Research on the history of synthetic grass carpet shows that this surface is widely used not only in sports fields but also in landscaping applications. Due to the maintenance difficulties and climate limitations of natural grass, this technology was developed and has since become the preferred surface in many sports, especially football. In our country, its usage became widespread toward the end of the 2000s.
What Is Synthetic Grass Carpet and Why Was It Produced?
Synthetic grass carpet was developed as an alternative to the limited durability of natural grass. The need for a surface that could maintain consistent performance throughout all seasons in sports competitions led to its invention. Starting in the 1960s in the United States, the journey of synthetic grass initially lacked sufficient flexibility for football, but over time it evolved to meet athletes’ expectations.
Our Synthetic Grass Production Factory – Tekirdağ
Development of Synthetic Grass Carpet in Turkey
Although the use of synthetic grass carpet in our country did not start under FIFA’s leadership, it quickly became widespread through significant investments. In the 2008–2009 season, the 19 Mayıs Stadium, home to clubs such as Ankaragücü, Gençlerbirliği, and Hacettepe, was one of the pioneers in this area. With a 1.5 million YTL investment by the Turkish Football Federation, “FIFA Star 2” certified turf was implemented.
- 19 Mayıs Stadium faced issues with natural grass during the winter months.
- Synthetic grass solved these problems, allowing year-round usability.
- Although issues like irregular ball bounce occurred initially, they were resolved over time.
- Synthetic turf became preferred in professional leagues.
First and Second Generation Synthetic Grass
First-generation synthetic grasses, introduced in the 1950s and used in fields by the 1960s, caused serious injuries among athletes. Low flexibility and high friction were the main disadvantages. Despite improvements, second-generation products released in the 1980s still failed to offer sufficient flexibility and were not approved by FIFA.
Third Generation Artificial Grass (3G Systems)
Third-generation synthetic grass, developed in the late 1990s, was revolutionary in terms of athlete safety. This type of turf, especially used for youth teams under the age of 17, stood out due to its lower injury risk compared to natural grass. After 2003, almost all European clubs adopted this system.
- Resistance to UV rays
- High water permeability
- Reduced ligament and muscle injuries
- Consistent performance all year round
Comparison Table of Synthetic Grass Generations
| Grass Generation | Production Period | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Generation | 1960s | First alternative to natural grass | High injury risk, low flexibility |
| Second Generation | 1980s | Improved structure | Not approved by FIFA |
| Third Generation | 1990s | Low injury risk, high performance | High initial installation cost |
The Power of Artificial Grass Proven by Scientific Research
A 2005 study by Dr. Ekstrand revealed that footballers playing on synthetic grass fields experienced fewer injuries. When compared to players from Swedish Premier League teams using natural grass, it was found that 3G systems were safer in terms of athlete health. These findings clearly explain why synthetic grass carpet technology was so rapidly adopted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is synthetic grass carpet?
It is a durable surface covering made from plastic-based materials used as an alternative to natural grass.
When was the first synthetic turf field built in Turkey?
It was used in the 2008–2009 season at the 19 Mayıs Stadium in Ankara.
Does synthetic grass increase the risk of injury?
No, especially with third-generation systems, the injury rate is lower than with natural grass.
What is FIFA-approved synthetic grass?
Synthetic turf systems that meet international standards and hold certifications such as FIFA Star 2. Check our FIFA certifications.
Is synthetic grass easy to maintain?
Yes, it requires much less maintenance than natural grass and is usable in all seasons. For more details, read our article “How to Maintain Artificial Turf?“.