MAINTAINING THE Future of Turf

The artificial sports turf sector is undergoing an evolution that has environmental sustainability at its heart. SportsNation looks at the latest developments

With EU legislation phasing out rubber crumb infills used in 3G pitches by 2031, the industry is busy looking for alternative products. As a result, a range of organic infill alternatives, such as cork, pine and birch wood, olive pits and corn, are growing their market share. While it is currently uncertain whether the UK will follow the EU’s lead and adopt a ban of rubber infill, an increasing number of pitch systems are being developed without the need for it.

This evolution of artificial grass pitches brings new questions and challenges around their maintenance for consistent and long-life performance. Unlike rubber crumb, the long-term behaviour of organic infills is not yet fully studied or understood. Factors such as rate of infill loss, compaction, material durability and breakdown – as well as cold-weather performance (frost and freezing) – all have implications for player safety, play performance and capital and running costs for owner/operators.

Innovation through collaboration

To address these challenges, a new knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) was launched between SAPCA member, Technical Surfaces (a Sportex Group Company), a leader in artificial pitch maintenance and Loughborough University’s Sport Surfaces Research Group, based at the university’s Sports Technology Institute.

The collaborative initiative, part funded by Innovate UK, is led by KTP Associate Zach Morley. The 30-month project is focused on developing evidence-based maintenance and performance monitoring frameworks for these next generation of organic infilled artificial pitches.

Building on many insights and innovative analysis techniques from a previous KTP, analysing rubber crumb systems, the KTP team is combining standard and modified on-site testing with novel laboratory analysis of these natural infill materials; which exhibit a wide variety of physical properties and more complex behaviour relative to rubber infills.

As an example, it has developed an innovative method for precisely measuring how the particle size distribution of installed organic infills may degrade in service, allowing for more accurate monitoring of infill breakdown. The potential degradation of infills is a key factor in the longevity of a pitch – and organic infills are generally considered as less durable than rubber-based ones.

Field testing is key for data-driven evaluation of the effectiveness of different maintenance techniques and the need to adapt their nature and frequency on these non-rubber infill systems. The collected data helps to model the expected degradation in performance of organic infill pitches and for Technical Surfaces to successfully design tailored asset management maintenance packages for the specific organic infill systems installed.

As the industry embraces and drives greater sustainability practice, it is concomitantly vital that the sector evolves effective maintenance management practices for the high cost and high value playing field assets, benefitting all the many stakeholders impacted.

A round-up of the latest developments in the artificial sports turf sector

EnviroStik launches Eco-Fix adhesive made out of recycled pitches

SAPCA member EnviroStik has launched its new Eco-Fix adhesive range, a groundbreaking development in adhesives, where innovation meets sustainability. Eco-Fix is manufactured using recycled synthetic grass, reducing impact on the planet while providing superior bond adhesion.

Helping to close the loop on the sports and play construction industry for a circular economy, it is the first product of its kind on the market, produced from end-of-life synthetic grass carpets. As a result, Eco-Fix helps projects meet sustainability targets and reduce their environmental footprint. Its innovative recycled content formula meets or exceeds all governing body standards, such as FIFA.

Based on the average-sized football pitch, Eco-Fix eliminates a minimum of 5 million microplastic particles from inevitably polluting ecosystems. The innovation looks to redefine environmental sustainability for sports and leisure surfaces, with a unique blended formulation designed to be an essential industry resource.

Rob Edge, Sales and Technical Development at EnviroStik, says: “We’re proud to lead the way in sustainable innovation. Eco-Fix is a game-changer, turning old synthetic grass into a high-performance adhesive that helps reduce waste and meets green targets.”

Africa’s first World Rugby-certified 3G pitch features organic infill

Africa’s first synthetic rugby pitch certified by World Rugby features a natural cork infill developed by SAPCA member company, Amorim Sports. Installed at Curro Windhoek School in Namibia, the project marks a major milestone in sustainable sports infrastructure for high-temperature regions.

