Käpylä football field opens in the autumn with an entirely new surface that does not use any kind of 'filler' — the first of its kind in Helsinki.
Loose turf fillers are a controversial source of microplastic pollution, and will be banned in the European Union from 2031.
The "non-filler" pitches are easier to recycle, according to Helsinki municipality's project coordinator Oleg Jauhonen, because they do not contain multiple types of plastics and other materials used as fillers to help grass blades stand up straighter.
That means the new fields can be recycled as plastics, without more complicated handling required for more toxic materials.
The fields have also been used as surfaces at shooting ranges and golf courses.
"Artificial pitches should be replaced every ten years or so, so this is a significant thing from an environmental perspective," said Jauhonen.
He added that the problem with current pitches is not just recycling — the rubber crumb used as filler is carried into natural environments and watercourses as well.
"If we have good experiences with the new pitch, we will build more," said Jauhonen.
Helsinki has 80 artificial pitches altogether, and 70 percent of them have rubber crumb as filler. According to Jauhonen, each pitch loses up to 500 kg of rubber crumb every year.
"Rubber crumb pollution from pitches is a real environmental problem," he said.
Positive reviews for new pitches
Jauhonen noted that the new type of non-filler surface has received good reviews in Belgium.
The new pitches will be suitable for junior football, at least.
"How good they are for adult league games, we'll see in the future," he said.
The first of the new surfaces in Helsinki is to be installed in Käpylä in the autumn. Jauhonen said that the EU's microplastics directive has banned new pitches using rubber crumb within seven years.
"Helsinki wants to prepare for the big shift in plenty of time," said Jauhonen.
FA boss: Transition period is crucial
The Finnish Football Association's Head of Infrastructure Tero Auvinen said that the transition period is important.
He said that the original plan was for a six year transition period, but that was extended by two years to allow the necessary changes.
That will allow new materials to be developed, according to Auvinen.
"Pitches should be both environmentally friendly and good playing surfaces," said Auvinen, adding that Finland's cold and snowy winters make different demands on pitches compared to other European countries.
In total, some 44,000 artificial pitches need to be replaced to comply with the EU's directive. Of those, more than 500 are located in Finland.
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