The UK crumb rubber infill decision diverges from EU policy, as Britain allows continued use of tire-derived infill for synthetic turf fields despite growing environmental scrutiny.

In an Option Appraisal for Intentionally Added Microplastics, DeFRA has chosen not to ban crumb rubber infill but to advise on containment.

As part of the UK REACH 2022/23 Work Programme, Defra (Dept of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) commissioned a study titled “Option Appraisal for Intentionally Added Microplastics” which evaluates the risks and policy options for microplastics intentionally added to products, and models their environmental and socioeconomic impacts of various risk management options over the period from 2024 to 2043.  The study includes a detailed assessment of containment measures for synthetic turf sports pitches.

Among other risks, the report examined risk management Options for crumb rubber infill and advised in favour of mitigation through containment measures.

ESTC, the consultants on this review, incorporated sustainability at the heart of its strategy and is committed to proactively advancing environmental responsibility within the synthetic turf industry. The release stated, “ESTC supports well-designed legislative measures to minimise the release of polymeric infills into the environment and will continue to monitor developments under UK REACH and other national frameworks. We remain dedicated to advocating for evidence-based, proportionate policies that protect the environment while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our sector.”

It is worth noting that the ESTC estimates the average market value for crumb rubber to be £47m, and the average volume utilised to be 4742tpa.

The full document is available on the DEFRA website – details at the end of this article.

The key RMO for crumb rubber infill is as follows:

This RMO will require RMMs leading to a reduction of more than 90% of microplastic emissions from sport surface infill materials to be implemented by 2027. The RMMs might include:

• Installation of pitch barriers and containment measures: for example, perimeter barriers for preventing loss of infill material that has accumulated at the pitch edge and profiled paved margins to separate synthetic turf from the surrounding environment.
•  Specific maintenance brushes and storage areas: for example, the use of a specific maintenance brush which is used only for the synthetic turf field – in addition, the maintenance equipment (including brushes) is stored within a particular area within the facility (the brush must never leave the facility).
•  Behaviour changes: for example, signs that ask maintenance vehicles, maintenance staff, and player clothes and shoes to be brushed off before leaving the pitch (boot cleaning/brushing stations will be installed next to pitches).
•  Installation of drainage and filters to stop surface water from transporting infill material away from the pitch (not considered in the mitigated emissions scenario in this report

The jury remains undecided on leachates from crumb rubber. While the containment measures go some way to allaying fears about microplastic pollution, they do not address the leachate issue that remains a concern for some lobbyists.

Whilst the UK has decided not to ban crumb rubber infill, this is a battle won; however, further steps may be required if the leachate research yields a negative conclusion in the future.

DeFRA page with links to the Options PDF, Option Appraisal for Intentionally Added Microplastics – CB04121

Learn more:

• Rubberized Asphalt Paving with Crumb Rubber
• Recovered Carbon Black in the EU Market
• Klean Tire Pyrolysis Projects
• End-of-Life Tire Circularity

Crumb Rubber Policy Is Evolving — Klean Helps You Stay Ahead

As the UK greenlights the continued use of crumb rubber infill while the EU moves toward restrictions, the global market for tire-derived materials faces new uncertainty. Klean Industries offers circular solutions that are resilient to regulatory shifts and built for long-term compliance and environmental performance.

Why Klean Industries?

• Commercial-scale pyrolysis for true material recovery
• Certified, clean recovered carbon black & crumb rubber alternatives
• EU-compliant processes & global footprint

Talk to Klean about navigating evolving regulations and securing future-ready tire recycling solutions » GO.