4 July 2025 | Customer Focus, Engineering, Manufacturing
For over 15 years, EFP has partnered with Notts Sport to develop innovative, long-lasting surfacing systems for playgrounds and sports fields—driven by shared values of safety, performance, and sustainability.
For over 15 years, EFP has proudly partnered with Notts Sport, leading design specialists of premium sports and leisure surfacing solutions, a partnership built on innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and long-term community impact.
At its core are the ChildsPlay and ShockWave advanced surfacing systems designed by Notts Sport for safety and performance. EFP manufactures the expanded polypropylene (EPP) tiles that underpin these systems, providing exceptional impact absorption and durability.
ChildsPlay is a vibrant, slip-resistant playground surface offering fall protection up to 3.0 metres, outperforming traditional options like grass and bark with the EPP ensuring reliable long-term safety, even in high-traffic areas.
For high-impact sports like rugby and football, ShockWave Platinum and EcoBase systems set new standards in durability and shock absorption. These systems exceed FIFA and World Rugby standards, providing critical fall height protection up to 2.2 metres and a lifespan of 30 years.
“Working with EFP has been a collaborative experience,” said Adam Walker, Technical Manager at Notts Sport. “Their input has been vital in developing and refining our systems, especially through 3D CAD design support, sampling, and fast-paced R&D. Our relationship with Tracie, Luke and the wider team has been key to helping us respond to the ever-evolving demands of our industry. Looking ahead, we’re excited about developing the next generation of surfacing solutions together.”
What began as a supplier relationship has evolved into a collaborative partnership, shaping the future of safe, high-performance sports and play environments across the UK.
Revisiting Ferryhill:
A ChildsPlay Playground Built to Last
This year, the EFP team revisited King George V Playing Field in Ferryhill, County Durham, a key project showcasing our Notts Sport partnership. Installed in 2017 as part of an £86,000 rejuvenation project of a vandalised playground, the ChildsPlay system and EPP tiles remain in good condition.
The project earned EFP a Green Space Business Award from Keep Britain Tidy and reinforced our shared commitment to improving outdoor spaces.
Tracie Walters Head of Components said: “Our partnership is built on trust, collaboration, and shared vision. Our EPP solution brought their ideas to life, strengthening our relationship through innovation, engagement, and mutual respect. Seeing the first ChildsPlay system installed and knowing it helps prevent serious injuries, was a proud moment for both teams. Over the years, we’ve grown together and supported each other and there is so much more that we can achieve.”
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