Why We Led the Industry Before the EU Synthetic Ban
While the equestrian industry scrambles to prepare for the European Union’s 2031[i] ban on synthetic microplastics in arena footing, ArenaMend has been quietly perfecting natural fiber solutions for over a decade—not because we had to, but because we knew it was the right path for horse safety, environmental responsibility, and superior performance.
The Vision That Started It All
Ten years ago, when synthetic footing materials dominated the equestrian market, ArenaMend’s team recognized the need to create footing fit for the future. We saw the environmental damage from microplastic pollution seeping into groundwater, the unpredictable degradation of recycled tire materials, and the potential health risks to both horses and humans from airborne synthetic particles[ii]. More critically, we observed how synthetic materials created inconsistent surface behavior as they aged, potentially compromising horse safety and performance[iii][iv]. While synthetic solutions dominated the market, we committed to developing genuinely superior alternatives using natural materials.
This wasn’t a marketing decision or a response to regulatory pressure, it was a fundamental belief that working with natural processes rather than against them, would produce better outcomes for everyone involved. We invested heavily in research and development, , because we knew that nature had already solved the engineering challenges that synthetic materials were trying to address.
Developing Noviun: A Decade of Innovation
Our fibre, Noviun™, represents the culmination of ten years of intensive research into natural fiber technology. Made with fast-growing, and regenerative natural fibers, Noviun™ works like root systems, creating structure and stability that increases horses’ confidence underfoot while ensuring no microplastic contamination in the air or surrounding watersheds. Unlike synthetic materials that fight against natural processes, Noviun™ creates a living system that improves with use as the natural fibers settle and integrate more thoroughly with the sand base.
Most importantly, the system maintains consistent performance throughout its service life, unlike synthetic materials that degrade unpredictably and create maintenance challenges.
Why ArenaMend Stands Alone in Innovation
Recognizing the issues caused by synthetic arena surfaces, the EU is now moving to enforce a ban in 2031. ArenaMend has been ready for this for a decade and remains the only company that is genuinely committed to advancing surface performance through natural innovation. Tried, tested, and adopted by the best in the industry, we’ve had years to refine our systems. We are proud to have made this commitment early on because we believed it was right for horses, riders, and the environment[v].
The EU Ban: Validation of Our Decade-Long Vision
The European Union’s ban on synthetic microplastics, taking effect October 17, 2031, represents official recognition of the problems ArenaMend identified. The regulation specifically prohibits synthetic rubber crumb from recycled tires, plastic-based textile fibers, polymer-coated sand additives, and any intentionally added microplastics. This ban of toxic and inadequate synthetic materials, forms part of a wider industry drive towards high welfare and environmental protections.
With the eight-year transition period now half over, facilities across Europe are realizing they need proven solutions, not experimental alternatives. Rushing to develop untested alternatives could create new problems including performance inconsistency that increases injury risk, installation errors due to lack of expertise, and training disruptions from unreliable surfaces during the transition period. Having spent years honing our natural solution, we know what it takes to create a world class, high welfare and environmentally sound footing, and we are ready for the change today.
Leading the Industry Forward
As the 2031 deadline approaches, ArenaMend isn’t just ready—we’re leading the industry’s evolution toward truly sustainable, high-performance surfaces. We continue developing advanced fiber blends optimized for specific disciplines and climate conditions to help facilities optimize their natural footing performance over time.
References
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/28/microplastics-in-hair-study
[i] https://www.euoffice.eurolympic.org/monthly-report-highlight-explanatory-guide-to-the-microplastics-regulation-updates-for-the-sport-sector/#:~:text=As%20a%20reminder%2C%20the%202023,nature%20of%20various%20sport%20surfaces.
[ii] https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/news/what-animals-are-teaching-us-about-the-hidden-dangers-of-microplastics
[iii] https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/preventing-horse-injury
[iv] https://thehorse.com/1134333/the-importance-of-footing-for-maintaining-soundness-in-horses/
[v] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394452323_Microplastic_Contamination_in_Horse_Husbandry