The Environmental Footprint of Artificial Grass: Statistics and Trends

Artificial grass, fake grass or synthetic turf has been touted as a low-maintenance alternative to natural lawns. The global market for counterfeit grass is expected to reach £4.4 billion as of 2023. However, its environmental implications raise concerns.

One of the primary benefits of artificial grass is its potential for water conservation. Traditional lawns in the UK can consume up to 17,000 litres of water per year per household. In contrast, artificial grass requires no watering, potentially saving millions of litres annually.

Manufactured from plastic and rubber materials, fake grass production is energy-intensive and relies on fossil fuels. The process emits greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Artificial turf is challenging to recycle once its lifespan ends, typically after 10-20 years, due to its composite materials, leading to landfill accumulation.

Homeowners love the low-maintenance appeal of fake lawns, but environmental concerns are growing. 

Let's dive into the facts and shed light on the environmental implications of artificial turf by exploring various statistics and trends with expert opinions. By examining these aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview empowering you to make more environmentally conscious decisions regarding your lawn care practices.

Fake grass, artificial grass or synthetic turf has transformed from scratchy polypropylene to a softer, more visually appealing polyethylene product. This evolution has significantly increased its popularity among homeowners and commercial spaces alike.

Artificial grass consists of plastic fibres from polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon attached to a backing material. This backing is then filled with sand or rubber to keep the blades upright and provide cushioning.

In 2020, the global market for artificial grass stood at approximately £2.4 billion, a notable rise from £2 billion in 2016, with projections suggesting it could surpass £4 billion by 2027. 

Artificial grass offers a year-round green aesthetic without the maintenance required by natural lawns. High-quality artificial lawns now mimic the appearance, texture, and even the softness of natural grass. The evolution of artificial grass materials, including using recycled and plant-based components, has broadened its appeal. 

This feature became particularly appealing during the pandemic as people sought to improve their home environments. However, the environmental impact of artificial grass is debated among experts and environmentalists.

Yet, as its popularity grows, so do concerns about its environmental impact.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has taken a stand against artificial grass due to its negative environmental implications, banning it from events like the Chelsea Flower Show. Research highlights several concerns regarding the widespread use of synthetic turf, including its contribution to microplastic pollution and its potential to exacerbate urban heat islands.

A European Union report estimated that up to four tonnes of microplastics from artificial sports pitches across Europe end up in surface water. These microplastics threaten aquatic life and can enter the food chain, leading to broader ecological consequences. Additionally, artificial grass surfaces can reach temperatures up to 100°C, posing burn hazards and contributing to the urban heat island effect.

Most artificial grass ends up in landfills after its 10-20 years lifespan, as it is difficult to separate the different recycling materials. Unlike natural grass, which helps cool the surrounding area, artificial grass absorbs and retains heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect.

This means synthetic turf absorbs and retains heat, significantly raising surface temperatures. This contributes to the urban heat island effect, exacerbating city heatwaves and requiring additional water to cool down, paradoxically increasing water usage.

Though artificial turf saves significant water, estimates suggest it can conserve between 4 to 8 billion gallons of water annually in the UK alone. Artificial grass's environmental impact spans production to disposal, with significant implications at each stage.

Here's a breakdown of its total impact:

To provide a clearer picture, here's a factual data table summarising the critical environmental impacts of artificial grass:

The environmental debate is complex. Traditional grass offers a natural habitat for wildlife and helps filter air pollution. Fake grass eliminates the need for watering and chemicals, potentially saving thousands of litres yearly. Yet, it's made from plastic, which contributes to carbon emissions during production and can harm soil biodiversity. 

Fake grass, also known as artificial grass, presents a higher initial cost, averaging between £4.20 and £15.00 per square foot for installation. Traditional grass, on the other hand, costs significantly less upfront, with sod installation averaging between £0.75 and £3.00 per square foot. 

Maintenance for traditional grass includes regular mowing, watering, and fertilising, which can add up to £150 to £300 annually. Artificial grass requires occasional cleaning and doesn't need water, saving homeowners on their water bills. 

For instance, for a 500-square-foot area, the cost can range from £2,050 to £9,000, depending on the quality and specific product features like UV protection and blade density.

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with artificial and natural grass

Both traditional and fake grass have their pros and cons. Traditional grass supports biodiversity and has a cooling effect but requires more resources and care. Artificial grass offers convenience and long-term savings but raises concerns about heat retention and environmental sustainability.

However, the shift towards artificial turf is more pronounced in regions like the Middle East and parts of the US, where water is particularly scarce.

Their choice depends on individual priorities, whether they lean towards environmental concerns, maintenance efforts, or cost-effectiveness.

The artificial grass market has witnessed substantial contributions from several key economies. 

To mitigate these environmental drawbacks, companies are now exploring using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to manufacture artificial grass.  By harnessing solar energy, these companies can reduce the carbon footprint of producing artificial turf, making it a more sustainable option in the long run. 

The United States, China, and countries within the European Union stand out as the primary drivers of demand and supply in this sector. The table below outlines the estimated market size and growth projections for these regions:

Here, we explore the leading countries that produce artificial grass and its environmental impact.

