CEN to develop new standard on minimum durability, environmental and toxicological requirements

Recognising the increasing regulatory focus on the environmental and sustainability properties of synthetic turf sports surfaces, the European Standards committee CEN TC 217 WG6 has agreed to develop a new standard to specify minimum durability, environmental and toxicological requirements for tufted, woven, and knitted carpets used in synthetic turf sports surfaces. It is envisaged this new standard will be applicable to all forms of synthetic turf sports surfaces, including those used outdoors and indoors as either single sport or multi-sports areas.

It is hoped that the need for new legal regulations will be reduced or eliminated by the development of this standard. It will form part of a series including:

EN 15330-1 – Surfaces for sports areas – Synthetic turf sports surfaces Part 1 sports performance and player welfare requirements

EN 15330-4 – Surfaces for sports areas – Synthetic turf sports surfaces Part 4 requirements for shockpads

EN 15330-5 – Surfaces for sports areas – Synthetic turf sports surfaces Part 5 requirements for infill materials used within synthetic turf and textile sports surfaces

EN 15330 parts 4 and 5 are currently under development by CEN TC 217 WG6. The existing EN 15330-1 will be updated to reflect the changes being proposed.

It is envisaged that this new standard will become a very important document for the synthetic turf industry. ESTC will continue to be actively involved in its development, but individual members are encouraged to participate via their national standards organisations. Development of the new standard will commence in early Decemeber. It is hoped it will be published by the end of 2024 latest.