Delegates from around the world travelled to Berlin for EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC)’s annual Congress, from 1-3 April 2025. The Congress was themed around ‘Designing a Greener Future – Bridging Technology, Responsibility, and Industry’.
Industry stakeholders united to network, share ideas and discuss best practice over the three-day Congress, benefitting from a detailed and wide-ranging programme, including topics such as end-of-life solutions, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and sustainable landscaping. This came alongside a breakdown and discussion of the synthetic turf industry’s recent strategic projects, which will play an important long-term role for both sports and landscaping applications.
Congress opened with a meeting of ESTC interest groups and a CEN meeting on 1 April. Both sessions were dedicated to ESTC members, taking place before non-members arrived and adding even more value to the membership.
The event for the wider membership and non-members began on the 2 April, with a general introduction from ESTC Director General and CEO, Stefan Diderich. Other highlights from the day included a session on recycling synthetic turf from Vincent du Granrut, Head of EPR Furniture at Ecomaison, and a dissection of ESTC’s strategy for the future from newly elected chair Paul Fraser.
Attendees also received an insightful presentation about the impacts of AI on businesses and society from Richard Van Hooijdonk, Future Frontiers. The session covered how major technology trends are impacting our companies and business models, as well as touching on what AI means for our future leadership.
There was also a selection of panel discussions, of which the dissection of PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) from a consumer perspective was a highlight. The panel, moderated by Matthias Eiles, DFB (German Football Federation), broke down the challenges and expectations related to PEF from a consumer perspective, and tied them into PEF’s broader impact on the synthetic turf industry.
Wayne Grills, Head of BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) and Mark Gregory, Landform Consultants, worked on an intriguing presentation targeting collaboration between natural and synthetic landscapes. The crux of this discussion was the degree to which natural grass and synthetic turf can embrace a symbiotic relationship within projects, and how BALI operates within this sphere.
On the final day, delegates had the opportunity to hear updates from leading sports governing bodies, including World Rugby, FIFA, and the FIH, as well as a session on innovation from member companies. There was also a session on changing the narrative surrounding synthetic turf from Martin Sheppard, Managing Director of Smart Connection Consultancy, focusing on embracing the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and using 3D technology to showcase projects and dispel community concerns.
Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO at ESTC, said:
“This year’s annual Congress provided a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations from across our industry to exchange insights, expertise and ideas, with by far our most comprehensive itinerary to date.
“With this year’s theme of designing a greener future, our aim was to inspire industry leaders to envisage a bright future for synthetic turf by challenging misconceptions, addressing environmental issues and introducing innovative concepts.
“ESTC’s rapid growth each year fills us with immense pride. A record number of members attended this year’s Congress, and we are excited to see how our industry will capitalise on the numerous opportunities coming up over the next year.”