When designing a high-performance synthetic turf system, choosing the right artificial grass infill is crucial. Infill materials significantly affect the turf’s durability, shock absorption, ball behavior, and safety. This guide provides a comprehensive look at infill options used in modern artificial turf systems, along with their environmental implications, cost profiles, and real-world performance.
- What Is Infill and Why Is It Important?
- Common Types of Infill Materials
- Performance Comparison in Real-World Scenarios
- Environmental Impact of Infill Choices
- Maintenance Considerations
- Cost Comparison (Per m²)
- Visual Guide to Turf Infill System
- Real-World Applications
- Conclusion
- 💼 Recommended Products from MangoSports
- 📚 Related Guides You May Like
What Is Infill and Why Is It Important?
Infill refers to the granular materials spread between the blades of synthetic grass, serving several functions:
- It helps fibers stay upright.
- Provides impact absorption and player comfort.
- Enhances ball roll and bounce characteristics.
- Contributes to system durability and drainage.
Modern turf systems often use a mix of performance infills and stabilizing sand, depending on their intended application—sports, landscaping, or playgrounds.
Common Types of Infill Materials
1. Silica Sand
A basic and cost-effective option, silica sand infill is often used as a stabilizing base, particularly in landscape and light-traffic areas.
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, UV resistant.
- Cons: Limited shock absorption; can compact over time.
2. SBR Rubber (Recycled Tires)
One of the most common infills for sports fields.
- Pros: Excellent shock absorption, good ball rebound, cost-effective.
- Cons: Can retain heat, potential concerns over microplastic pollution and chemical leaching.
3. EPDM Rubber
Made from virgin rubber, EPDM infill offers vibrant color options and consistent performance.
- Pros: Non-toxic, durable, lower odor than SBR.
- Cons: Higher cost than SBR; still petroleum-based.
4. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
A newer, recyclable infill option for those seeking higher environmental standards.
- Pros: Recyclable, odorless, consistent shape and performance.
- Cons: More expensive, limited availability in some regions.
5. Cork
A natural and biodegradable infill sourced from tree bark.
- Pros: Renewable, lightweight, cool underfoot.
- Cons: Higher cost, prone to floatation in heavy rain unless properly stabilized.
6. BrockFILL (Engineered Wood)
An engineered organic material designed to be sustainable and cool in temperature.
- Pros: Natural feel, low heat retention, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, may require specific installation techniques.
Performance Comparison in Real-World Scenarios
To understand how infill affects playing performance, we compared two systems using the same turf model (MangoSports ProSport 40), one with SBR and the other with cork infill.
Test Metrics (based on EN 15330-1 standards):
| Parameter | SBR Infill | Cork Infill |
|---|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | 63% | 60% |
| Vertical Deformation | 9.0 mm | 8.2 mm |
| Ball Rebound | 1.0 m | 0.94 m |
| Rotational Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Surface Temperature | High (45°C+) | Low (30–35°C) |
This illustrates that while SBR infill offers slightly more bounce and lower cost, cork infill improves rotational grip and significantly lowers surface heat.
Environmental Impact of Infill Choices
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in synthetic turf projects. Here’s how different materials compare:
- SBR and EPDM: Derived from petroleum and may release VOCs or microplastics over time.
- TPE: Recyclable and more stable, but still synthetic.
- Cork and BrockFILL: Biodegradable, renewable, and safer for stormwater systems.
If you’re pursuing LEED certification or wish to minimize ecological impact, natural infill options are more appropriate—though typically at a higher cost.
Maintenance Considerations
Each infill type has unique maintenance requirements:
- SBR: Needs regular top-up and grooming due to compaction and migration.
- TPE and EPDM: Retain shape better, less frequent grooming needed.
- Cork and organic: May float or biodegrade, requiring seasonal inspection and adjustment.
Proper brushing, infill top-ups, and sanitation (especially for sports fields) are essential for keeping the turf functional and hygienic.
Cost Comparison (Per m²)
| Infill Type | Estimated Cost (USD/m²) | Lifecycle (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | $1.0–$1.5 | 10–12 |
| SBR Rubber | $2.0–$3.0 | 8–10 |
| EPDM | $4.0–$6.0 | 10–12 |
| TPE | $5.0–$7.0 | 10–15 |
| Cork | $4.5–$6.5 | 6–8 |
| BrockFILL | $6.0–$8.0 | 8–10 |
💡 Tip: Consider both initial cost and total cost of ownership (including maintenance, environmental fees, and disposal costs) when selecting infill materials.
Visual Guide to Turf Infill System
To help users visualize how infill integrates into the turf system, we recommend including a cross-sectional diagram with the following layers:
- Synthetic Grass Fiber
- Thatch Layer (Optional)
- Infill Layer (1–2 types)
- Shock Pad (Optional)
- Compacted Sub-base
Each layer contributes to the field’s safety, feel, and longevity. See diagram below.
(📌 You can embed an illustrated diagram here for clarity.)
Real-World Applications
Case Study: Cork Infill in School Sports Field (Germany)
A local school district replaced its SBR-based turf with cork infill to reduce heat and environmental risk. After one year, they reported:
- 30% cooler surface in summer
- No odor during warm days
- Slightly higher maintenance in rainy season due to floating infill
Case Study: TPE Infill for Pro Soccer Club (USA)
A professional team selected TPE for its consistency and low abrasion. Players noted improved footing and fewer skin injuries during summer training.
These cases highlight how the right infill choice varies based on climate, performance needs, and environmental goals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right artificial grass infill goes beyond initial installation—it influences player safety, surface performance, maintenance, and ecological impact. Whether you’re designing a sports field, playground, or landscape turf, understanding each material’s properties helps optimize your investment.
For high-performance, eco-conscious installations, options like cork, BrockFILL, or TPE are gaining traction. Traditional infills like SBR and silica sand remain viable for budget-sensitive or low-impact applications.
💼 Recommended Products from MangoSports
- MS InfillPro TPE Granules – Durable, recyclable, safe for high-impact sports
- MS Organic Cork Infill – Lightweight, natural, and ideal for eco-friendly fields
- MS SBR Premium – Cost-effective infill with consistent performance
📚 Related Guides You May Like
- 👉 How to install an artificial football turf field？
Step-by-step guide on preparing the base, laying turf, and infill application for professional football fields. - 👉 Infill vs. Non-Infill Artificial Grass: Which One to Choose?
Compare performance, maintenance, and cost between infill-based and non-infill systems. - 👉 Synthetic Turf Maintenance: Tips to Extend Turf Lifespan
Learn the best practices for grooming, infill replenishment, and seasonal upkeep. - 👉 Artificial Turf for Playgrounds: Safety and Material Guide
Explore shock pads, infill safety ratings, and child-friendly turf systems. - 👉 Top 5 Eco-Friendly Infill Options for Green Projects
A curated list of sustainable infills for low-impact landscaping and sports fields.
