Europe Artificial Turf Market Outlook, 2028

One of the early adopters of artificial turf in Europe was the Netherlands, where the first artificial turf sports field was installed in 1984. The success of this field led to the installation of many more artificial turf fields across the country, and by the late 1980s, artificial turf was widely used in Dutch sports. In the 1990s, advances in technology led to the development of new types of artificial turf that were more durable and realistic than earlier versions. This led to a surge in the popularity of artificial turf across Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany and France. Today, artificial turf is widely used in Europe for sports, landscaping applications and many others. In sports, it is used for football, rugby, hockey, and other sports that require high-quality playing surfaces. In landscaping, it is used for gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces where low maintenance costs are important. The Europe artificial turf market has experienced significant growth in recent years, and is expected to continue to grow in the future. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for low maintenance and environmentally friendly outdoor spaces, as well as the popularity of sports such as football and rugby. Europe is estimated to occupy the largest share of the global artificial grass market, in terms of value, in 2022, owing to the mature artificial grass industry and the presence of major companies such as Tarkett (France), SportGroup (Germany), Victoria PLC (UK), and SIS Pitches (UK). The market for artificial turf in Europe expanded quickly because of the proliferation of sports arenas, a rise in infrastructure expenditure, and fast urbanization. Additionally, the water limitation issue and lifestyle improvements have aided the artificial turf market expansion in Europe.

According to the research report, “Europe Artificial Turf Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to add USD 616.40 Million from 2023 to 2028. The high percentage is due to the wide adoption of the product among various end-users such as hospitality, airports, corporate offices, and others. The aviation sector is also supporting the industry across the region. The presence of many airports and the construction of new ones are expected to boost demand. The growth is attributed to the growing adoption of the product in commercial areas such as educational institutions, hotels, etc. Also, factors such as rising government initiatives and the imposition of various laws and regulations concerning the safety of athletes and players are driving revenue growth of the artificial turf market in this region. Furthermore, the presence of large enterprises active in numerous strategic initiatives as well as R&D projects for creative product releases is a crucial element driving revenue growth in this region. Rising demand for artificial grass turfs in schools and sporting clubs for improved performance and safety and increasing demand for biodegradable, sustainable, and eco-friendly artificial grass are factors driving revenue growth in the market. The Eureka Artificial Turf System (EU-ATS) is a reusable artificial grass that contains no dangerous or toxic ingredients. This synthetic turf is constructed of a single substance that can be reused and recycled into the same grade at the end of its life cycle. This project also supports the EU's goal of meeting at least half of its 2050 sustainability targets. Major corporations are investing in research to create realistic-looking and long-lasting artificial grass. For example, the Micro Nerve Technology (MiNT) produces a fiber with best natural looks and softest feel and also has high resilience and reduced reflection. These new fibers are available in various Free Historical Data colors matching distinct regional grass variations. Furthermore, GreenFields B.V. modified their sports grass technology to fulfil more demanding FIFA Quality standards, as well as International Hockey Federation (FIH) and World Rugby testing criteria. Furthermore, due to the replacement of natural grass by artificial turf, artificial turf is gaining traction. This is due to the fact that natural grass is readily damaged by rain, which restricts athletic activities.

Germany has more than 40 stadiums at present for football alone, excluding other sports and the number is steadily increasing. Thus, the increasing number of stadiums in the country coupled with emerging trend of replacing natural grass with artificial turfs is estimated to create sales opportunities for the market players in the country. The country is home to number of leading manufacturers of artificial turfs such as GreenField and SportGroup. These players are increasingly undertaking taking efforts to expand their market share, consequently, contributing to increasing the market share of artificial turf in the country. SportGroup Holding, for example, purchased two turf production companies based in the United States, SYNlawn and AstroTurf. The acquisition will help the company secure North American athletic turf customers and increase its market share. As a result of these factors, Germany is expected to emerge as a profitable market in Europe. With over 5,000 artificial turf pitches, the United Kingdom is one of Europe's largest markets for artificial grass. France is also a massive market for artificial turfs in Europe and includes 1800 synthetic pitches. Rugby is a significant sport in France. Over the last six years, more than 270 synthetic pitches have been installed among the 29 countries where rugby is played. In Germany, the DFB (German Football Association) built 1,000 synthetic mini-pitches to boost popularity and development of football at the grassroots level. The Luzhniki Olympic Complex is Russia's largest sports complex, with up to ten artificial turf grounds. Based on the fiber base material, polyethylene (PE) segment is dominating the market in 2022. PE fibers are UV resistant, which means that they won't fade or degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight. This makes them a good choice for outdoor applications where exposure to sunlight is a concern. PE artificial turf is available in a range of colors and textures, which makes it possible to create a natural-looking lawn or sports field that resembles real grass. Polypropylene and nylon are also commonly used materials due to their high durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Artificial turf is used in leisure & landscaping, sports, and other applications. For instance, artificial turf has been used in Europe for large sports industries. From Germany and the UK to various parts of the Netherlands, artificial turf continues to grow and is an ideal grass substitute. This turf is environmentally friendly, easy to install, and requires low maintenance. All these factors are predicted to bolster the growth of the market. The rise in requirements from sports clubs and different venues is anticipated to boost the demand for artificial turf. Further, 3G (third-generation) artificial turf surfacing is a popular sports pitch material for rugby and football at schools and sports clubs in the UK. 3G surfacing fulfils numerous UK accreditations of soccer and rugby regulating bodies, including FA, FIFA, IRB, RFU, and RFL. The growth in the demand for 3G artificial turf is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the artificial turf market growth. In 2017, London City Airport installed a special type of artificial turf from the Danish company. London City Airport is the first European airport with artificial turf produced by the Danish company Evergreen Aviation. Based on end user segment, sports segment is leading the overall market. The landscaping segment is also growing due to the increasing demand for low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Artificial turf is a popular alternative to natural grass for residential lawns in Europe. It requires no watering, mowing, or fertilizing, which makes it a low-maintenance option for homeowners. It also stays green and lush year-round, even in regions with dry or cold climates. Other landscaping applications include rooftop gardens, play areas, public parks and commercial landscaping.

