LTR Products, SMARTE™ Surface Systems Announce Exclusive Partnership

PITTSBURGH, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- LTR Products, a subsidiary of Liberty Tire Recycling, the premier provider of tire recycling services in the United States, has formed a partnership with Parity, Inc. to secure the exclusive rights to the company's patented SMARTE System playground safety surface.  The SMARTE Surface System will use recycled rubber made from tires provided by Liberty Tire Recycling -- including LTR Products' Pinnacle Rubber Mulch -- for the system's base. A top matting is then applied, helping to keep the rubber chips in place and offering a playground surfacing that is wheelchair accessible, fire resistant, low-maintenance, durable and environmentally-friendly.  

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"While playgrounds are meant for fun and fitness, it is an unfortunate fact that more than 150,000 children are hurt each year from falling on the playground," said Brad Pittam, general manager of LTR Products.  "Proper safety surfacing is one of the most important parts of playground construction, and SMARTE Surface Systems made with recycled rubber from tires are the smart choice for playground cushioning that can dramatically reduce serious injuries."

Introduced by LTR Products in 2009, Pinnacle Rubber Mulch is an innovative alternative to traditional wood mulch for landscaping and playground surfacing.  It is non allergenic, non-toxic and harmless to plants, pets and children.  Additionally, as safety surfacing used in playgrounds, a six-inch layer of Pinnacle Rubber Mulch will cushion a child's fall from as high as 16 feet.  Plus, rubber mulch is clean, minimizes airborne dust and particles, and will never splinter like wood mulch.

"We are pleased to announce this new partnership with LTR Products," said Elaine Sherman, president of Parity, Inc. "By using recycled rubber provided exclusively by Liberty Tire Recycling in our SMARTE Surface Systems, we are continuing to enhance the safety and durability of our product."

Developed by Elaine Sherman, the SMARTE Surface System combines the safety and shock absorption of recycled rubber tires with the durability of specially formulated PEM Matting.  The safe, slip-resistant, textured mats do not hold or absorb water.  Additionally, safe, top-surface additives help to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.  SMARTE Surface Systems exceed industry standards for wheelchair accessibility and have a Class II fire code rating.

Elaine Sherman coordinated a research grant project funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Tire Recovery Program and developed SMARTE Playground Surface System.  After numerous successful applications starting in 2003, SMARTE systems can now be found across Illinois and the country.

About LTR Products

As a subsidiary of Liberty Tire Recycling, the premier provider of tire recycling services in the U.S., LTR Products is a creative outlet for advanced rubber-based products.  Each year, LTR Products manufactures the raw materials from millions of discarded tires into innovative products such as Pinnacle Rubber Mulch, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood mulch.  Along with Liberty Tire Recycling, the company maintains a nationwide network of processing plants and convenient shipping points.  LTR Products is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.  For more information, please visit www.ltrproducts.com.

SOURCE LTR Products