Product novelty 01. September 2026
Patented bio-based infill made from ARBOBLEND® for artificial turf sports pitches
Conventional artificial turf sports pitches often use fossil-based or recycled plastic granules, which can enter the environment as microplastics through use and weathering. At the same time, regulatory requirements and the demand for sustainable alternatives are on the rise. The aim was therefore to develop a high-performance bio-based infill material offering excellent sporting performance and reduced environmental impact.
As part of the FNR research project NaKura, TECNARO developed an innovative bio-based infill material made from ARBOBLEND® for artificial turf sports pitches, based on renewable raw materials. The aim was to replace conventional, microplastic-based infill granules with a high-performance and more environmentally friendly alternative. The project specifically addresses the EU’s increasing regulatory requirements to reduce microplastic emissions into the environment.
The development took place in close collaboration with research partners, sports facility operators and end-users. In parallel with the material development, sport-specific properties such as torsional resistance, force dissipation, ball behaviour and load-bearing capacity were investigated in accordance with relevant DIN and sports ground standards. Scientific support was provided, amongst others, by the Institute of Plastics Technology Stuttgart (IKT) at the University of Stuttgart.
The infill developed is based on bio-based and biodegradable materials and has been successfully tested in demonstration and practical applications. The results showed that, in addition to a significant reduction in potential microplastic emissions, excellent sporting performance characteristics can also be achieved. The project also investigated how the applied material behaves in the soil and what effects this has on the environment and soil organisms.
As part of the FNR research project NaKura, TECNARO developed an innovative bio-based infill material made from ARBOBLEND® for artificial turf sports pitches, based on renewable raw materials. The aim was to replace conventional, microplastic-based infill granules with a high-performance and more environmentally friendly alternative. The project specifically addresses the EU’s increasing regulatory requirements to reduce microplastic emissions into the environment.
The development took place in close collaboration with research partners, sports facility operators and end-users. In parallel with the material development, sport-specific properties such as torsional resistance, force dissipation, ball behaviour and load-bearing capacity were investigated in accordance with relevant DIN and sports ground standards. Scientific support was provided, amongst others, by the Institute of Plastics Technology Stuttgart (IKT) at the University of Stuttgart.
The infill developed is based on bio-based and biodegradable materials and has been successfully tested in demonstration and practical applications. The results showed that, in addition to a significant reduction in potential microplastic emissions, excellent sporting performance characteristics can also be achieved. The project also investigated how the applied material behaves in the soil and what effects this has on the environment and soil organisms.
TECNARO GmbH
Contact
Mr. Jürgen Pfitzer