TestbedNordic

Important results from the project

The goal with TestbedNordic has been to generate knowledge about how bio-based and natural artificial turf materials function in Nordic climates. The aim has been to support the artificial turf industry and facility owners in their conversion process towards a more environmentally sustainable football. Generated knowledge has been communicated to the target group through reports, conferences and seminars. As the world´s first non-commercial test bed for infill materials, the project has become an important source of knowledge for the football industry.

Expected long term effects

TestbedNordic has during the project identified, evaluated and tested new, more environmentally friendly infill materials in order to gain knowledge on how they can deliver requested playability and safety for football, played in Nordic climates, Conducted tests have shown that all tested infill materials meet the eligibility requirements set on infill materials for artificial turf systems. The knowledge generated in the project is useful for both the artificial turf industry and the facility owners who wish to build environmentally sustainable artificial turf pitches.

Approach and implementation

For the implementation of the project, a test site consisting of four artificial turf pitches has been built. The facility has fulfilled its aim well and desired tests have been carried out according to plan. A combination of 5- and 7- a-side pitches has enabled adequate tests to be carried out and facilitated access to infill materials to be tested. The test methods consisting of both FIFA tests, player evaluations and maintenance studies, have together provided a complete picture of how the infill materials fulfil required functions of playability and safety in Nordic climates.