7.30am 8th January 2025 - <a href="https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/environment-and-sustainainability/">Environment & Sustainability</a> <br>Following extensive member engagement and feedback, the <a href="http://www.turfgrass.co.uk/">Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA)</a>, the leading body representing the UK turfgrass industry, has announced a bold and progressive step towards environmental sustainability by banning the use of plastic netting in turf production by its members. This decision, supported overwhelmingly by members in a recent vote, will take effect from 31st October 2026.<br>The decision to ban plastic netting reflects the TGA’s commitment to sustainable practices. From 31st October 2026, grower members must cease using plastic netting to grow turf, in order to retain their membership of the association during the 2026/27 subscription year and beyond.<br><strong>Richard Owens,</strong> Chair of the TGA, commented: “This is a defining moment, and the decision reflects the growing consensus among our members and the wider industry about the urgent need to prioritise sustainability. By committing to eliminate plastic netting, the TGA is leading the way towards a more environmentally responsible future for turf production in the UK.”<br>Despite industry efforts to develop alternatives, there are currently no proven, cost-effective bio degradable netting solutions widely available that meet the practical and economic requirements of turf production. While some options, such as degradable or biobased netting, have shown promise, challenges remain regarding durability, affordability, and large-scale adoption. This underscores the importance of continued research and innovation to find viable, sustainable solutions.<br>The vote saw overwhelming support from TGA members, with 17 voting in favour of the ban and just 1 against. The TGA is committed to supporting its members during the transition period by providing guidance, resources, and collaborative opportunities to explore and implement alternative practices.<br>This initiative represents a significant milestone for the turfgrass industry, aligning with broader environmental goals across the agricultural and horticultural sectors. The TGA’s decision sets an important precedent for adopting sustainable practices in industries that impact the environment.<br>A new state-of-the-art sports centre is to be the latest addition to the leisure facilities on offer to visitors to Vilamoura in Portugal’s Algarve region.<br>Uxbridge Golf Course in Middlesex is to close temporarily while a specialist operator is sought to take on the management of the course and nearby Haste Hill, both of which are currently run by Hillingdon Council. <br>A major redevelopment of Stirling Leisure's Hamersley Public Golf Course and driving range near Perth in Western Australia is complete, with golfers now able to experience golf the Inrange way following its official re-opening last month.<br><a href="https://twitter.com/home?status=https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/environment-and-sustainainability/tga-bans-the-use-of-plastic-netting-in-turfgrass-production/" rel="noopener" data-via="eGolfBusiness" data-hashtags="GolfBusinessNews">Share on Twitter</a> <br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://golfbusinessnews.com/news/environment-and-sustainainability/tga-bans-the-use-of-plastic-netting-in-turfgrass-production/&title=TGA+Bans+the+use+of+Plastic+Netting+in+Turfgrass+Production&source=GolfBusinessNews.com" rel="noopener">Share on LinkedIn</a><br>GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world.<br>We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course. We aim to supply essential information both quickly and accurately in a format which is easy to use. We are independent of all special interest groups.<br><a style="font-weight: 600;" href="https://eepurl.com/bpOC9">Click here to sign up</a> for our free twice weekly golf industry news summary<br>View the <a class="gbn-latest-email" href="https://golfbusinessnews.com/weekly-emails/the-latest-news-from-gbn-37/">latest newsletter</a> here<br>5/7 High Street<br>Dorchester-on-Thames<br>Oxfordshire OX10 7HH<br>United Kingdom<br><a href="mailto:publisher@golfbusinessnews.com">publisher@golfbusinessnews.com</a><br>© 1999-2025 <a href="https://golfbusinessnews.com">e.GolfBusiness.com Limited</a> | All Rights Reserved. | <a href="/privacy-policy/">GBN Privacy Policy</a> <br><br><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixwFBVV95cUxNbERSSkxrUW1paE5qMmpyTGQ5OWFSRC1xT082enhDTlJWX1RXRWdhVWNrRnI5TzdUaHRQalphMzZkblV5R2dfRUlhZER0QUZxbk5MOFlPU0lrZTZCSHJMcmREanRjZFBMRXBSU0JCU0k4TlFJOFdlczRJeUFic2hkdUkwYzBuaFRMYkVzeTVkR2JwNDMyMjNFUGZvR1dpUW90QXNodFplWDhTVE1UNG02Z3pJczlRSlYyR3dlMi1SdGZMMV8tckRN?oc=5">source</a>
