Artificial grass making a huge comeback in the UK and beyond

Once known as a sub-par floor-covering that was only useful in the tackiest of situations and in sports arenas, it would seem that artificial grass is having the last laugh.

Over the past several years, the synthetic grass industry has seen a resurgence of interest from a variety of groups and industries. From ecologically motivated home owners to profit-motivated businesses, many entities within the UK and beyond have begun to take a second glance at the product.

Once Faltering, Synthetic Grass Is Now a Booming Industry

It wasn't long ago that synthetic turf solutions had a somewhat stable but small consumer base. Sport arenas and the occasionally misguided customer would procure synthetic grass for one reason or another, but the business was not one where large amounts of investment were seen as a strategic, long-term money making idea.

While interest in a variety of niches is now making the possibility of a synthetic turf industry very palpable, even its most reliable consumers are demanding more of the product. The global sport turf market is reportedly on track to generate double-digit annual growth within three years' time. Fuelling this interest is a desire for sport and recreational enthusiasts to embrace superior playing surfaces and safer playing fields for both indoor and outdoor use.

Residential Demand is Fuelling This Resurgence

While global sport applications have undoubtedly helped contribute to the improving fortunes of the industry, a second generation of smart and flexible artificial turf solutions have piqued the interests of home owners and everyday consumers.

Many new successful UK artificial turf companies like Grono are popping up, providing consumers with small-scale artificial grass products that hold up against the elements. This latest generation of outdoor turf surpasses its predecessors in a variety of ways. Once regarded as cheap in both look and feel, much of the artificial turf being produced and sold in the UK holds up in the face of even the pickiest consumers.

With a variety of realistic colours that is in sharp contrast to the bright green and artificial colourations of yesteryear, home owners are now capable of selecting from hues and tints that fit the design of any home, lawn or neighbourhood. In addition, overall quality improvements in the polymers and materials used in manufacturing have helped to reassure customers that such an investment is both aesthetically and functionally pleasing.

Several New Benefits, Along with Some Old Ones

Artificial grass first became a viable product due to the fact that it was a low-maintenance alternative to an age-old problem. Many people, faced with the burden of mowing their lawns on a regular basis, opted instead for a 20th century artificial lawn that eliminated this necessity. Additionally, the desire to have a green lawn throughout all seasons made it a desirable choice for those with the money to invest. These benefits still remain, but new ones have also emerged.

Virtually none of the artificial turf manufactured today is vulnerable to fading or fires, which were key problems in older versions of artificial turf. There are also several new artificial grass variants available that maximise heat dispersion – a problem all too common in older artificial turfs that have FIFA officials dealing with figurative and literal heat as of late.

Furthermore, artificial turfs produced today are better equipped to handle water drainage and run-off, which is an increasing concern in many urban areas. The elimination of maintenance that often requires fossil fuels and an excess of water has also been championed by environmental rights advocates.

A Boom for Everyone

Throughout the United Kingdom and elsewhere, artificial grass is making a huge comeback that stands to affect positively the lives of business owners, entrepreneurs and home owners alike. Only time will tell if this second wave of interest remains strong, but key indicators in the industry seem to suggest that the market is finding a variety of new possibilities for the product.