Abstract: Biodegradable sports balls, are described. A biodegradable sports ball includes a petroleum based material, a biological based filler material blended with the petroleum based material, and a biodegradable additive blended with the petroleum based material and the biological based filler material. The biodegradable sports ball is biodegradable based on blending of the biodegradable additive with the petroleum based material. The biodegradable sports ball may be a tennis ball, a racquet ball, a ping pong ball, a pickleball, a wiffle ball, a foam ball, a soccer ball, a football, a rugby ball, a baseball, a softball, a volley ball, a basketball, a playground ball, or a golf ball. The biological based filler material may include calcium carbonate and may provide increased strength and/or durability to the biodegradable sports ball.

Abstract: Biodegradable tennis balls are described. A biodegradable tennis ball includes a core forming a hollow interior chamber, the core made of a blend of a rubber based material, a first petroleum based material, and a first biodegradable additive. The biodegradable tennis ball also includes a felt layer overlaying a surface of the core, the felt layer made of a second blend of a second petroleum based material and a second biodegradable additive. In some cases, the biodegradable tennis ball may include an adhesive layer adhering the felt layer to the core. In some cases, the felt layer may further include wool.

Abstract: Biodegradable tennis balls are described. A biodegradable tennis ball includes a core forming a hollow interior chamber, the core made of a blend of a rubber based material, a first petroleum based material, and a first biodegradable additive. The biodegradable tennis ball also includes a felt layer overlaying a surface of the core, the felt layer made of a second blend of a second petroleum based material and a second biodegradable additive. In some cases, the biodegradable tennis ball may include an adhesive layer adhering the felt layer to the core. In some cases, the felt layer may further include wool.

Abstract: Biodegradable handgrips, for example, for use in racquet sports, baseball bats, golf clubs, fishing poles, bicycle handlebars, and hand tools, are described. The biodegradable handgrips includes a petroleum based material and a biodegradable additive blended with the petroleum based material. The petroleum based material may be nylon, polyester, or polyurethane, and the biodegradable additive may be less than 5% of the handgrip by weight. The biodegradable handgrip may be shaped as a tape that is wrapped around a handle or a sheath that slides over a handle.

Abstract: Biodegradable strings, for example, for use in racquet sports, fishing line, and trimming line, are described. The biodegradable string includes a petroleum based material and a biodegradable additive blended with the petroleum based material. The petroleum based material may be nylon, polyester, or polyurethane, and the biodegradable additive may be less than 5% of the racquet string by weight. The biodegradable string may include one or more filaments containing the biodegradable additive. The biodegradable string may be of a round, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape, and may be capable of withstanding high tension.