The winner of the SAPCA Award 2026 for Sustainability award was Notts Sport for its CocoTurf, the world’s first non-plastic artificial grass for play and sport.
CocoTurf is made entirely from natural, renewable and recyclable materials. Using fibres derived from coconut husks bonded with natural rubber latex, CocoTurf replaces petrochemical plastics and eliminates microplastic pollution.
Every square metre reuses fibres from ten coconuts, transforming agricultural waste into durable play surfacing. Independent laboratory testing verifies its outstanding safety and performance particularly when part of an EN 1177:2018 safety surfacing system.
CocoTurf also has proven resilience through 10,000 Lisport wear cycles, providing a sustainable, child friendly, high-performance alternative to synthetic grass — ideal for schools, playgrounds, and community sports facilities.
The full outline of CocoTurf
Natural Materials with zero plastics
CocoTurf is made from 100% natural coconut coir fibre and natural-rubber latex with jute mesh backing which replaces petroleum plastics with renewable biomass, directly cutting embodied carbon. Every 10 coconuts yield 1m² of surface, turning organic waste into play areas.
2. Ensuring the surface is safe
CocoTurf passed all EN 71-3: 2019 +A1: 2021 heavy-metal and organic compound tests, with lead, cadmium, and chromium VI levels far below detection limits. This certification confirms full compliance with EU/UK toy-safety standards — proving that it is non-toxic and safe for children. CocoTurf has been comprehensively tested against industry skin friction requirements producing comparable coefficient of friction to existing surfaces. CocoTurf exhibits lower temperature increases during sliding than current PP fibre systems, helping to minimise the likelihood of skin burns.
3. Performance Proven Under Independent Testing
Recent results under EN 12616: 2022 Part 1 Method A show an infiltration rate of 1,638 mm/hr, over three times the minimum EN requirement of ≥ 500 mm/hr, ensuring rapid drainage and year-round usability. In wear testing, EN 15306: 2014 confirmed excellent mechanical resilience with minimal tuft loss (≈5–8 g after 10,000 Lisport cycles), demonstrating long-term durability.
4. Heat Refraction
CocoTurf surface performs impressively under heat stress compared to traditional artificial surfaces. Using FIFA Test Method 14, examined six different surface types over a standard 180-minute heating cycle to measure the maximum surface temperatures they reached. CocoTurf infilled with sand stood out, achieving the lowest recorded surface temperature of 52.4 °C (classified as Category 1–2). The test further showed that CocoTurf without infill still performed better (58.3 °C) than wetpour (65°C) or artificial turf with SBR (69.8°C) but benefited most when combined with sand. This positions CocoTurf as a superior choice for heat-island areas and hot-weather regions, delivering a cooler, safer surface than conventional plastic or rubber solutions.
5. Fire Safety Public-Space Compliance
Independent fire testing achieved Class Bfl-s1 rating for the sand-filled version and Class Dfl-s1 for the non-sand system, according to BS EN 13501-1, suitable for use outdoor and indoor.
6. Maintenance / Operational Benefits
CocoTurf’s natural antimicrobial properties and non-toxic composition eliminate the need for chemical cleaning agents. Its high permeability and stability (±0.33%) reduce maintenance costs and prevent surface degradation over time.
7. Leadership in Sustainable Innovation
CocoTurf showcases how performance and sustainability can coexist. Installed by an approved network, supporting local employment and education in sustainable surfacing.
