A student project at Central Saint Martins is tackling the environmental footprint of tennis equipment. POINT, created by third-year Product and Industrial Design student Noé Chouraqui, is a 3D printed tennis ball made from eco-friendly materials. The aim is to offer a recyclable, high-performance alternative to traditional tennis balls.

Tackling Tennis Waste

Every year, the world produces over 300 million tennis balls. Most are discarded after a short time because they lose their bounce and are difficult to recycle. Conventional balls combine a pressurised rubber core with felt, making them almost impossible to separate into reusable parts. As a result, they often end up in landfill, where they can take up to 400 years to decompose. This persistent waste problem grows worse as professional players require consistent performance and replace balls frequently.

Innovation in Materials and Manufacturing

POINT addresses this challenge through additive manufacturing. The ball features a unique internal lattice structure, designed to deliver the same bounce, durability, and aerodynamic performance as a traditional tennis ball. Chouraqui tested different filaments and printing settings using advanced software such as Fusion 360 and BambuLab Studio. Each iteration improved the balance between strength and flexibility, leading to a patented design.

The innovation has already reached the attention of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Jamie Capel Davies, Head of Science and Technical at the ITF, tested the prototype and found its performance closely matched that of standard balls. As a result, the ITF Technical Commission is reviewing the data and may adapt its rules to allow sustainable alternatives in official matches.

Circular Design Thinking

POINT is designed for full recyclability, which means it can return to the production cycle rather than end up in landfill. This closed-loop approach could significantly cut tennis’ environmental impact. It also demonstrates how sustainability and top-level sports performance can go hand in hand, providing a model for other sports products.

Sustainable Packaging

To reinforce its environmental credentials, the project includes recyclable cardboard packaging. By ensuring that both the ball and its packaging align with circular economy principles, POINT offers a holistic approach to sustainability.

If adopted widely, this innovation could reshape tennis equipment and influence other industries that rely on high-performance sports materials. It shows that with the right design approach, sustainable products can meet the highest professional standards.

Source & photos: Central Saint Martins