Today, most Norwegian artificial turf pitches useRubber granulate. At the same time, rubber granulate is Norway’s second-largest source of microplastic emissions, resulting in as much as 1,200 tonnes of plastic ending up in nature every year.
Cecilie Lind, CEO of The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund, believes that the newly establishedThe Football Environment Fundwill be crucial in addressing the artificial turf crisis.
“For us, it is about finding the solutions that deliver the greatest environmental impact. The Football Environmental Fund is yet another example of how the plastic bag fees can make a difference across the country. That is why we, together with our members, are pleased to join the team in this important collaboration,” says Lind.
A solution to Norwegian football’s most important issue
The Football Environment Fund will help address what the NFF has described as its biggest crisis ever: from October 2031, it will no longer be legal to buy or sell rubber granulate in Europe, which will affect the operation of hundreds of artificial turf pitches across Norway.
“Finding a solution to the artificial turf crisis is by far the most important issue in Norwegian football. It affects the activity levels and public health of all our 400,000 members,” emphasises Karl-Petter Løken, Secretary General of the Norwegian Football Association.
Most of the funding behind the initiative comes from The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund, which has allocated a total of NOK 340 million over the next four years to secure a more sustainable future for Norwegian football. In addition, the Norwegian Football Association and the Ministry of Climate and Environment are each contributing NOK 5 million.
Lind highlights three main areas to which the Football Environment Fund will contribute:
- The Football Environment Fund will provide financial support to pitch owners who choose to switch to plastic-free alternativesfill in(the material between the artificial turf fibres).
- The Fund will also ensure that pitch owners who take the lead and adopt new plastic-free infill are not left to bear the cost alone if it does not work.
- In addition, the Fund will contribute innovation funding to test and develop the artificial turf solutions of the future.
Thousands of artificial turf pitches in Norway still use rubber granulate.
Tops made for the environment
The Fund is in addition to the measures and funding described inThe Government's action plan for the artificial turf crisis, which they launched to the press on 6 October at Jesperudjordet in Stovner earlier this year.
At the launch, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised The Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund for supporting both sport and the environment. He described the Fund as a highly welcome partner.
“I commend The Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund for recognising this opportunity. I believe this is an area where they can truly make a difference,” said Støre at the time.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that the ban on rubber granulate, which enters into force in 2031, will affect Norway particularly hard, as the climate makes it difficult to have natural grass pitches in most places. There is therefore a great need for good alternatives.
“We want there still to be football, more football, but to be played on pitches that are environmentally friendly,” said Støre.
Hear what several of those working towards solving the artificial turf crisis have to say about the fund:
