Artificial turf installed today may still be in service when Europe’s next major microplastics restriction takes effect. Concerns over artificial turf microplastics come from loose infill, fiber wear, rainwater runoff, footwear, and routine field maintenance. However, Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 does not ban artificial turf. It mainly restricts qualifying polymeric infill from 17 October 2031. This shift is already changing turf design, infill selection, yarn engineering, machinery planning, and procurement decisions across the European market.
Choosing turf yarn is not only about picking a plastic material. A similar-looking grass can deliver very different results. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are common artificial grass yarn materials. PE offers softer blades, while PP provides firmness and cost advantages.The performance of turf also depends on yarn structure, blade shape, Dtex, UV protection, and extrusion control. This guide compares PE vs PP artificial grass by feel, recovery, durability, applications, and production factors. You will learn how to match each material to the right turf requirement.
The synthetic turf industry is shifting to recyclable mono-material designs. Upgrading extrusion machinery helps manufacturers reuse waste, lower emissions, and win green tenders.
