Research to Minimise Infill Migration From 3G Artificial Grass Pitches
WHY THIS MATTERS
Sport England and the Football Foundation are committed to promoting sustainable practices in sports facilities.
Synthetic turf fields are valuable assets for local communities. However, the performance infill that is used on 3G pitches can contribute to microplastic pollution. The performance infill is the black rubber crumb that is found on the surface of many 3G pitches.
Our research will provide understanding about the sources of infill migration and inform best practice to contain infill on the pitch.
The goal is to significantly reduce any environmental impact of artificial grass pitches (AGPs); this aligns with global efforts to mitigate environmental pollution.
OUR RESEARCH
This research project is investigating infill migration from the three sources of migration:
1) Player behaviours: Players carry off infill on their kit, in their boots and on equipment.
2) Maintenance equipment and maintenance practices.
3) Pitch and site design: Risk management measures (RMM) have been developed to reduce infill migration and have been incorporated in site building standards (FCEN/TR17519).
The research is being delivered in a partnership between: The Behaviouralist, Sports Labs, Passport365, and BASIS. We are committed to sharing our method, data, results, and recommendations.
We will be updating this website and the reports page with our findings and best practice.
Current BEST PRACTICE
If you manage a sports facility, are a maintenance company or a user or player on synthetic pitches and want to understand how to minimise your environmental impact, please see these existing resources:
2) European Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) Infill Containment Guide
3) The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) FAQs about AGP infill
4) FIDRA – Guidance for Designers and Procurement Specialists
5) FIFA – Code of practice for the Design, Construction and Testing of Football Turf Fields
6) FIDRA – Guidance for Owners, Maintenance teams and players
7) European Chemicals Agency (REACH) – Information about the European Legislation can be found here.