With average daytime temperatures reaching 35 °C (95 °F), the school required a surface that could ensure both player performance and safety under extreme conditions. Amorim Sports’ Infill Nature, a high- performance cork solution, was chosen for its exceptional thermal resistance, reducing surface temperatures by up to 12 °C (53.6 °F) when compared to some traditional synthetic infills.

Beyond heat mitigation, the cork infill delivers outstanding shock absorption, UV resistance and long-term durability, providing a consistent playing experience while supporting athlete well-being. Made from renewable raw materials, Infill Nature is 100% recyclable, microplastic-free, and carries a carbon-negative footprint of –72.5 kg CO e/kg.

Stoke City invests in maintenance regime as part of synthetic pitch strategy

English Championship football club, Stoke City FC, has implemented a strong synthetic surface care programme at its training ground with the help of the new Syn-Pro SVR 1500 by SAPCA member company SISIS, a division of Howardson Ltd.

The SVR 1500, a two-in-one deep cleaning and decompaction machine, has been a trusted part of the maintenance regime for two years, impressing Andy with its ease of use and results. “It’s robust, simple to use and gives us the finish we need. It cleans, distributes rubber evenly and removes a surprising amount of debris.”

Used mainly during dry months, the SVR 1500 ensures a smooth, consistent surface while supporting Stoke’s sustainability goals, including its long-standing pesticide-free approach.

Our aim is to get beyond a pitch’s expected lifespan. Having the right equipment, like the SVR 1500, is key to achieving that

Stoke City’s Grounds Manager, Andy Jackson, who has spent more than 30 years at the club, knows that artificial pitches demand meticulous upkeep.

“Synthetic surfaces require around eight to ten hours of maintenance every week,” he says.

“If you stay on top of it, you’ll dramatically extend the life and quality of the pitch.”

“Our aim is to get beyond a pitch’s expected lifespan. Having the right equipment, like the SVR 1500, is key to achieving that.”

Domo’s new Optimum Dry hockey cuts need for water

The days of soaking hockey pitches before every match could soon be over, with the arrival of an innovative, waterless artificial turf pitch. Domo Optimum Dry – from SAPCA member company, Domo Sports Grass – is described as a breakthrough surface able to deliver elite, water-based playing performance without using any irrigation water.

Already making waves in Europe, including a landmark installation in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, the pitch is now available for the UK market. Its patent-pending yarn technology features ultra-fine, round fibres with a unique smoothness-enhancing additive, creating a surface that offers the same consistent glide and grip as a watered pitch, while reducing injury risk and maintenance demands.

Waterless turf with the glide and grip of a watered pitch

Engineered for speed, control, and safety and aimed at UK hockey clubs, schools and local authorities, Domo Optimum Dry dramatically cuts operating costs, supports year-round play and features the Domo Infinitum recyclable backing – meaning it’s as sustainable as it is high performing.

Synthetic turf supplying fresh water in South Africa

A landmark project in South Africa is highlighting how synthetic turf can be used to enable freshwater recycling. Two ‘Cruyff Courts’ are simultaneously providing a high-quality playing surface while integrating an advanced water collection and filtration system under the field, providing the local community with fresh potable water.

The installation of the courts is part of a wider initiative by the Cruyff Foundation, supporting various sports endeavours for children, and young people with special needs. The two new fields in Orange Farm, near Johannesburg, bring the total number of Cruyff Courts to 10 in the country.

The project was headed up by sustainable sports specialist, Dutchblue, which provided an advanced water collection and filtration system through its partners Project GreenSource SA.

The ‘Catch-Store-Reuse’ sports system captures rainwater, stores it in its sub-base, and purifies it in a GreenSource container next to the field. Runoff collected by the system is filtered to remove contaminants, including bacteria and metals, before being pumped to a fountain for use as potable water. The purified water can then be used via a tap on the outside of the container.