Grass is greener for growth

David Spragg • February 20, 2021
The grass is greener for UK artificial grass suppliers this year as another summer compromised by travel restrictions focuses consumers on investing in their own homes and gardens.

The much heralded unspent savings of £125 billion held by middle-class householders due to the pandemic is likely to accelerate several years of impressive UK growth in the sector which has already proved to be a valuable extra revenue stream for flooring retailers.

Market research specialists Data Bridge are forecasting growth of more than 7% annually between now and 2028 and the 2021 season is expected to see an even greater boom. However, logistical disruption to imports due to Covid and to a lesser extent Brexit, may restraint the availability of both fibre and finished product.

Key suppliers to the artificial grass market in the UK have been steadily improving their portfolios of products with more variety and greater performance and quality.

“Artificial grass has gained an enormous growth in popularity over the recent years. Where a few years ago people didn’t know that artificial grass could be the ‘perfect’ solution for their garden, they are now becoming much more demanding regarding both the look and performance of their grass,” says the specialists at Condor Grass.

“As one of the leading manufacturers of artificial grass we listen carefully to both end users and our customers and use their feedback in our development programme. Then Condor Grass can offer an innovative, creative and competitive range of landscaping products that will fulfil all your customers’ demands,” says Netherlands-based Condor.

If you do not find your ideal landscaping grass in its standard collection, Condor Grass offers to create it for you. “No matter if you are an artificial grass specialist, an independent wholesaler or active in the retail industry; we have proven to be a successful partner no matter what your needs,” says Condor.


Another market-leader, the Dutch specialist
Betap has chosen 2021 to launch its first collection that has been specifically designed for the UK.
“The UK grass market is unique in its demands. There is a strong focus on colour, handle and price and these are the components our R&D and UK team focused on when creating the ‘Designed for the UK’ collection,” says Andrew Bramall of Betap’s grass division, branded as Parq.


Alongside robust performance, aesthetics are important too. Betap says feedback from consumers is that they don’t want a lawn that looks too fake and so the product development team has worked hard on creating a realistic look. Colour is essential, the north of Scotland has dark green grass whilst Cornwall is light in colour so getting the right combination and balance is crucial. The demand for Betap’s 5m widths has also increased, reducing joins.

“There has been a strong shift to better end products over the last few years so retailers shouldn’t be afraid of trading up,” says Andrew.


“Consumers see artificial grass as an investment and the recent lockdowns have emphasised how important our own outdoor space is. Our 38mm Greenwich and 40mm Vondel in particular tick this box. Betap has a great reputation for building affordable design into their products and their latest developments are no exception with good-value being the starting point of any new range.”


Andrew also emphasised how retailer displays had played a key role in driving sales: “We have seen everything from amazing window displays to a full scale replica garden. Get creative on how you chose to show off the different grasses, make them eye catching and tell the story of relaxation and lifestyle,” he said.


Manchester-based
Kellars is one of the fastest growing independent flooring wholesalers in the UK and has developed its offering in the outdoor market with a great value artificial grass collection designed to meet the growing demand for a low-maintenance but realistic alternative to the real thing.

With various ranges and thicknesses to choose from, Kellars’ grass is perfect for domestic or commercial use and after substantial investment in the company’s logistics over the last two years, artificial grass along with fitting accessories which include adhesive cartridges, adhesive and joining tape, can be delivered the following day.


In a major push in this sector, Kellars has launched its new Everturf range in time for the 2021 season and asks retailers to contact its sales team for details of this new development (see advert, pages 34–35).
Tradeco have become renown in the carpet industry over the last year, offering some of the cheapest rolls stock trade deals in the wholesale market and now the wholesaler has decided to expand into the artificial grass market for 2021 alongside decking and a host of other exterior use products to add to their well-stocked portfolio with nationwide delivery service.


With three different thicknesses of grass,
Tradeco offers something to suit the lower, middle and luxury price brackets. The entry level price of just £3.99m2+vat for European quality artificial grass is a great way for traders and resellers alike to get involved and enter the market with Tradeco as a new and exciting partner.


Supporting the growth of the artificial grass sector is
Cloud 9 Eco Cushion from Ball & Young.


Adding to the Cloud 9 brand leader’s portfolio, the product is designed specifically with high drainage characteristics, over 10 times FIFA requirements, making it ideal for artificial grass cushioning in domestic, landscaping, cabin decks, hotel roof tops, nurseries, schools and playgrounds installations


Made of different types of polymer Cloud 9 Eco Cushion not only provides efficient water flow, it is also tested to BS EN 1177 : 2008 - offering safety solutions for grass installations in modern play areas at 25mm with turf, attaining a critical fall height value of 1.2 m, utilising the available thicknesses of 10 mm and 15 mm.

Vita who created its sports turf shock pad Revo as a solution for artificial turf sports pitches. The original requirement was for a drainable, quicker installation shock pad to supply the Rugby Football Union.


As with all Cloud 9 products, Cloud 9 Eco Cushion is made using by-product P.U. from other industries and so helping to reduce impact on
the environment, reduce carbon footprints and help to maintain a sustainable future.


Eco-CutZGrass machinery from Merryfield Engineering is available for retailers and manufacturers to dispense artificial grass with the minimum of effort. 

Developed alongside its bespoke range of carpet and vinyl machinery, this labour saving machine enables you to handle bulk artificial grass with ease using a minimum of cutting staff.


Cost effective with low running costs and a full 12 month warranty, the machine is designed to give trouble free service for all your cutting, rolling, measuring and wrapping operations.


Merryfield’s track record in the sector means you can Invest with confidence in this market-leading technology to save man hours in abundance whilst complying with all health & safety guidelines normally associated with roll handling.


Syd Merryfield said: “You will be astounded just how the Merryfield Eco-CutZGrass saves you time and makes you money… so don’t let the grass grow under your feet!”


For more information


Ball & Young Cloud 9 • 01536 200502 • www.ballandyoung.com 
BETAP • 07903 215 119 or +31 (0)38 386 1060 •
www.betap.com 
Condor • +31(0)38 477 89 11 •
www.condor-group.eu 
Kellars • 0161 433 0970 •
www.kellars.co.uk 
Merryfield • 01422 373799 •
www.carpetcuttingmachines.co.uk 
Tradeco • 0114 000120 •
www.tradeco.uk 


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