While the economic benefits of artificial grass are clear, its environmental impact raises concerns. Artificial turf production involves significant energy consumption and toxic chemicals, contributing to carbon emissions and potential health risks. 

However, it is interesting that some countries have taken proactive steps to address this issue with artificial grass. For example, the Netherlands has proactively announced plans to phase out artificial grass in sports fields by 2030, citing health and environmental concerns. 

This decision underscores the growing awareness and action against the potential negative impacts of artificial grass.

The answer is more than a simple yes or no. While high-quality turf uses materials similar to common household plastics, some lower-grade options may contain lead or unhealthy levels of other toxins.

Recent studies have raised concerns about the chemicals present in artificial grass. Beyond Plastics highlights that synthetic turf fields contain hazardous chemicals, posing risks to human health. The National Toxicology Program found that crumb rubber in artificial grass contains harmful substances like phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). These findings have sparked a global conversation on the safety of artificial turf.

Health risks associated with artificial grass primarily stem from its composition. Safe Healthy Playing Fields Inc. reveals synthetic turf contains lead, mercury, cadmium, and other carcinogens. Children and athletes, in particular, face exposure risks through skin contact or inhalation of toxic particles.

Some have pointed out that modern artificial turf may contain PFAS, a class of "forever chemicals" linked to various health problems. While research is ongoing, the presence of PFAS raises concerns about potential health risks.

Despite these concerns, the artificial grass market continues to grow, with a projected upward trend through 2030. 

Are you thinking about fake grass for your garden? While it eliminates mowing, consider this - traditional artificial grass is not biodegradable. 

Made from plastic materials like nylon and polypropylene, artificial turf takes centuries to decompose in landfills. Research suggests a lifespan of 20 to 500 years, leaving a lasting environmental footprint. This longevity contributes to landfill waste and can lead to microplastic pollution as the material breaks down under environmental stressors like UV radiation and physical wear. 

One of the main selling points for artificial grass is its ability to conserve water. In regions like California, where water scarcity is a pressing issue, replacing natural lawns with synthetic alternatives can significantly reduce water usage. It can significantly reduce water usage compared to natural grass, which can gulp between 500,000 to 1 million gallons annually. 

However, artificial grass does not support biodiversity in the same way that natural grass does. Natural lawns provide a habitat for various microorganisms, insects, and other wildlife and play a role in carbon sequestration. 

Sustainability concerns linger, particularly regarding microplastics. Artificial turf can shed plastic fibres, contributing to microplastic pollution, a severe environmental issue, as these particles can end up in waterways​. 

Moreover, companies are exploring recyclable materials and alternative infills, like ocean plastic, to create more sustainable turf options. 

Recycling fake grass is challenging and often only possible sometimes. This means old turf is in landfills, adding to the growing plastic waste problem.

While manufacturers often claim a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, the reality can be different due to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. 

Several initiatives are making strides in artificial grass recycling. Companies like TenCate Grass have developed programs to recycle old turf into new products, such as padding for sports fields or other synthetic surfaces. In Europe, GBN Artificial Grass Recycling (GBN-AGR) has set up facilities to process end-of-life synthetic turf into new, circular raw materials.

For instance, Re-Match in Denmark has developed a technology that separates and cleans artificial turf, allowing nearly 99.9% of the material to be reused. Similarly, new products like the Green Recyclable Series from CCGrass are designed to be 100% recyclable through normal recycling facilities, addressing the end-of-life disposal issues traditionally associated with artificial grass. 

How about ditching the lawnmower and installing artificial grass? While it boasts perks like reduced water use and no mowing, let's compare artificial grass CO2 emissions to everyday items.

The production of enough artificial grass to cover an average garden can emit over 1,000 kg of CO2, equivalent to driving a car for approximately 2,480 miles

Artificial Grass vs. Everyday Items: CO2 Smackdown

While artificial grass has a lower CO2 footprint than a transatlantic flight, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. For instance, installing 100 sqm of artificial grass equates to the CO2 emissions from 600 km of car travel. Moreover, manufacturing artificial grass involves the use of fossil fuels. 

When considering alternatives to artificial grass, various options are available that can reduce maintenance needs and enhance environmental sustainability. 

Here, we explore viable alternatives that enhance aesthetic appeal and provide ecological benefits.

When comparing artificial grass to its alternatives, it's clear that other options often surpass artificial turf in terms of environmental benefits, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. For instance, natural plantings like meadows and Xeriscaping promote biodiversity and reduce water usage, making them more eco-friendly than synthetic ones. 

Moreover, the high upfront cost of artificial turf, ranging from £6,250 to £12,500 for installation, makes natural alternatives more appealing for budget-conscious homeowners.

In contrast, natural alternatives like native plants and mulch improve soil health, support local wildlife, and reduce carbon footprints.

The global landscape is changing, and artificial grass is at the forefront of this transformation. Here, we delve into fake grass's compelling figures and environmental impacts, offering a worldwide perspective crucial for understanding this modern trend. Sourced from different environmental studies