The municipality of Trondheim has used birch granulate on a municipal’s 11-a-side pitch in Lade Sports Park. The trial is used to see whether this organic infill could serve as an alternative to polymeric infills once the sale of this type of infill is forbidden in 2031.

The decision to participate in the trial was taken in December 2023. The infill is sourced and produced in Norway and doesn’t have any additives, making it a 100% organic infill.

The field is fitted with underfloor heating and is expected to be used year-round.

“This is a very exciting project. We must be involved in taking responsibility for the green shift in Norwegian sports. The rubber granulate must be removed from Norwegian football pitches, and it is good that we in Trondheim are taking part in the attempts that are now being made to find a good replacement,” says Trond Åm, the city’s councillor for culture, sports and outdoor life.

Trondheim already has several fields that use olives and cork as infill. Other pitches use a hybrid surface.

The pilot project has been initiated by the Norwegian Football Association. Several Norwegian municipalities are participating in addition to Trondheim, including Breidablikk, as well as Heimdal IF Fotball. A total of nine pitches have been selected for the trial.