Notts Sport, a renowned leader in sports and play surfacing in the UK, has recently announced the launch of their latest innovation – CocoTurf Cricket. This groundbreaking product is the world’s first 100% natural, plastic-free artificial cricket surface, designed to meet the demands of the sport while also promoting sustainability.
Utilizing their pioneering CocoTurf® technology, Notts Sport has re-engineered the surface to cater specifically to the performance requirements of cricket. The surface is made entirely from natural materials such as coconut fibres, jute backing, and certified natural latex, with zero plastics, microplastics, and PFAS, making it a significant milestone in reducing the environmental impact of sports.
The first installation of CocoTurf Cricket has already taken place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, setting an example for elite facilities to embrace natural, plastic-free alternatives. The surface has undergone rigorous cricket performance testing, including a Ball Pitch Impact Assessment, which confirmed its consistent bounce, realistic pace, and long-term durability comparable to professionally prepared non-turf wickets. The product is currently undergoing an ECB application, demonstrating its potential for future adoption by clubs, schools, county boards, and national programs.
CocoTurf Cricket has been developed to address the growing need for environmentally responsible solutions in the sport. With increasing concerns about microplastic shedding, PFAS contamination, and the environmental cost of synthetic materials, this product offers a sustainable alternative that aligns with the sport’s sustainability objectives. It is Oeko-Tex certified, 100% recyclable, has a dense pile weight of 1,300 g/m², and an exceptional water infiltration rate of 15,166 mm/hr, providing reliable use throughout the year.
One of the most notable features of CocoTurf Cricket is that each square meter of the surface uses fibres from 6.5 coconuts, with approximately 585 coconuts contributing to a single-lane match facility. This unique approach transforms natural by-products into high-performance surfacing technology, reducing the dependence on petrochemical-based materials. The product is also protected under International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2024/050422 (pending).
Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, expressed his excitement about the product, stating, “CocoTurf Cricket is a genuine breakthrough for cricket facilities. For the first time, the sport has access to an artificial surface that performs like a professionally prepared pitch but is made entirely from natural materials. This is a major step towards eliminating plastics from non-turf systems and creating facilities that protect both players and the environment.”
Adam Walker, Technical Manager at Notts Sport, further added, “We engineered CocoTurf Cricket with players in mind, but with absolute commitment to sustainability. This surface shows that you no longer have to choose between performance and environmental responsibility – you can have both.”
With over 40 years of experience in delivering top-quality cricket surfaces across the UK and worldwide, Notts Sport continues to lead innovation in the industry, offering solutions that support the future of the game.
