Artificial Turf's Impact on People and the Environment

Artificial grass poses risks to both humans and the environment - Artificial turf poses risks to people and the environment

The world of football is constantly evolving, and this evolution extends beyond the game itself. One area that has seen significant change in recent years is the surface upon which the game is played: artificial football pitches.

In an effort to mimic the bounce and roll behavior of a ball and the cushioning experienced when running, an infill granulate is needed between the plastic blades of these pitches. Traditionally, this infill has been made of rubber granulate, but clubs are increasingly turning to more sustainable alternatives, such as quartz sand, to reduce their environmental footprint.

The BV 1921 Stift Quernheim football club in Kirchlengern, East Westphalia, is a prime example of this shift. Their new artificial turf pitch is equipped with quartz sand infill, a more sustainable choice than its rubber counterpart.

Artificial football pitches offer several advantages. They do not require mowing, are robust, low-maintenance, and can be played on during muddy or frozen conditions. However, they do come with environmental concerns.

The EU estimates that 16,000 tons of microplastics from football pitches end up in nature, rivers, and seas each year. To address this issue, there are filter systems that can catch microplastic particles and protect surrounding waters.

By 2031, plastic granulate will be banned from sale, but not the artificial pitches themselves. This means that over 28 tons of granulate is needed for one standard-sized (105 by 68 meters) artificial turf pitch.

Experts predict that there could be pitches in the future that don't need infill granulate at all. Potential alternatives include ground olive kernels, shredded corn husks, wood chips, and cork.

The old pitches are often replaced due to aging and the need to comply with EU regulations regarding microplastics. It's worth noting that, as of now, there is no publicly known fixed deadline when artificial football pitches in the EU must either be banned or switch to an alternatively certified infill substance.

A life cycle assessment of artificial and natural turf by the University of Zurich resulted in a balanced outcome, with both materials having their ecological pros and cons.

In the Bundesliga, most stadiums opt for hybrid turf, a natural grass surface enhanced with a small percentage of synthetic fibers. However, this mix is not sustainable for recycling at the end of its lifespan.

As of now, more than 5,000 of these pitches are made of artificial turf, according to the German Football Association. This number is significant, considering that approximately 65,000 football pitches exist in Germany.

Artificial football pitches can reach temperatures as high as 70 degrees Celsius, making the air above them warmer. To combat this, clubs often water the plastic fields to lower temperatures.

During play, the smallest microplastic particles from football pitches are pushed to the edges and beyond, with wind and rain aiding their dispersal. This is a concern, as these particles can end up in our environment, contributing to the overall microplastic pollution.

Despite these concerns, the shift towards more sustainable infill materials and the continued development of alternative pitch designs offer hope for a greener future in football.