Fall protection surfaces made from sustainable ELT rubber granules protect children in playgrounds reliably, barrier-free and hygienically from injuries caused by falling, even from great heights. Furthermore, according to a recent NEW LIFE study, ELT fall protection surfaces are more economical for cities and local authorities in the long term than surfaces with loose bulk materials, such as sand and wood chips, as ELT rubber granules are durable and low-maintenance. Cities and local authorities that use the ELT material, which is obtained cleanly through mechanical recycling, are also acting in the spirit of the circular economy and setting a good example.  

Fall protection, i.e. a shock-absorbing surface, is required under play equipment from a fall height of 0.6 metres. Although turf is approved in Germany as a shock-absorbing flooring material up to 1.50 metres, it can lose its shock-absorbing properties due to wear and tear or drying out.

Cities and local authorities have a wide range of options when selecting and designing fall protection surfaces. The aspect of sustainability is increasingly coming into focus, with costs playing a decisive role. A recent NEW LIFE cost-effectiveness analysis therefore analysed which fall protection surface is best suited for installation on surfaces and playgrounds in public spaces, pays off for cities and municipalities in the long term and fits best into a forward-looking circular economy.  

The economic efficiency was calculated on the basis of an area of 100 m² with a drop height of one metre over a period of ten years. The installation costs (material and labour) were taken into account, as were the prescribed maintenance costs (cleaning and replacement/refilling of material). Impact protection made of rubber or sustainable ELT rubber granules is therefore slightly more expensive to purchase than loose bulk materials such as sand, gravel, turf or wood chips. However, it pays for itself for cities and local authorities after just a few years.

Although fall protection surfacing made from sustainable ELT rubber granules does not have an unlimited service life, it is significantly more weather-resistant and requires less maintenance than loose playground fall protection surfacing, which minimises maintenance costs in the years following installation. In addition, fall protection slabs made of ELT rubber granules can be individually coloured and printed, which allows them to be optimally integrated into the overall concept of the playground and contributes to enhancing its appearance.    

Surfaces made of rubber or sustainable ELT rubber granules guarantee a high level of safety even with heavy traffic,
with appropriate cleaning, provide consistent fall protection. Flat, smooth surfaces and suitably bevelled edge elements make it easier for children to access the play equipment. Certified in accordance with DIN EN 1176-1:2017 and DIN EN 1177:2018, the ELT flooring systems are water-permeable so that no puddles form on the surface. Even when wet, the anti-slip properties of the ELT tiles are retained.

With the use of fall protection surfaces made of ELT rubber granulate, cities and municipalities are also
a sustainable contribution to environmental protection and the circular economy, as the valuable components of used tyres are reused to manufacture new, durable products.
have been realised. This means less waste and more efficient use of resources.