Environmental aspects of artificial turf pitches

Artificial turf pitches are an important part of today's sports and leisure facilities, but they have also become the subject of intense debate about their environmental impact. With the EU's upcoming ban on rubber granules coming into force in 2031, and an increasing focus on sustainability, the industry is facing a shift to more environmentally friendly alternatives. At A Good Choice, we are actively working to develop solutions that meet these requirements and set a new standard for sustainability in the artificial turf industry.

In this article, we review the basics of eco-friendly artificial turf pitches and how our solutions can contribute to a greener future.

 

 

The challenge of traditional artificial turf pitches

Traditional artificial turf pitches have long been used as a practical alternative to natural grass thanks to their durability and low maintenance. However, over time, their negative environmental impact has become clear:

• Permanent microplastic emissions: infill materials such as fossil-based rubber granules release permanent microplastics into the environment, harming aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.

• Plastic waste: Artificial turf is often made from non-recyclable materials, creating waste problems when the pitch needs to be replaced.
  
  
• High initial cost: Despite low maintenance costs, the installation of traditional artificial grass pitches can be costly.
  
  
  

What is an environmentally friendly artificial turf pitch?

An environmentally friendly artificial turf pitch is designed to minimize environmental impact throughout its life cycle. This means that both the materials and the manufacturing processes must be sustainable, while maintaining high performance and durability.

Here are some characteristics:

• Biodegradable infill materials: options such as cork, sand and A Good Choice's innovative infill materials.
  
• Recyclable systems: Plans that can be reused or recycled at the end of their life.
  
• Reduced use of plastic: Integrating natural materials and hybrid turf systems minimizes the use of plastic.
  
  

A Good Choice: Bio-based infill materials

At A Good Choice, we have taken an active leadership in developing sustainable alternatives for artificial turf pitches. Our proprietary, environmentally friendly infill materials are designed to offer high performance while reducing environmental impact. These infills are biodegradable and meet the stringent requirements set by EU regulation and biodegradability requirements, meaning the materials break down into harmless end products within a specified timeframe.

Our products are tested according to strict standards to ensure they meet both environmental and performance requirements.

Read more about our infill materials here:

Want to know more about A Good Choice's REACH compliant infill materials?