The use of recycled rubber and plastic as an infill for artificial turf systems may well be impacted by recommendations from the European Commission (EC) to introduce restrictions for the placing of intentionally added microplastics.
Published last week, the EC’s recommendations for restrictions for the placing of intentionally added microplastics onto the European market (Annex XVII REACH1) recommend a ban on the future sale of microplastic infill (most commonly end of life tyre shred) for synthetic turf systems, as the most effective way to reduce microplastic emissions.
The EC is proposing a six year transition period at point of sale before the new restriction becomes effective.
The EC's findings follow research published earlier this year that, for the first time, detected microplastic pollution in human blood for the first time, with scientists from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of the people tested.
While the impact of microplastic pollution in on the body's health is as yet unknown, researchers are concerned as microplastics cause damage to human cells in the laboratory and air pollution particles are already known to enter the body and cause millions of early deaths a year.
While any EC legislation will only apply to its member nations in Europe, it is expected to impact the use of recycled rubber and plastic as an infill in synthetic sports and playground surfacase worldwide.
Responding to the recommendation, the European Synthetic Turf Council has released a position paper identifying risks and opportunities from the proposed ban.
Noting its agreement "with the goals ... (to) reduce the emissions of intentionally added microplastics as part of the wider European Green Deal for climate neutrality by 2050", the ESTC (the EMEA Synthetic Turf Council) highlights its work with many stakeholders (including international sports federations) to help develop the CEN Technical Report 175193 for infill control and mitigation.
Commenting on the EC's six year transition period before the new restriction becomes effective, it notes "current surfaces are expected to be usable for at least 10 years and many existing fields may struggle to achieve their full-service life due to an inability to purchase the materials required for on-going maintenance, forcing communities, schools and sports clubs to either replace their surfaces prematurely or risk deteriorations in the quality and safety of their fields.
"ESTC therefore calls for the transition period to be extended to at least 10 years to enable those that have recently invested in new fields to obtain the full operational life they anticipated."
ESTC goes on to point out that "the proposed legislation does not require any retrospective actions to be undertaken to current fields and this is also welcomed by ESTC as this would have been a significant burden on facility owners and operators. ESTC does, however, encourage everyone to ensure their fields are managed and maintained responsibly so they do not allow infill to migrate into the environment including the adoption of the guidance outlined in CEN Technical Report 17519 for all new fields that will use microplastic infills during the transition phase.
"The ban of intentionally added microplastic will not change the benefits of turf systems to the millions of people enjoying them each year. Synthetic turf fields offer high quality and long-lasting surfaces that allow communities throughout Europe to benefit from the health, social inclusion and mental wellbeing advantages that sport and physical activity provides in a wide range of different climates."
It also points out that "this decision will be a challenge to the majority of European markets in which infills classified as microplastics have proven to be the most popular. Although a lot of research and development efforts have been taking place in the period leading up to the decision of the European Commission resulting in very promising alternative solutions, the industry will find it challenging in all markets to fully transition within the proposed period of six years.
"This further reinforces the request to extend the transition period to at least 10 years to allow for a more controlled changeover."
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Perfect Gym Solutions is a software as a service (SaaS) solution purpose-built to service the fitness industry, with over 1000 clients servicing over two million gym members across 40 countries making…
Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums.
Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…
Since 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…
Principal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…
Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…
Track. Engage. Retain
GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…
