Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO, ESTC 

This presentation will provide an overview of the most important regulatory developments affecting the synthetic turf sector in Europe and the Middle East. Key legislation, compliance requirements, and emerging trends will be highlighted to help industry stakeholders understand the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for production, installation, and product sustainability.

Christoph Katz, Partner, EPPA

This presentation will provide an update on the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR), including insights into their implementation, expected impacts, and the Commission’s outlook for the project. With ESTC having developed a PEFCR for synthetic turf, this session will be of particular interest in understanding how the Commission envisions the role of PEFCRs in driving sustainability across industries.

Alicia Boyano Larriba, Policy Officer, European Commission

Alastair Cox, Technical Director, ESTC

This presentation will provide an update on key technical aspects of synthetic turf, including the latest developments in CEN standards, testing methods, and industry best practices. Attendees will gain insight into how these technical frameworks shape product quality, safety, and sustainability in the sector.

Alastair Cox, Technical Director, ESTC

• Overview of trade defence instruments (TDIs – what they are and how they apply to the synthetic turf sector.

• Summary of the feasibility study – scope, methodology, and key findings.

• Implications for the industry: how an anti-dumping case could protect innovation, fair competition, and sustainable growth in Europe.

• Call for engagement: how members and stakeholders can support the initiative and provide input.

Brian Petter, Head of Economics Department, CIRFS - European Man-Made Fibres Association 

This presentation will provide an update on the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, launched in February 2024. With over 1,300 organisations, including ESTC, now signatories, Marco Mensink will discuss the progress made since its launch, its impact so far, and the outlook for strengthening Europe’s investment climate while supporting the transition to climate neutrality.

Marco Mensink, Director General, CEFIC (European Chemical Council)

The Chairs of the Interest Groups and Task Forces will report on the work carried out within their respective groups.

Topics include:

• Yarn Durability

• Shockpad

• Infill

• Water Management

• Landscaping

• End of Life

Moderator : Eric O’Donnell, Knowledge Pillar Leader

• Breaking Misconceptions: Why landscape turf should not be treated as impermeable or “hard.”

• Policy Impact: How current classifications limit sustainable landscaping options.

• Regional Relevance: What Flanders’ advocacy can teach other areas facing similar barriers.

Vicky Marissen, Managing Partner, EPPA

- The Premier League, The English FA and UK Government’s Football Foundation is a unique charity partnership, bringing together public and private investment to harness the power of football to engage communities. Our mission is simple: to give every community a great place to play. How can we ensure that continues as our 3G pitches move away from the systems that have served us so well for many years towards new, more environmentally sustainable systems.
- Opened in November 2023 the Football Foundation Test Hub in Sheffield is a unique collection of 7 test beds on one site, that allows players to express their preferences to different surface types and for us to understand how these surfaces react within the same environment.
- Two years into a three year research programme are we any closer to understanding what the future of the 3G pitches we provide for our communities looks like.
Chris Barry, Head of Technical, Football Foundation & Niall MacPhee (Sports Labs)

- Synthetic Turf in UEFA competitions
- Synthetic Turf via UEFA Hat Trick and the Foundation
- UEFA Football Turf Group

Lee Guerriero, Stadium Operations & Pitch Expert, UEFA

• Comparing End-of-Life Pathways: Landfilling, incineration, local recycling, and recycling abroad.

• Spotlighting Environmental Hotspots: Key factors that shape impacts — materials, transport, and recovery.

• Balancing Priorities: Protecting the environment while preserving access to sport and community health benefits.

Amirsohrab Falsafi, LUT University

• How to minimize environmental footprint from artificial turf fields
• Prove that the recommendations in the CEN report TR 17519 works

Carsten Sigvert, WSP Denmark

Stefan Diderich, ESTC