EN71 School and Childrens Artificial Grass for heavy used areas

Understanding EN71 Certification: Why It Matters for Artificial Grass: 

If you are a school or a nursery or you have an area that large groups of children play on, then you should only be installing EN71 certified artificial Grasses.

The choice of artificial grass for a domestic garden, playground, or commercial space is often driven by aesthetics, durability, and cost. However, for any area frequented by children, a crucial factor that overrides all others is safety. This is where the EN71 certification becomes indispensable. Far from being a niche requirement, EN71 is a globally recognized standard that guarantees the safety of the materials used, directly impacting the health and well-being of users.

What is EN71 Certification?

EN71 is a set of European product safety standards that a product must meet to be marketed as a "toy" within the European Union. Its full name is European Standard EN 71: Safety of Toys. While artificial grass is not technically a toy, the materials used in its production—specifically the plastic fibres (yarns) and backing—are essentially plastics and colourants. When artificial grass is installed in playgrounds, schools, nurseries, or family gardens, it effectively functions as a play surface.

The certification is comprised of several parts, but the most relevant for artificial grass is EN 71-3: Migration of Certain Elements. This part of the standard meticulously tests the raw materials to ensure that the levels of certain heavy metals and toxic chemicals are below strict safety limits. These elements include:

• Lead

• Mercury

• Cadmium

• Arsenic
• Chromium

• Antimony

• Barium

• Selenium

The standard ensures that even if a child touches the grass, puts their hands in their mouth, or ingests small quantities of dust from the fibres, they are not exposed to harmful concentrations of these substances. This is particularly vital as artificial grass can shed microscopic plastic dust over time, and young children have a natural tendency to explore the world through touch and taste.

The Necessity of EN71 in Artificial Grass

For artificial grass, having EN71 certification is not just a marketing bonus; it is a fundamental requirement for environments where children play.

1. Protecting Children's Health

The primary reason for needing EN71 is health protection. The toxic elements restricted by EN 71-3 can be neurotoxic and damaging to a child’s developing organs and nervous system, even in very small amounts. Uncertified, cheap artificial grass often uses low-grade recycled plastics or colouring dyes that contain high concentrations of these restricted heavy metals to reduce production costs. An EN71 certificate provides documentary proof that the plastic fibres and backing are made from virgin, non-toxic polymers and safe colourants, ensuring the surface is biologically inert and safe for continuous contact.

2. Compliance for Commercial and Public Spaces

For schools, nurseries, parks, and other commercial play areas, the EN71 certification moves from being a recommendation to a strict regulatory requirement. These organisations have a duty of care to ensure all equipment and surfaces are safe. Installing uncertified grass in a public playground is a serious liability risk. Landscapers and installers that work on such projects must be able to prove compliance, and the EN71 certificate issued by an independent testing body serves as this proof. It guarantees that the installation meets the necessary legal safety benchmarks for children's spaces.

3. Addressing the Pet/K9 Market

While EN71 focuses on children, it indirectly benefits the "dog safe" market as well. Grasses certified for EN71 use safer plastic compounds that are less likely to cause irritation or harm if a dog licks the surface. For specialist 'dog grasses' where the backing is also crucial for drainage (often using Polyethylene or Polypropylene), the EN71 plastic in the fibres ensures the entire system is non-toxic.

4. Durability and Quality Indication

Manufacturers who invest in EN71 testing are typically producing a higher-quality product overall. The EN71 standard often goes hand-in-hand with other quality metrics:

• UV Stabilisation: High-quality, safe polymers are also more effective at resisting UV degradation, meaning the grass remains vibrant and does not become brittle quickly.

• Yarn Quality: Safe, high-grade plastic is generally less abrasive and maintains its shape (like Xtra Spine Technology or MiNT yarns) better than cheaper alternatives.

In conclusion, when selecting artificial grass for any area where children will be present—be it a backyard or a school yard—the question is not whether the grass is EN71 certified, but rather, why risk an uncertified product? The certification offers tangible, independently verified assurance that the grass is free from dangerous toxins, ensuring that the beautiful, low-maintenance lawn is also a safe place for play.