Artificial turf pitches have become increasingly common as part of modern sports facilities, schools and public spaces. They offer a flexible and sustainable solution for sports and leisure activities, especially in regions with challenging climatic conditions where grass does not work all year round.
But what exactly is artificial turf? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
And what does the market look like in the Nordic countries and Europe?
In this blog article, we take a closer look at the topic.
Artificial turf is a synthetic surface that imitates natural grass. It consists of plastic fibers, usually made of polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon, attached to a durable latex or polyurethane mat. These fibers vary in length, density and softness depending on the application. To create a natural feel and cushioning, infill materials such as sand, rubber granules or alternative bio-based materials - such as A Good Choice high quality bioinfill - are used .
Artificial turf is mainly used for sports fields such as football pitches, rugby fields and golf courses, but also for landscaping, schools and playgrounds.
Artificial turf has become popular for several reasons, especially in areas where natural grass surfaces can be difficult to maintain.
Here are some of its main advantages:
Low maintenance
One of the main advantages of artificial grass is that it requires less maintenance compared to natural grass. No watering, fertilizing or mowing is needed, saving both time and resources.
Durability and wear resistance
Artificial grass can be used all year round, regardless of weather conditions. It is particularly useful in cold or rainy regions where natural grass pitches often become muddy and unusable during certain periods.
Smooth surface
Artificial turf provides a consistent playing experience, free from the unevenness that can occur on natural grass pitches. This makes it a popular choice for professional sports fields.
Low water consumption
In water-scarce areas, artificial turf is an environmentally friendly option as it requires little or no irrigation.
Versatility
Artificial turf can be adapted for different sports and activities. There are specially designed grass types for everything from football to tennis and golf.
Artificial turf also has drawbacks to consider, such as the environmental impact of fossil plastics and the release of microplastics from infill materials - unless it is degradable and bio-based. Installation is costly despite lower maintenance costs, and the pitch can get uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. Artificial turf has a limited lifespan of 8-15 years and does not always provide the same playing feel as natural grass, which some athletes prefer.
The Nordic region is a unique region for the artificial turf market due to its cold climate and short growing season. As environmental awareness increases, both municipalities and private operators are looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional artificial turf. This has led to an increase in biodegradable infill materials and recyclable artificial turf products.
Artificial turf is widely used in schools, where its durability and versatility are particularly valuable. It is also popular in municipal sports fields as it allows for more year-round activities.
The EU's upcoming ban on rubber granules (due to come into force in 2031) has attracted a lot of attention in the Nordic countries. Countries such as Sweden and Norway are already actively working to replace rubber granules with more environmentally friendly alternatives. A Good Choice offers several different bio-based infill materials (READ MORE HERE).
Europe is the largest market for artificial turf globally, with annual growth driven by sporting events, urban development projects and schools' need for multifunctional surfaces. As in the Nordics, sustainability is a key issue in Europe. The EU's REACH regulation has accelerated the development of greener alternatives. Several countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium, have already started to move towards more sustainable materials.
Major investments in sports grounds and infrastructure, such as UEFA and FIFA certified artificial turf pitches, are driving growth. In Eastern Europe, we are also seeing an increase in artificial turf installations as the sports sector grows.
The artificial turf market is in a transitional phase, with the focus shifting towards sustainability and innovation. The future of the industry will be characterized by: