Environmental impacts of artificial turf at end of life: A life cycle assessment approach

This study aimed to investigate methods for managing artificial turf (AT) at the end of its life cycle, assessing the challenges and opportunities associated with this critical phase. While many studies have analysed the full lifecycle of AT or compared it to natural turf, end-of-life management has often been oversimplified or approached with assumptions. This leaves a significant gap in accurately assessing the environmental impacts specific to AT disposal. Addressing this gap, our study evaluates three scenarios for end-of-life management: energy recovery in Finland, recycling in Denmark, and local recycling in Finland. Each scenario includes sub-scenarios based on crumb rubber (CR) management, either reuse or incineration.

Using a standard FIFA-size football field (7140 m²) as the functional unit, our analysis shows that CR management is the key determinant of environmental performance. The results demonstrate that local recycling in Finland with CR reuse achieves optimal environmental outcomes, with Global Warming Potential (GWP) of −6 t CO₂.eq/field, compared to 2 t CO₂.eq/field for international recycling and 25 t CO₂.eq/field for energy recovery in Finland. Even in scenarios where CR is incinerated, local recycling in Finland remains environmentally preferable, with emissions of 162 t CO₂.eq/field versus 167 and 179 t CO₂.eq/field for international recycling and energy recovery in Finland, respectively. This research emphasizes the importance of developing local recycling infrastructure and optimizing CR management strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and waste management operators, highlighting pathways to more sustainable AT disposal practices while addressing the environmental impacts of different treatment options.