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Materials & Applications

Wales’ First Artificial Turf Pitch with Organic Performance Infill

Amorim Sports Brings Cork Performance to a Landmark 3G Pitch Amorim Sports

Caldicot Leisure Centre, in Monmouthshire, is now home to the first artificial turf pitch in Wales to use an organic performance infill, marking an important milestone in the development of more sustainable sports surfaces in the country.

For this landmark 3G pitch, Amorim Nature 190, a performance infill made from natural cork, was selected as the organic infill solution.

The project involved the major refurbishment of the Centre’s existing all-weather pitch, replacing the previous 2G surface with a modern 3G artificial turf system designed to provide a high-quality playing environment throughout the year.

Serving local schools, grassroots football clubs, community sports groups and the wider public, the new pitch demonstrates how natural materials can be integrated into high-performance sports infrastructure designed for intensive, year-round community use.

Main Goal

The refurbishment was developed in response to the sporting needs identified within the local community, to create a modern, reliable facility capable of supporting increased participation and intensive year-round use.

The new 3G pitch was designed to meet FAW/FIFA-approved technical standards, while providing a versatile facility for schools, clubs and community users.

The project also reflects a wider ambition to make more responsible material choices in the development of artificial turf systems. With an organic performance infill specified for the new surface, Amorim Nature 190 was selected to bring the natural performance characteristics of cork to the system.

Amorim Nature 190

Nature 190 is a natural performance infill developed by Amorim Sports from 100% cork, a natural, renewable and recyclable raw material.

Specifically engineered for artificial turf applications, Amorim Nature 190 combines the inherent properties of cork with the technical requirements of modern sports surfaces.

Cork’s unique cellular structure provides high elasticity and energy absorption, supporting player comfort and the performance characteristics required from the pitch. Its natural thermal insulation properties also contribute to reducing surface temperature compared with conventional synthetic infill solutions.

With Nature 190 selected as the organic infill solution, the Caldicot installation became the first artificial turf pitch in Wales to use an organic performance infill. The project establishes an important new reference for the use of natural materials in artificial turf sports surfaces.

The use of Nature 190 brings the inherent characteristics of cork directly to the artificial turf system:

Supporting Community Sport

Beyond the playing surface itself, the Caldicot project is designed to increase opportunities for sport across the local community.

The facility supports school use during the day while providing access for football clubs, community groups and recreational users outside school hours. The project is also expected to contribute to increased participation among women and girls, supporting broader access to football and community sport.

The development was supported by the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF), the charitable arm of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), and Monmouthshire County Council, both of which share a commitment to environmental responsibility and more sustainable approaches to construction.

By becoming the first artificial turf pitch in Wales to use an organic performance infill, Caldicot provides a new reference for how natural materials and artificial turf technology can come together in modern community sports infrastructure.

“South Wales Sports Grounds is proud to have completed the installation of Wales's first organic-filled artificial pitch using Amorim Nature 190 cork infill. This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable sports facilities and supports our ambition to provide high-performance artificial pitches that are fit for future generations.”
Rob Jones, Director at South Wales Sports Grounds.

Project Partners

The new pitch was delivered by South Wales Sports Grounds (SWSG), an Official Partner of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), working closely with Sports Labs. The development was supported by the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF), the charitable arm of the FAW, and Monmouthshire County Council.