Sports surface specialists have harnessed the sustainability strengths of renewable and plant-based materials to create the world’s first non-plastic artificial grass made from natural coconut fibres.
Presented by Notts Sport in response to demand for more sustainable product, CocoTurf combines durability and performance to offer an innovative solution for playgrounds and recreational spaces.
Its eco design uses zero plastics or microplastics, and no PFAS. Difficult to break down in the environment or human body, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’.
Breaking the mould, this environmentally conscious alternative for safer surfacing therefore challenges the standard for traditional synthetic turf, which typically relies on plastic materials.
Instead, CocoTurf is made from coconut husks with specialist plant-based and certified natural rubber latex backing. Natural and 100% non-plastic, it promises a safe, non-toxic option for children’s playgrounds.
Evolution to revolution in outdoor play
A single coconut typically provides 200g of useable fibres. So, the husks of 600 coconuts combined are capable of providing sufficient fibres to help create a 60sq m children’s play area.
Designed to meet the needs of high-traffic spaces, CocoTurf offers a hardwearing alternative to plastic-based options for schools and parks seeking to minimises the environmental footprint of artificial surfaces.
For the target market, the difference is truly significant, suggests Duncan Bennett, CEO at Notts Sport:
“This is a milestone in the evolution of outdoor play surfaces. This is not just another product — it’s a revolution in sustainability. For the first time, communities can install an artificial surface without the harmful impact of plastics. This is the future of play surfaces, and we’re thrilled to lead the charge.”
Changing policy landscape in Europe
The new product also responds to the changing policy landscape around plastics.
Only last year, the European Union announced plans to ban synthetic polymer microparticles (microplastics) in synthetic surfacing as part of its broader strategy to tackle plastic pollution.
Adopted under the EU REACH regulation, the restriction targets infills such as rubber granules and other synthetic materials that can release microplastics into the environment. Many playgrounds currently use rubber crumb made from recycled tyres, which can degrade over time, contaminating soil and waterways.
The ban aims to phase out such materials and promote sustainable and ecologically friendly alternatives. While the transition poses challenges for local governments and manufacturers, the move is seen as a crucial step in protecting children’s health and the environment from long-term effects of plastic pollution.
Champions of sustainability in sport
Based in the UK and with distributors all over the world, Notts Sport is a leading specialist in the design and supply of synthetic surfacing systems for sport, play and leisure.
The company is the preferred synthetic surfacing supplier for many schools, clubs and regional, national and international sports bodies, as well as local authorities in the UK and Europe. Notts Sport was also the very first corporate member of the British Association for Sustainability in Sport (BASIS).
Further Reading:
- More about CocoTurf, the non-plastic artificial turf made from natural coconut fibres by Notts Sport;
- More about the dangers of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’;
- More about the EU REACH regulation and the ban on microplastics;
- More about the British Association for Sustainability in Sport (BASIS);
- Also on SustMeme, VCs back vegan biomaterials in luxury textiles;
- Also on SustMeme, First biodegradable non-plastic packaging to use graphene;
- Also on SustMeme, Innovative leather alternative made from beer waste;
- Also on SustMeme, Cruelty-free vegan sneaker uses cactus, not cows;
- Also on SustMeme, Guest Blog: Opportunity to end plastic pollution wasted.
Check out the full archive of stories on the SustMeme Built Environment Channel, now available to Sponsor.
