Category: Non Infill Artificial Turf

  • Build Strong Relationships with Contractors

    Contractors are more likely to return if they feel valued. Go the extra mile to nurture relationships with your B2B customers.

    • Offer Loyalty Discounts: Implement a rewards program that incentivizes repeat purchases.
    • Provide Exclusive Benefits: Create contractor-only perks, such as early access to new products, dedicated account managers, or priority shipping.
    • Host Networking Events: Organize in-store or virtual events where contractors can meet manufacturers, learn about industry trends, and discover new products.
  • Train Your Team on Product Knowledge

    Contractors rely on retail specialists to guide them toward the best products for their projects. Your team’s ability to answer questions and recommend solutions can be a significant differentiator. At Turf

    Distributors our associates are turf training experts and can advise you to accelerate your turf sales success.

    • Host Regular Training Sessions: Partner with your artificial grass distributor for product demos and training. Cover key topics like blade shapes, backing types, and applications.
    • Create Cheat Sheets: Provide employees with quick-reference guides summarizing product specs, applications, and benefits. This helps them respond confidently to customer inquiries.
    • Certify Your Staff: Consider offering certification programs through your supplier. A certified team instills confidence in customers and adds credibility to your operation.
  • Streamlining Retail Operations for Better Customer Experiences

    In the home improvement industry, creating seamless and efficient retail operations is key to attracting and retaining contractors and other B2B customers. For retail specialists managing artificial grass sales, streamlining operations is especially critical due to the unique challenges of selling large, heavy products like turf rolls. This guide will provide actionable insights to enhance your operations, improve customer experiences, and ultimately boost your sales.

    1. Simplify the Sales Process with Strategic Sample Displays

    Artificial grass isn’t a product customers can grab off the shelf. Most contractors need to see and feel the product before committing to a purchase. Here’s how you can optimize the sampling experience:

    • Use Compact Sample Racks: Install sleek, space-saving sample racks that allow contractors to see all available product options. Organize samples by application type (e.g., residential landscaping, pet areas, sports fields) to make browsing easy.
    • Add Engaging Signage: Include clear, professional signage that highlights product features such as durability, UV protection, and warranty information. Contractors are often pressed for time, so providing quick answers is essential.
    • Incorporate QR Codes: Link QR codes on signage to your online catalog, where customers can access detailed specs, pricing, and installation guides. This reduces back-and-forth while empowering contractors with instant information.
  • Smooth Transitions and Edging

    • ADA guidelines require minimal changes in height (less than 1/4 inch without a beveled edge or up to 1/2 inch with a beveled edge) to allow for smooth movement. 
    • Proper edging helps connect artificial grass seamlessly to surrounding surfaces like concrete, rubber tiles, or pathways. 

    4. Impact Protection with ASTM F1292

    • While ASTM F1951 ensures accessibility, ASTM F1292 deals with impact protection and is mostly about shock pads or underlayment, not the turf itself. 
    • To meet ASTM F1292, artificial grass installations may need extra padding beneath the surface to absorb falls and reduce injury risks.

    5. Drainage and Maintenance

    • Good drainage keeps the surface firm and prevents hazards like pooling water. 
    • Regular upkeep, such as infill replacement and leveling, helps maintain compliance over time.
  • What is an environmentally friendly artificial turf pitch?

    An environmentally friendly artificial turf pitch is designed to minimize environmental impact throughout its life cycle. This means that both the materials and the manufacturing processes must be sustainable, while maintaining high performance and durability.

    Here are some characteristics:

    • Biodegradable infill materials: options such as cork, sand and BIQ Material’s innovative infill materials.
    • Recyclable systems: Plans that can be reused or recycled at the end of their life.
    • Reduced use of plastic: Integrating natural materials and hybrid turf systems minimizes the use of plastic.
  • The challenge of traditional artificial turf pitches

    Traditional artificial turf pitches have long been used as a practical alternative to natural grass thanks to their durability and low maintenance. However, over time, their negative environmental impact has become clear:

    • Permanent microplastic emissions: infill materials such as fossil-based rubber granules release permanent microplastics into the environment, harming aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.
    • Plastic waste: Artificial turf is often made from non-recyclable materials, creating waste problems when the pitch needs to be replaced.
    • High initial cost: Despite low maintenance costs, the installation of traditional artificial grass pitches can be costly.
  • Environmental aspects of artificial turf pitches

    Artificial turf pitches are an important part of today’s sports and leisure facilities, but they have also become the subject of intense debate about their environmental impact. With the EU’s upcoming ban on rubber granules coming into force in 2031, and an increasing focus on sustainability, the industry is facing a shift to more environmentally friendly alternatives. At BIQ Material we are actively working to develop solutions that meet these requirements and set a new standard for sustainability in the artificial turf industry.

    In this article, we review the basics of eco-friendly artificial turf pitches and how our solutions can contribute to a greener future.

  • The market for artificial turf in the Nordics

    The Nordic region is a unique region for the artificial turf market due to its cold climate and short growing season. As environmental awareness increases, both municipalities and private operators are looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional artificial turf. This has led to an increase in biodegradable infill materials and recyclable artificial turf products.

    Artificial turf is widely used in schools, where its durability and versatility are particularly valuable. It is also popular in municipal sports fields as it allows for more year-round activities.

    The EU’s upcoming ban on rubber granules (due to come into force in 2031) has attracted a lot of attention in the Nordic countries. Countries such as Sweden and Norway are already actively working to replace rubber granules with more environmentally friendly alternatives. BIQ Material offers several different bio-based infill materials (READ MORE HERE).

    Europe is the largest market for artificial turf globally, with annual growth driven by sporting events, urban development projects and schools’ need for multifunctional surfaces. As in the Nordics, sustainability is a key issue in Europe. The EU’s REACH regulation has accelerated the development of greener alternatives. Several countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium, have already started to move towards more sustainable materials.

    Major investments in sports grounds and infrastructure, such as UEFA and FIFA certified artificial turf pitches, are driving growth. In Eastern Europe, we are also seeing an increase in artificial turf installations as the sports sector grows.

  • Artificial turf is a synthetic surface that imitates natural grass

    Artificial turf pitches have become increasingly common as part of modern sports facilities, schools and public spaces. They offer a flexible and sustainable solution for sports and leisure activities, especially in regions with challenging climatic conditions where grass does not work all year round.

    But what exactly is artificial turf? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
    And what does the market look like in the Nordic countries and Europe?

    In this blog article, we take a closer look at the topic.

    Artificial turf is a synthetic surface that imitates natural grass. It consists of plastic fibers, usually made of polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon, attached to a durable latex or polyurethane mat. These fibers vary in length, density and softness depending on the application. To create a natural feel and cushioning, infill materials such as sand, rubber granules or alternative bio-based materials – such as BIQ Material high quality bioinfill – are used .

    Artificial turf is mainly used for sports fields such as football pitches, rugby fields and golf courses, but also for landscaping, schools and playgrounds.

  • set clear goals and strategies

    Companies should set ambitious but realistic targets to reduce their climate impact and improve resource efficiency. Strategies should include:

    • Switching to renewable raw materials.
    • Implementing recycling systems.
    • Investing in new technologies to reduce emissions.

    Investing in education and technology

    CSRD requires a deep understanding of sustainability issues. Companies should train their employees and invest in technology that enables data collection and analysis to meet reporting requirements.

    collaborate with industry initiatives

    Participating in industry initiatives and collaborations, such as the European Plastics Pact or the Circular Plastics Alliance, can help plastics manufacturers share knowledge, resources and best practices.