Microplastic on artificial turf pitches: DOSB expert group publishes recommendations for action and basic positions

The sport-related entry of (micro)plastics into the environment and the possible health and environmental pollution caused by sports surfaces, sports textiles and sports events are increasingly being scientifically problematised, discussed in sports and environmental policy contexts and addressed in the media.  

Therefore, in spring 2019, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) established the working group "Microplastics through Sport in the Environment", in which experts from sports organisations, municipal associations, the environmental and scientific sector and the economy are represented. The working group ensures a continuous transfer of knowledge on the socially significant topic of environmental pollution through plastics and its relation to sport. 

"The community-oriented sport in Germany can and wants to make its contribution to reducing environmental pollution through microplastics", emphasizes Andreas Silbersack, Vice President Sport Development at DOSB. "We hope that the 'recommendations' and 'positions' now available will lead to the reduction or avoidance of artificial fillers in artificial turf systems". 

The two policy papers, which were developed by the DOSB Working Group "Microplastics through Sport in the Environment", were approved by the DOSB Board in April 2020:  

·        Recommendations for the design of new artificial turf systems or the operation of existing ones using polymer granulate as a filler for sports clubs and associations as well as local authorities 

·        Basic positions and recommendations for funding agencies and industry on artificial turf systems 

 Unfortunately, both documents are currently only available in German. The "Recommendations" and "Positions" as well as further current information, FAQs, and downloads can be found at: www.dosb.de/mikroplastik