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.
Infill refers to the granular materials spread between the blades of synthetic grass, serving several functions:
Modern turf systems often use a mix of performance infills and stabilizing sand, depending on their intended application—sports, landscaping, or playgrounds.
A basic and cost-effective option, silica sand infill is often used as a stabilizing base, particularly in landscape and light-traffic areas.
One of the most common infills for sports fields.
Made from virgin rubber, EPDM infill offers vibrant color options and consistent performance.
A newer, recyclable infill option for those seeking higher environmental standards.
A natural and biodegradable infill sourced from tree bark.
An engineered organic material designed to be sustainable and cool in temperature.
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 considerations are becoming increasingly important in synthetic turf projects. Here’s how different materials compare:
If you’re pursuing LEED certification or wish to minimize ecological impact, natural infill options are more appropriate—though typically at a higher cost.
Each infill type has unique maintenance requirements:
Proper brushing, infill top-ups, and sanitation (especially for sports fields) are essential for keeping the turf functional and hygienic.
| 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.
To help users visualize how infill integrates into the turf system, we recommend including a cross-sectional diagram with the following layers:
Each layer contributes to the field’s safety, feel, and longevity. See diagram below.
(📌 You can embed an illustrated diagram here for clarity.)
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:
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.
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.
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