ARTIFICIAL GRASS
Strong growth forecast / M&A activity likely / EMEA is largest market / AMI multi-client study
With products geared for specific market segments and attractive prices, the artificial turf industry is experiencing robust growth according to the latest findings by UK industry consultancy Applied Market Information (AMI, Bristol; www.amiplastics.com).
What was once regarded as the cause of friction burns and impact injuries on playing fields worldwide, is now seen as the preferred surface by younger players thanks to product development, which has improved both technical performance and its general reputation, reports AMI in a recent multi-client study, “The Global Artificial Grass Market 2013”. The yarns used to make artificial grass consist either of PE, PP and PA. The materials used for coating, infill, underlay and shock pads are predominantly styrene butadiene latex, styrene butadiene rubber, PU and thermoplastic elastomers.
Artificial turf is proving to be a viable solution in many climatic aspects especially where water is scarce and where rain is so frequent that it turns natural grass to mud. More importantly, its durability is what is winning over new customers today with its ability to endure several hours of play per day whether on American football fields, field hockey matches or international football pitches with Fifa having recommended some 1580 installations globally. It is also beginning to penetrate the higher echelons of rugby.
In regional terms, at 43%, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) accounts for the largest share in the global artificial turf market, AMI found. Asia is the second largest market (35%), followed by the Americas (22%).
The report’s editor, John Nash, points out that structural changes within the industry are resulting in some players reviewing their strategies, which is likely going to drive future M&A activity. Major names in the industry include TenCate Thiolon (Almelo / The Netherlands; www.tencate.com), FieldTurf Tarkett (Nanterre / France; www.tarkett.com), Bonar (www.bonarplastics.com), Co-Creation Grass (Nanjing, Jiangsu / China; www.ccgrass.com) and Shaw Industries (Dalton, Georgia / US; www.shawfloors.com).
What was once regarded as the cause of friction burns and impact injuries on playing fields worldwide, is now seen as the preferred surface by younger players thanks to product development, which has improved both technical performance and its general reputation, reports AMI in a recent multi-client study, “The Global Artificial Grass Market 2013”. The yarns used to make artificial grass consist either of PE, PP and PA. The materials used for coating, infill, underlay and shock pads are predominantly styrene butadiene latex, styrene butadiene rubber, PU and thermoplastic elastomers.
Artificial turf is proving to be a viable solution in many climatic aspects especially where water is scarce and where rain is so frequent that it turns natural grass to mud. More importantly, its durability is what is winning over new customers today with its ability to endure several hours of play per day whether on American football fields, field hockey matches or international football pitches with Fifa having recommended some 1580 installations globally. It is also beginning to penetrate the higher echelons of rugby.
In regional terms, at 43%, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) accounts for the largest share in the global artificial turf market, AMI found. Asia is the second largest market (35%), followed by the Americas (22%).
The report’s editor, John Nash, points out that structural changes within the industry are resulting in some players reviewing their strategies, which is likely going to drive future M&A activity. Major names in the industry include TenCate Thiolon (Almelo / The Netherlands; www.tencate.com), FieldTurf Tarkett (Nanterre / France; www.tarkett.com), Bonar (www.bonarplastics.com), Co-Creation Grass (Nanjing, Jiangsu / China; www.ccgrass.com) and Shaw Industries (Dalton, Georgia / US; www.shawfloors.com).
15.04.2014 Plasteurope.com 909 [228029-0]
Published on 15.04.2014