Microplastic loss from artificial (3G) pitches – ECHA


Third generation (3G) artificial pitches use performance infill to make a more comfortable playing surface,
loose elastic granules that are added between the ‘grass’ filament pile. In the vast majority of cases this infill
is made of microplastic, often a rubber crumb made by grinding up end of life vehicle tyres (ELT). Using loose microplastic in an outdoor setting clearly creates a risk of microplastic pollution to the environment.

Considering these known impacts, infill is rightly included in the scope of the upcoming microplastics
restriction under REACH. We see the best course of action as follows:
1) We should stop using microplastic on pitches as there are many microplastic-free solutions on
the market and mitigation measures are never going to be fully effective to stop loss.

2) Existing pitches have been designed without mitigation in mind and should be required to
minimise losses where they continue to use microplastics.

 

Language: English

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Microplastic loss from artificial (3G) pitches in context of the ECHA proposed restriction of microplastics intentionally added to productsDownload
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  • Create Date 6th September 2022
  • Last Updated 8th February 2023