BIQ is proud to be part of the Swedish Football Association’s project to develop the artificial turf fields of the future using biodegradable infill materials. BIQ400 is REACH*-compliant and biodegradable according to relevant ISO standards, making the material a key component in the transition away from traditional rubber granules, which have been shown to contribute significantly to persistent microplastics in the environment.
Meeting REACH requirements is crucial for ensuring the future of artificial turf fields in Europe, where demands for sustainable, safe, and long-term approved infill materials are growing. Since many municipalities and clubs have already begun the transition, there is a great need for information on how new materials meet requirements, contribute to a safe and positive playing experience, and withstand harsh weather conditions and maintenance. The project therefore marks an important step for Swedish soccer, with a focus on combining high-quality play with increased sustainability and safer sports environments for future generations.
– BIQ400 and compliance with REACH requirements mark an important step for the future of artificial turf and playing characteristics in Swedish soccer. For us at the Swedish Football Association, it is 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 soccer surfaces, while we also want to ensure high quality and FIFA-approved playing characteristics for players at all levels year-round. “This is an area that would have been just as strategically important even without upcoming legal requirements, as the development is driven by both environmental responsibility and the ambition to create better and more sustainable soccer environments,” says Viktor Örnehag, Facilities Consultant at the Swedish Football Association.
The field where BIQ400 is being used as part of the project is Kviberg 6 at Serneke Arena in Gothenburg, where the material’s performance, durability, and playing characteristics are being evaluated in practice.
– Feedback from players has been overwhelmingly positive since the start in 2025. Now meeting REACH requirements is an important milestone for both us and for the development of sustainable artificial turf fields of the future. We are very pleased that the Swedish Football Association is including BIQ Infill in this strategically important project. It is strong confirmation that the market demands solutions that combine high athletic 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 and is designed to deliver high playing quality while meeting upcoming legal requirements and regulations. The material has recently been verified for biodegradability following extensive testing in accordance with relevant ISO standards within the framework of REACH.
*REACH is EU chemical legislation that regulates the use of substances that may affect human health and the environment. For artificial turf, the new requirements entail a gradual phase-out of traditional rubber granules and increased demands for alternative infill materials that are safe, sustainable, and future-proof. Starting in 2031, the ban on intentionally added microplastics will take full effect, making the transition to biodegradable and approved alternatives crucial for the industry.
SvFF