- Durability as growth factor: several hours of play per day in any climatic circumstances
- Yarns made of PE, PP and PA
- Coating, infill, underlay and shock pads made of SB, SBR, PU and TPE
- Major players: TenCate Thiolon, FieldTurf Tarkett, Bonar, Co-Creation Grass and Shaw Industries (Sportexe)
According to a recently published study by Applied Market Information Ltd (AMI Consulting), the artificial turf market is once again enjoying robust growth.
Product development has seen artificial grass significantly improve its technical performance and its reputation. The unforgiving surfaces that once caused friction burns and impact injuries are now a thing of the past. Players, particularly younger ones, frequently prefer playing on artificial grass. FIFA recommends 1580 artificial turf installations around the world. It is widely used too in American football and beginning to penetrate the higher echelons of rugby union. While the technical performance of artificial grass is attractive in a sports environment its convenience, robustness and attractive appearance is increasingly winning consumers in applications around the home.
Artificial turf is a valuable proposition in many climatic circumstances ranging from where water is scarce, to where rain is so frequent that natural grass turns to mud, to snowy regions where underfloor heating guarantees playability. However it is its durability which wins most business today: the ability to withstand several hours of play per day sets it firmly apart from natural turf.
The yarns are made from PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PA (polyamide). For coating, infill, underlay and shock pads the main materials are SB (styrene butadiene latex), SBR (styrene butadiene rubber), PU (polyurethane) and TPEs (thermoplastic elastomers).
Structural changes in the industry are causing some participants to review their strategies, which is likely to drive future M&A (mergers and acquisitions) activity. The world’s largest players include the likes of TenCate Thiolon, FieldTurf Tarkett, Bonar, Co-Creation Grass and Shaw Industries (Sportexe). ‘Private equity’ plays a significant role in the industry investing in the likes of Polytan and Desso.
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