Artificial turf is widely used in modern football, but its future is changing. The European Union has adopted stricter rules on the use of microplastics, which will also affect infill materials on football pitches.
Following the Green Deal, in September 2023, the EU approved Regulation 2023/2055, which prohibits the use of loose microplastics in synthetic turf. As microplastics are defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, this ban will affect all rubber granules currently used as infill on artificial turf football pitches (SBR, recycled EPDM, virgin EPDM, TPE, etc.).
To allow clubs and sports organizations to prepare for these changes, a transition period has been established, ending in September 2031. Until then, existing turf fields with rubber infill can be operated without restrictions. New fields with rubber infill can be installed, but only until the end of the transition period. After 2031, it will no longer be possible to use rubber in new installations, but fields that have such infill will continue to operate normally. This transition period gives clubs and municipalities time to adapt to the new standards and seek more environmentally friendly options when issuing tenders.
FIFA Quality and Quality Pro certifications are the most important parameters when issuing tenders, both for professional and amateur football. Turf fields with rubber infill meet FIFA requirements for stability, shock absorption, ball bounce, and ball roll, etc. After the end of the transition period, fields with existing rubber infill will retain their certification until the end of the surface's lifespan. Newly installed turf fields will have to be rubber-free.
Alternatives to microplastic infills:
- Non-infill turf – does not yet meet FIFA Quality standards
- Organic infills (e.g., cork, crushed olive pits, corn, coconut fibers) – already used in Western Europe for several years, meet FIFA Quality standards
- Hybrid turf – a combination of natural and artificial turf, mainly used in professional football, meets FIFA Quality standards
The development of new materials will be crucial, and it will not be easy to meet the FIFA parameters set in the new manual issued in 2024.
It is certain that there will be an increase in systems with lower pile heights. Since rubber infill improved stability and provided elasticity to the surface, its removal will mean that elasticity will have to be added to the system from below – a shockpad or in-situ layer. Lower pile heights, e.g., 30–40 mm instead of the traditional 50–60 mm, allow for less infill consumption and better fiber stability. A shockpad (PE or PU foam in the form of rolls or sheets) balances shock absorption and increases comfort for players. An in-situ layer (a finisher-laid elastic layer) forms a firmly bonded base with damping properties and eliminates the need for a separate shockpad.
Will FIFA accept new non-infill systems? How will tests for stability and ball behavior change without infill?
Manufacturers of artificial turf have already invested considerable financial resources in developing new solutions or retesting old ones according to the new FIFA manual. For potential customers, the new approach means higher construction costs because a damping layer will need to be added.
The new FIFA 2024 manual logically still includes rubber infill (the ban on microplastics is limited to the EU) and addresses not only fully synthetic surfaces but also hybrid and natural grass. FIFA's main goal has always been, is, and will be to achieve maximum playing comfort, player safety, and sustainability, whether with natural infill or rubber infill.
In conclusion: Football clubs, municipalities, and field managers have until September 2031 to adapt to the new regulations. Nevertheless, it is important to start planning now – what technology to choose, what investments will be needed, and how FIFA certifications will change. The lobby of non-infill turf manufacturers is strong, and it can be expected that they will be considered in the next update of the FIFA manual. The transition period gives football a chance to find sustainable solutions without microplastics that maintain high game quality and player safety.
Article adapted from the April issue of Modern Municipality magazine.
