Enviromentally friendly Synthetic turf systems and sports fields (DE-UZ 235)

The new ecolabel may be awarded to artificial turf systems (Part A) and artificial turf sports fields (Part B) that stand out with respect to environmental aspects in comparison to other artificial turf systems and sports fields.

Artificial turf sports fields are often used as an alternative to natural grass fields or pitches in the leisure and sports sectors and are becoming increasingly common due to the fact that, amongst other things, they can be used all year round, are more durable, require less care and maintenance and have lower specific costs per hour of use due to their higher utilisation.

The use of artificial turf can have various effects on the environment and health. In particular, the introduction of microplastics from the artificial turf into the environment has been a much-discussed topic in recent years. This is mainly due to the loss of the infill granules and the impact of the sporting activities, maintenance measures, wind and rain. One important goals of the new ecolabel is thus to reduce the introduction of microplastics into the environment. Although legislation to restrict microplastics was published at the end of October as part of the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH, the ban on placing rubber and plastic materials on the market for use as filling materials for sports fields will only come into force across the EU in 8 years. The Blue Angel will establish appropriate requirements until this legislation comes into force.

Alongside a reduction in plastic emissions, other important goals of the new ecolabel are minimising pollutant emissions into the soil and groundwater and conserving resources by placing requirements on the minimum use (utilisation) of the products as well as on the stability and durability of the artificial turf, promoting the use of post-consumer recycled materials and placing requirements on the ability to dismantle and recycle the artificial turf. In addition, the design, structural integration of the artificial turf sports field and behaviour of the sportspeople using it can also influence the level of any microplastic emissions. Part B places requirements on the use, care and maintenance of the artificial turf sports fields. For example, the sports fields must have a high use efficiency (based on a needs analysis of the hours of use by sportspeople), they must be maintained mechanically without the use of biocides and limits are also placed on the amount of water consumed.