Millie Smythe has launched an exciting new initiative to promote sustainability in pickleball.
The England international studied design at university, taking an interest in environmental issues then, and has been concerned to see the amount of waste created in the sport since taking it up in 2023 – most notably with broken pickleballs.
Indeed, with 500 million pickleballs manufactured every year, and 35,000 tonnes of plastic waste produced by the sport globally, it’s easy to see why she’s now created CRACK’D, a company that recycles discarded balls and makes new products.
“With the sport gaining popularity, so too is its plastic waste problem,” she told Pickleball 52. “I knew most people would want to reduce their environmental impact but the systems just haven’t existed… until now!
“That’s why I launched CRACK’D – a solution for players, clubs, and event organisers to responsibly recycle their broken pickleballs. Using my background in sustainable design, the rescued material is going to be transformed into a range of exciting products, keeping the pickleballs out of landfill and giving them a second life.”
Clubs and players interested in CRACK’D’s mission can get in touch directly via their website or via email.
