Prohibit the Sale, Purchase, Deployment, and Use of Artificial Grass Products

We call on the government and parliament to prioritise public health and environmental protection by banning artificial grass products from sale, purchase, deployment, and use in all settings. Take action to prevent microplastic pollution, reduce carbon emissions and waste, and promote biodiversity

The government and parliament should ban artificial grass products to prevent harm to public health and the environment. These products release carbon dioxide, cause flooding, pollute water, generate waste, harm biodiversity, and impact pollinators. A ban on these products would promote more sustainable alternatives, reduce harm, and align with climate and sustainability goals. It's time for the government and parliament to take action and ban artificial grass products.

Our 25 Year Environment Plan sets out our ambition to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042. Given the scale of the plastics problem, we need to take a targeted and evidence-led approach to tackling the issues of plastic waste. Defra has no plans to ban artificial grass. We will continue to review the latest evidence on problematic products and materials to take a systematic approach to reducing the use of unnecessary plastic products.

The Government has not assessed the potential costs and opportunities of restricting the use of artificial grass products.

The Government recognises that, in itself, artificial grass has no value for wildlife. Improving biodiversity is a key objective for the Government. The Environment Act 2021 introduced a number of policies that will support the restoration of habitat. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will work together to drive action, including to create or restore habitats that enable wildlife to recover and thrive.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs