The RS40+ has been tested by the best, trusting by top players, and holds under Grand Smash pressure,” said Steve Dainton, ITTF Group Chief Executive Officer
By introducing the first recycled game ball in the world to a Grand Smash, the ITTF and WTT have set a benchmark for sustainable innovation in sport. This initiative is part of a broader strategy under ITTF Sustainability Action Plan, which includes sustainability in every level of the game, from development from grassroots to events of world class and innovation of equipment.
With the RS40+ now officially in the game, Table Tennis has proven that better performance can also mean a better goal.
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