How will the EU Microplastics Announcement impact artificial turf?

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.

What is the story behind the Proposed Ban?

 

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:

 

  • Reduce the unintentional release of microplastics in the environment
  • Ultimately reduce environmental pollution and potential risks to human health.

 

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.

3G pitches will be unable to contain polymeric infill after the ban
Organic infill will be unaffected by the ban

What is the story behind the Proposed Ban?

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:

 

  • Reduce the unintentional release of microplastics in the environment
  • Ultimately reduce environmental pollution and potential risks to human health.

 

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.

Sand-dressed artificial turf will be unaffected by the ban
Water-based/non-fill artificial turf will be unaffected by the ban

What do I need to do in response to the ban?

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. 

 

Enquire Now

    Name *

    Email *

    Telephone *

    Organisation *

    Job Title *

    Your privacy is important to us. We will not share your information with any third parties and you can view our full

    Privacy Policy for further details.

    *Mandatory fields

    Organic infills for 3G Pitches

    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