Standards Development

Scope

This European Standard specifies minimum durability, environmental and toxicological requirements for tufted, woven, and knitted carpets used in synthetic turf sports surfaces. It is applicable to all forms of synthetic turf sports surface including those used for outdoor or indoor single sport or multi-sports areas.

Notes:

1. The sports performance characteristics of a synthetic turf sports surface are provided by the combined properties of the synthetic turf carpet, any infill within the pile of the carpet, and any shockpad laid beneath the carpet. The selection of the correct permutations of each is complex and the responsibility of the sports surface designer. Minimum requirements for the sports performance and player welfare properties of a synthetic turf sports surface are given in EN 15330-1, and in sporting regulations published by some international sports governing bodies. Selection of the appropriate standard is the responsibility of the sports facility designer.

2.Minimum requirements for the quality and performance of shockpads used within a synthetic turf surface are specified in EN 15330-4

3.Minimum requirements for the quality and performance of infill materials used within a synthetic turf surface are specified in EN 15330-5

Purpose

Historically EN 15330-1 has primarily focused on the sports and technical performance aspects of synthetic turf sports surfaces, with limited criteria for the performance and quality of the materials used to form the surfaces. Increasingly the market is seeing public awareness and concerns about the impact synthetic turf surfaces have on the environment. At an EU level there are already restrictions being considered that are aimed to control/eliminate the environmental impact of infills on the environment and human health. Recently the EU has announced its focus is moving onto secondary microplastics created through normal use (wear and tear).

The EU has announced that they wish to reduce secondary microplastic releases by 30% in total by 2030. Synthetic turf surfaces have been identified as one potential source of such secondary microplastic releases. Although the quantity of release from synthetic turf surfaces is not fully (if at all) known, it is reasonable to say that reducing the releases by the major sources (tyre wear and textiles) will be harder for society, meaning the regulators are likely to have to achieve their reductions by partly focusing on sources of less social significance e.g., synthetic turf fields.

1.A lack of European Standards covering topics of concern increases the justification for legal regulation. Those setting regulations have many aspects to consider, and many lobby groups submitting conflicting opinions; this increases the risk draconian regulations being introduced;

2.Having EN standards that address the topics of concern shows industry is aware and addressing the topics and helps counter the need for legal regulation or allows the regulation to incorporate the EN standard.