A new ASTM International standard establishing a consistent framework for sampling and testing synthetic turf materials for PFAS has officially been published.

The new standard, ASTM F3782-26, provides guidance for evaluating synthetic turf fiber and backing materials for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Developed through ASTM International’s consensus-based standards process, the publication is intended to provide manufacturers, laboratories, regulators, procurement officials, and end users with a standardized methodology for testing synthetic turf materials.

Focus on manufacturing-stage testing

According to the Synthetic Turf Council (STC), ASTM F3782-26 specifically focuses on sampling and testing turf materials at the manufacturing stage rather than after installation at customer or job sites.

The standard applies to synthetic turf fiber and backing materials and is designed to help distinguish between intentionally added PFAS and potential background environmental contamination.

Industry representatives noted that PFAS compounds are widely present in the environment and may be detected in outdoor products through environmental exposure rather than direct use during manufacturing.

ASTM F3782-26 therefore concentrates on evaluating whether PFAS substances were intentionally added during production processes.

Industry responds to growing PFAS scrutiny

The publication comes as scrutiny of PFAS use continues to increase across a range of industries, including synthetic turf, textiles, packaging, and plastics.

In 2024, members of the Synthetic Turf Council committed to no longer using intentionally added PFAS in synthetic turf products.

According to STC President and CEO Melanie Taylor, the new standard is intended to improve transparency and establish clearer testing procedures across the industry.

The organization said the standard creates a more precise framework for evaluating synthetic turf materials compared with broader testing approaches that may not specifically address turf-related components.

Relevance for crumb rubber and artificial turf markets

The synthetic turf sector remains closely connected to the broader tire recycling industry because many sports fields and recreational surfaces use infill materials derived from recycled tires.

These infill materials are commonly produced from crumb rubber generated through mechanical processing of end-of-life tires.

As environmental and regulatory attention surrounding PFAS, microplastics, and tire wear particles increases, manufacturers and recycling companies are facing growing pressure to improve material traceability, testing standards, and product transparency.

At the same time, the use of recycled rubber in artificial turf, playgrounds, and sports infrastructure remains an important end market for the rubber recycling sector.

ASTM and industry collaboration

ASTM International said the new standard was developed through collaboration between industry participants, technical experts, and other stakeholders.

The organization currently maintains more than 13,000 voluntary consensus standards used globally across manufacturing, infrastructure, environmental management, and industrial sectors.

The Synthetic Turf Council said it plans to work with communities, laboratories, and procurement officials to support implementation of the new testing framework and provide guidance on PFAS evaluation in synthetic turf systems.

The release of ASTM F3782-26 reflects the broader movement toward increased oversight, testing consistency, and sustainability standards across the synthetic turf and recycled materials industries.

Article source: official media release by Synthetic Turf Council.