When selecting materials for playgrounds, schools and public recreation areas, safety is often the first consideration. Increasingly, however, decision-makers are also evaluating material composition, durability and end-of-life management.
These factors are shaping how playground surfaces are designed and specified.
Safety Comes First
Play surfaces are used intensively by children every day and therefore need to meet recognised safety requirements.
ONE-DNA™ artificial grass has been tested in accordance with NEN-EN 71-3, a recognised European standard used to assess the migration of certain elements in materials intended for children’s use.
This provides confidence that the product is suitable for use in play environments where safety is a primary consideration.
Material Choices Matter
Beyond performance during use, increasing attention is being given to how materials are selected and managed throughout their lifecycle.
ONE-DNA™ was based on a 100% PE (one polymer) design. By using a single polymer family throughout the product structure, the system provides greater transparency regarding material composition and may simplify future processing and recycling pathways.
Designed for Long-Term Use
Playground surfaces are expected to perform for many years under changing weather conditions and intensive use.
ONE-DNA™ products have been evaluated through accelerated ageing tests that simulate long-term exposure to factors such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and humidity. These assessments help evaluate long-term product performance and durability.
Looking Beyond Installation
The conversation around playground surfaces is evolving.
Today, many municipalities, schools and project owners are considering not only safety and appearance, but also questions such as:
- What is the product made from?
- How durable is it?
- Can it be processed responsibly at end of life?
- Is environmental information available and transparent?
By addressing both safety and material transparency, playground projects can be designed with the entire product lifecycle in mind.
A Balanced Approach
Creating high-quality play environments requires more than a single performance criterion.
Safety, durability, material transparency and lifecycle considerations all play a role in selecting appropriate surfaces for schools, playgrounds and public spaces.
As these requirements continue to evolve, product design and material choice are becoming increasingly important parts of the conversation.
Update, October 2026: this article reflects the ONE-DNA™ range at the time of publication, based on polyethylene (PE). ONE-DNA™ now also includes a 100% PO route; see Technology for the current material routes.
Related: Playgrounds · For professionals
