Notts Sport, one of the UK’s most established innovators in sports and play
surfacing, has announced the launch of CocoTurf Cricket, the world’s first 100%
natural, plastic-free artificial cricket surface. Designed from the ground up using
natural materials, CocoTurf Cricket represents a major step forward in sustainable
facility development for cricket at all levels of the game.

CocoTurf Cricket builds on Notts Sport’s pioneering CocoTurf® technology and has
been specifically re-engineered to meet the demands of cricket performance. The
surface is constructed entirely from natural coconut fibres, jute backing, and
certified natural latex, creating a high-performance wicket system with zero
plastics, zero microplastics, and zero PFAS. This makes it the first artificial cricket
surface of its kind worldwide and a significant milestone in reducing environmental
impact in sport.

The first installation of CocoTurf Cricket has already taken place at the iconic Lord’s
Cricket Ground, providing a real-world example of how elite facilities are beginning
to embrace natural, plastic-free alternatives. The surface has undergone full cricket
performance testing, including a Ball Pitch Impact Assessment, which confirmed
the system’s consistent bounce, realistic pace and long-term durability comparable
to professionally prepared non-turf wickets. An ECB application is currently in
process, marking an important step toward official recognition and future adoption
by clubs, schools, county boards and national programmes.

CocoTurf Cricket has been developed to support the growing need for
environmentally responsible solutions within the sport. With concerns increasing
around microplastic shedding, PFAS contamination and the environmental cost of
synthetic materials, CocoTurf Cricket offers a future-proofed alternative that aligns
with the sport’s sustainability objectives. The system is Oeko-Tex certified, 100%
recyclable, features a dense pile weight of 1,300 g/m², and achieves an
exceptional water infiltration rate of 15,166 mm/hr, providing reliable use
throughout the year.

Each square metre of CocoTurf Cricket uses fibres from 6.5 coconuts, meaning
approximately 585 coconuts contribute to a single-lane match facility. This approach
transforms natural by-products into high-performance surfacing technology and
reduces dependence on petrochemical-based materials. The product is protected
under International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2024/050422 (pending).

Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, said:

“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 toward eliminating plastics from non-turf systems and creating facilities that protect
both players and the environment.”

Adam Walker, Technical Manager at Notts Sport, 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 more than 40 years of experience delivering 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.

Visit Notts Sport HERE