The Norwegian Football Association is moving away from rubber granules – the first field with the new infill opens at the LSK Arena

The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) is taking a new and concrete step towards replacing traditional rubber granules in artificial turf pitches by installing bio-based infill from BIQ Materials at several facilities in Norway. First up is the LSK hall - a choice with particular significance.

Previously, it has been revealed that the infill material in the hall at the time gave results in doping tests, which was linked to the rubber granulate in the facility (NRK's doping case in Toppserien). The new installation is part of the work to ensure safe and future-proof playing surfaces.

- "This is a project I have followed closely for several years. It is both exciting and inspiring to see how it is now becoming a reality. Being involved in developing a solution that combines innovation, environment, health and long-term quality makes it extra meaningful," says Karl-Petter Løken, Secretary General of the Norwegian Football Association.

NFF's investment comes at a time when the entire market is changing. The EU's REACH regulation means that microplastics in artificial turf will be gradually phased out, with full impact by 2031. The need for alternative materials that combine environmental requirements and playing characteristics is therefore growing rapidly.

BIQ Infill® is a bio-based alternative to traditional rubber granules (SBR), developed to deliver high playing quality while meeting upcoming regulations. The material has recently been verified for biodegradation in accordance with the relevant ISO standards under REACH, following extensive testing over 12 months.

- This is a very good choice - both for the environment and health. When the solution also complies with FIFA's test methodology for playing characteristics, it makes this infill material a very interesting option for future pitches," says Karl-Petter Løken.

The Norwegian Football Association has a clear ambition to contribute to a more sustainable development of Norwegian football and sees this as an important step in the transition to new, future-proof solutions.