Artificial turf, infill granules and microplastics
What the EU's microplastics rules mean for the groundsman
Introduction
Many football pitches are artificial turf. Between the plastic fibres lies a layer of granules — small rubber or plastic grains that make the pitch soft and keep the fibres upright. The granules spread off the pitch on players' boots, with rain and with snow that is cleared. That is why the EU has made rules for them.
What does the EU say?
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 of 25 September 2023 restricts «synthetic polymer microparticles». These are plastic particles of at most 5 mm (or fibres up to 15 mm long). From 17 October 2031 infill granules for artificial turf pitches may no longer be placed on the market (Annex, para. 5, point j).
Why? According to the regulation, infill granules are the largest single use of microplastics in products and the largest source of emissions of intentionally added microplastics in Europe (recital 30). The transition period is set at eight years so that pitches can be switched to other solutions (recital 53).
What does it mean for the groundsman?
- 01Existing pitches may still be used. The ban applies to the sale of new infill granules from 2031.
- 02Maintain the pitch so that as few granules as possible escape into nature — e.g. by keeping them on the pitch and collecting them again.
- 03From 17 October 2028 certain fertilising products and products for agriculture and horticulture are also affected (points g and i). This may include polymer-coated slow-release fertilisers. Whether a specific product is covered depends on its classification — ask the supplier.