As the focus on resource efficiency and product design increases, the way artificial grass is manufactured is becoming increasingly important. Product composition plays a significant role in determining how materials can be processed at the end of their service life.
ONE-DNA™ artificial grass was developed in 100% PE (one polymer). This design approach differed from conventional artificial grass systems that combine multiple polymers and coatings.
Product design and material composition
Artificial grass products can be manufactured using a single polymer or a combination of materials. Product composition influences how materials can be collected, processed and recycled after use.
ONE-DNA™ artificial grass is designed using polyethylene (PE) throughout the product structure. This approach reduces the number of different material types present within the grass system and may simplify processing at end-of-life compared with products containing multiple polymer types and coatings.
Transparency through Environmental Product Declarations
ONE-DNA™ products were covered by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), verified via MRPI in 2024 for the product stage (A1 to A3) of the former Hasselt production, which provided independently verified environmental information based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology.
Depending on the life cycle stages it declares, an EPD can provide information on:
- Raw material extraction
- Manufacturing processes
- Resource consumption
- Emissions
- End-of-life scenarios
This enables specifiers, municipalities, architects and contractors to access standardized environmental data when evaluating products.
Product testing and verification
ONE-DNA™ artificial grass has been assessed through a range of independent tests covering product performance, safety and material composition.
- Leaching Tests Testing has been conducted to evaluate the release of substances into soil and water environments.
- EN 71-3 Safety Testing: Products have been tested according to EN 71-3 requirements relating to the migration of specific elements used in toy safety assessments.
- SVHC Screening: Material screening has been performed to assess the presence of substances listed under REACH as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
- Durability Testing: Accelerated aging tests evaluate product performance under exposure to UV radiation, temperature variation and moisture.
End-of-life processing challenges for multi-material artificial grass
Many conventional artificial grass products combine different polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), latex, polyurethane (PU) or other backing systems.
At end-of-life, this can create processing challenges:
- Different materials may require separation before recycling.
- Different polymers have different melting temperatures.
- Mixed material streams may limit potential processing routes.
- Additional sorting and processing can increase complexity.
The suitability of any recycling route depends on the specific product composition and the capabilities of the available recycling facility.
- Characteristics of Mono-Material Design
- A mono-material approach offers several practical characteristics:
- Reduced Material Complexity
- Using a single primary polymer reduces the number of different materials within the product structure.
- Simplified Processing
Where suitable recycling infrastructure exists, processing may be simplified because fewer material types need to be managed.
- Material Consistency
- Using a single polymer can help maintain a more consistent material stream during recycling processes.
- Resource Efficiency
Designing products with end-of-life considerations in mind aligns with broader Design for Recycling principles that are increasingly being adopted across multiple industries.
Looking ahead
The artificial grass industry continues to explore ways to improve resource efficiency and end-of-life processing. Product design choices, material selection and recycling infrastructure all play an important role in determining how materials can be managed after use.
By focusing on 100% PE (one polymer) design, ONE-DNA™ contributed to ongoing industry discussions around recyclability, material recovery and Design for Recycling.
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. The EPDs mentioned (MRPI, 2024) cover the product stage (A1 to A3) of products made at the former Hasselt site and do not represent current production in Portugal.
Related: Technology · Sustainability
