6 March 2023 – 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. technical and informative event on plant-based performance infills for artificial turf pitches. The meeting will focus on the repercussions for the industry, conversions and solutions available on the market, with an analysis of the features and possibilities for the sports sector
The future of plant-based performance infills – Coverciano Workshop & Forum – 6 March 2023

The technical and informative event for sector operators, planners, public administration, sports managers, entrepreneurs will take place at the Coverciano Federal Technical Centre in Florence.
Since 2016, the Council and the European Commission have been actively working to reduce the sources contributing to microplastic pollution.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) asked in February 2021 to consider restriction options for artificial sports surface clogs. The procedure is currently being evaluated.
The global demand for infill is estimated to approach 600,000 tonnes of rubber equivalent per year, for 11-a-side football pitches alone.
The aim of this meeting is to analyse the consequences of a possible stop to rubber infill and to take an in-depth look at the solutions that are possible and available today, their effectiveness, performance reliability and current research and development.
The event will also include an on field experience to see some of the playing fields of the Federal Technical Centre that are already equipped with plant-based performance infills.
At the end of the forum, lunch and possibility to visit the Football Museum
The event will also include an on field experience to see some of the Federal Technical Centre’s playing fields that are already equipped with plant-based performance infills.
At the end of the forum, lunch and the opportunity to visit the Football Museum.
Simultaneous Italian – English interpreter on site for foreign operators.
WHEN and WHERE: infos
- WHEN: Monday 6 March 2023
from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m
- WHERE: Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano (FI) – Aula Magna
Via Gabriele D’Annunzio, 138, 50135 Firenze - HOW TO GET THERE:
by Car: via the A1 highway, both northbound and southbound, take the Firenze Sud exit
by Train: Florence Campo di Marte Station
or
A/V Santa Maria Novella Station (FI), then proceed by taxi (15′) or bus no. 11 then no. 10 (25′)
THE PROGRAM
9.30 Accreditation |
10.00 Opening of the session and introductions Moderator: Fabio Passoni (CMO Tsport / Sporteimpianti.it) |
10.10 Roberto Nusca (CEO Ital.Project) Research, Development and the Future of Plant-Based Inflills |
10.25 Maurizio Francini (Responsabile Centro Tecnico “Luigi Ridolfi” Coverciano) Focus Field 1, Field 2 and Field 5: Usage features and advantages |
10.45 Colin Young (R&D Director Tencate Grass – Chair ESTC) Design of the turf system to optimise natural infills |
11.00 COFFEE BREAK |
11.20 Roberto Armeni (Managing Director Labosport Italia) Plant Infills and Fifa Quality Programme for Football Turf |
11.40 Marco Volterrani (CeRTES, Sports Turf Research Centre – University of Pisa) Properties of plant infills and their evolution over time |
12.00 Mario Beretta (Italian Football Coaches Association) Speech/Testimony |
12.15 Plein Air |
12.30 Visit on field experience |
ore 13.15 LUNCH Afterwards, open visit to the Football Museum |
*The programme may be updated and undergo changes.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
The future of plant-based performance infills
Please note that seats are limited.
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