The recent news that has shaken the sports community in Canary Islandswith respect to the alleged demand of the European Union (EU) to remove artificial grass soccer fields, has been denied. EU regulations It is not intended to close these facilitiesbut rather reduce the use of microplastics in artificial grass fields.
Clearing up the misunderstanding, EU legislation will not affect existing artificial grass pitchess, and these will not be forced to close from 2030. The European initiative focuses on the reduction of microplastics, mainly rubber, used on these surfaceswhich often ends up in the environment, especially the oceans.
The prohibition of sale and intentional use of products containing microplastics, such as rubber, It will begin to be applied from October 2031. The restriction focuses on the manufacture and use of rubber infill on artificial turf fields. The Archipelago’s fields, which are mostly made of artificial grass, have various types of infill used over the years.
More sustainable fields
Although some fields are already adapted to more sustainable alternatives, such as cork, pine wood or olive pits, others still contain rubber and have room to adapt to new regulations. This means that existing facilities containing microplastics will not be removed, and their operation will not be banned within eight years.
Instead of eliminating artificial grass fields, Operators are expected to look for alternatives to rubber, such as ecolastane or silica sand, which have a lower environmental impact. Although these alternatives may be more expensive initially and require more maintenance, they are presented as viable solutions to comply with EU regulations and preserve the environment.
The European Union does not require the removal of artificial grass fields in the Canary Islands but is promoting the transition towards more sustainable surface fills to reduce the impact of microplastics on the environment, without affecting existing sports facilities.
