Recyclers to explore continued use of rubber infill in playing pitches

Brussels – The European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA) will discuss options for the continued use of synthetic rubber-based infill materials in pitches during its 29th annual conference* being held in Brussels.

“Owing to the EU infill ban decision, adopted in 2023 and entering into force in 2031, less-sustainable materials will regain space and occupy [the] market,” ETRA said ahead of this week's conference.

Through its ‘re-plan city life project’ working group, ETRA said it aims to show the "many good reasons to continue to use this unique material.”

Stating that "it’s not time to give up" on recycled synthetic rubber materials, the European association said the move to ban rubber infills could pose certain risks.

Instead of consolidating the principles of the circular economy, the ban "seriously risks a U-turn in the direction of the linear economy and pollution increase,” the association warned.

Furthermore, the European ban (ERJ report) could lead to the disposal of old fields instead of re-using and recycling such materials.

This will lead to more expensive fields being built, using “materials that require longer-distance transport and higher CO2 emissions while offering lower performance and shorter duration”.

In addition to limiting access of young people to sports, the ban could also result in a “dramatic increase” in the shipment of end of life tires to world regions for disposal or incineration.

“Circular Transition in Tyre Recycling” is the title of the 29th Annual ETRA Conference on Tyre Recycling taking place 17-19 April at Le Louise Hotel in Brussels.