The "increasing popularity of synthetic sports fields is fuelling the growth" of an Auckland recycling firm, according to Christopher Adams of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Pacific Rubber converts waste tires into rubber "crumbs," which is a "key ingredient of all-weather sports grounds." The company said that it has "enjoyed annual sales growth" of 500% in the past three years, with its products used in the construction of 25 synthetic rugby, football, hockey and baseball fields across New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia. Last year the firm recycled 4,000 tons of old tires that "would have otherwise gone to landfill" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 8/30).