The market growth is attributed to an increasing number of artificial grass sports field launches and presence of major companies, such as Namgrass and TenCate Grass, among others. A rising number of initiatives by government and regulatory bodies to enhance safety of athletes are driving revenue growth in the region. The European Commission is imposing new limitations on eight compounds found in rubber granules and mulches used as infill in artificial sports pitches and playgrounds. The issue is that these materials expose humans to hazardous chemicals, which could lead to cancer. For example, the EU-ATS consortium is a European Union-led effort that has received funding to develop a prototype for sustainable sports fields and turn it into a commercially viable product. This endeavor's budget ranges from USD 400 thousand to USD 750 thousand. Furthermore, the increasing development of new grass systems is contributing to the market's revenue growth. Herdgang, for example, is a Dutch Premier League club. PSV's academy offers a comprehensive spectrum of high-quality training options, including hybrid, natural, and artificial turf systems. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has put forward a proposal to limit the use of intentionally added micro plastics in products, such as artificial turf pitches, to avoid or reduce environmental pollution. The two options under scrutiny are to either contain infill within the boundaries of a pitch, ensuring that annual release of micro plastics remains below 7g per pitch/per year or to completely ban the use of infill containing micro plastics. Based on the distribution channel, direct to sales segment is leading the market whereas, online segment is growing at a higher CAGR by 2023-28. Petroleum based materials are widely used as infill materials in turf in Europe.

The artificial turf industry in Europe is constantly innovating, with new products and technologies being developed all the time. Some of the latest innovations include self-cooling artificial turf, which uses advanced technology to reduce surface temperature, and smart turf, which uses sensors to measure moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors. There is a growing concern in Europe about the potential health and safety risks of artificial turf, particularly in relation to exposure to chemicals and other hazardous substances. Manufacturers are developing products that are free from harmful chemicals and meet strict safety standards. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing demand for artificial turf products with anti-microbial properties. Manufacturers are developing products that incorporate anti-microbial agents to reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infections. Modular turf systems are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, particularly for indoor sports facilities. These systems consist of interlocking tiles that can be easily installed and removed, offering greater flexibility and ease of maintenance. As the artificial turf market in Europe continues to grow, there is a growing demand for accessories and add-ons that can enhance the performance and durability of the products. Manufacturers are developing a wide range of accessories, such as shock pads, infill systems, and drainage systems, to meet the needs of different customers. While artificial turf has traditionally been designed to mimic the appearance of natural grass, there is a growing trend towards creating products that feel more like real grass underfoot. This is particularly important for sports fields, where athletes prefer a surface that feels natural and provides good traction. Hybrid turf systems, which combine natural grass and artificial turf, are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. These systems offer the benefits of both natural grass and artificial turf, providing a high-performance playing surface that requires less maintenance than natural grass alone.

Major Companies present in the market:

DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Tarkett Inc., Victoria PLC, Controlled Products, LLC, Act Global, Sport Group, Mondo S.p.A., SIS Pitches, Tiger lily, IntegriTurf, LLC, Condor Grass, TenCate Grass, CoCreation Grass Co., Ltd, Nurteks Hali, Shaw Industries Group Inc., Limonta Sport

Considered in this report

• Geography: Europe
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe Artificial Turf market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Artificial Turf market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia

By Fiber Base Material

• Polyethylene
• Nylon
• Polypropylene

By End Users

• Sports
• Residential
• Commercial

By Infill Material

• Petroleum Based
• Sand Based
• Plant Based

By Distribution Channel

• Direct Sales / B2B
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

By Application

• Contact Sports
• Non-Contact Sports
• Leisure
• Landscaping

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; the author has started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Artificial Lawn industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.