BIQ Infill® meets REACH requirements—and is part of the Swedish Football Association’s initiative to create sustainable artificial turf fields for the future

Future Turf

BIQ is proud to be part of the Swedish Football Association’s project to develop the artificial turf pitches of the future using biodegradable infill materials. BIQ 400 is verified according to REACH and biodegradable according to relevant ISO standards, making it an important part of the transition away from traditional rubber granules, which have been shown to significantly contribute to persistent microplastics in nature.

Regulations Driving Change

Meeting REACH requirements is crucial to future-proof artificial turf pitches in Europe, where demands for sustainable, safe, and long-term approved infill materials are increasing. As many municipalities and clubs have already begun the transition, there is a strong need for information on how new materials meet requirements, contribute to a safe and positive playing experience, and perform under tough weather conditions and maintenance demands. The project therefore marks an important step for Swedish football, with a focus on combining high playing quality, increased sustainability, and safer sports environments for future generations.

– BIQ400 and meeting REACH requirements mark an important step for the future of artificial turf and playing performance in Swedish football. For us at the Swedish Football Association, it’s not just about meeting new regulations and future requirements, but also about creating safe and healthy environments for children and young people. Health and sustainability are central to the development of future football surfaces, while ensuring high quality and FIFA-approved playing characteristics for players at all levels year-round, says Viktor Örnehag, Facilities Consultant at the Swedish Football Association.

Testing and Results

The pitch where BIQ400 is being used as part of the project is Kviberg 6 at Serneke Arena in Gothenburg, where the material’s functionality, durability, and playing characteristics are evaluated in practice.

– Feedback from players has been overwhelmingly positive since the start in 2025. Now also meeting REACH requirements is an important milestone for both us and the development of future sustainable artificial turf pitches. We are very pleased that the Swedish Football Association includes BIQ Infill in this strategically important project. This is strong proof that the market is demanding solutions that combine high sports performance with clear environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability, says Jerker Funnemark, CEO of BIQ Materials.

BIQ Infill® is a bio-based alternative to traditional rubber granules, developed to deliver high playing quality while meeting upcoming regulations and requirements. The material has recently been verified for biodegradability after extensive testing in accordance with relevant ISO standards within the REACH framework.

REACH is an EU regulation governing the use of substances that may impact human health and the environment. For artificial turf, the new rules mean a gradual phase-out of traditional rubber granules and stricter requirements for alternative infill materials that are safe, sustainable, and future-proof. From 2031, the ban on intentionally added microplastics will come fully into force, making the transition to biodegradable and approved alternatives critical for the industry.