13th Sep 2022
The European Commission has recommended a ban on the placement into the market of ‘intentionally added microplastics’ – so what does this mean for artificial turf pitches?
The recommended ban will now be voted on by EU member states. If approved, the ban will come into force after an agreed transition period, there is talk of this being no sooner than 6 years from approval. At this point, the ban will only impact the sale of polymeric infill for artificial turf pitches – because these are considered ‘intentionally added microplastics’.
It does not and will not impact the production and use artificial turf itself, organic or natural infills, such as sand, cork, olives, or water-based/non-fill artificial turf systems.
Back in 2020, we looked at the implications of tougher microplastics restrictions on artificial turf pitches. The wider proposals surround the EU’s aims to:
At that time, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Risk Assessment Committee had recommended a ban on the use of polymeric infills in artificial turf, as part of this initiative to reduce the release of microplastics. The Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) was undecided, with both committees delivering finalised opinions to the European Commission.
Two years on, the European Commission has accepted the recommendation to introduce a ban on the future sale of polymeric infills used within synthetic turf systems. A six-year transition period has been proposed once restrictions are officially adopted, pending a vote by EU member states.
Back in 2020, we looked at the implications of tougher microplastics restrictions on artificial turf pitches. The wider proposals surround the EU’s aims to:
At that time, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Risk Assessment Committee had recommended a ban on the use of polymeric infills in artificial turf, as part of this initiative to reduce the release of microplastics. The Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) was undecided, with both committees delivering finalised opinions to the European Commission.
Two years on, the European Commission has accepted the recommendation to introduce a ban on the future sale of polymeric infills used within synthetic turf systems. A six-year transition period has been proposed once restrictions are officially adopted, pending a vote by EU member states.
Ultimately, right now, nothing is changing. But when introduced – in roughly six years’ time – this legislation will be mandatory, and polymeric (e.g. SBR rubber, TPE, EPDM) infills will banned from being sold for use in artificial turf pitches.
With that in mind, anyone considering a new 3G artificial turf pitch will most likely want to consider constructing their pitch with alternative specialist organic infill, such as cork, olives pits or corn, to ensure their pitch is compliant when the ban is introduced.
Contact our team to discuss the options available for your project.
Working with our exclusive partners, FIFA, World Rugby and FIH Preferred Turf Producers, FieldTurf, we can construct your new 3G pitch organic infill materials that are proven and tested to deliver optimum performance.
Get in touch now to discuss your needs. Call 01635 34521 or email info@sandcslatter.com
