Infill vs. non-infill artificial grass: what is the difference and which is best suited for your sports field?
Both solutions have their own characteristics, advantages and points to consider. In this article, we explain the differences, discuss the various types of infill and help you determine which solution is best suited to your application.
What is an infill artificial turf pitch?
An infill artificial turf pitch is a classic system in which the artificial turf fibres are filled with loose material. This infill sinks in between the fibres and fulfils several functions:
- supporting the fibres
- stability and ball behaviour
- shock absorption and reduction of injury risk
Commonly used infill systems
4G: rubber (outdated/no longer permitted)
This system used SBR rubber granulate (recycled car tyres). Due to environmental legislation and health risks, this type of infill is now prohibited in new installations.
4G: sand + cork
A combination in which sand provides stability and cork provides elasticity and comfort. Cork is a natural, renewable material and is often chosen as a more environmentally friendly alternative.
5G: optional sand
This system uses sand as an optional infill. It requires less maintenance but offers less cushioning than systems with organic infill.
| Type of infill | Advantages | Budget | Environment | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | 💰 | Prohibited | Release of microplastics | |
| Sand | Stability | 💰 | Recyclable | Less shock-absorbing |
| Cork | Elasticity, cooling | 💰💰 | Environmentally firendly | Sensitive to displacement |
| Organic infill (coconut, wood snips,...) | UV-resistant, cooling | 💰💰💰 | Environmentally firendly | Sensistive to maintenance |
With traditional artificial turf systems, infill is often necessary to:
- keep the fibres upright
- improve playing comfort
- reduce the risk of injury
Although infill has been the standard for years, there are also clear disadvantages:
- possible release of microplastics
- higher maintenance costs (brushing, refilling, levelling)
- infill must be refilled regularly
- higher life cycle costs
- more complex recycling at the end of its life
What is non-infill artificial turf?
Non-infill artificial turf pitches do not use any loose infill material. The performance of the pitch is entirely determined by:
- the structure of the fibres
- the backing
- the underlying shock-absorbing layer
Pure PT Play is a completely non-infill system that has been specially developed to offer the same playing quality without the disadvantages of infill. From ball roll to grip, from biomechanics to appearance, every detail contributes to a playing experience that feels familiar right away.
Pure PT Play: minimal maintenance, maximum impact
Are you looking for a sustainable, low-maintenance and future-proof artificial turf pitch without infill? Pure PT Play combines playing comfort, safety and environmental friendliness in one innovative non-infill system.
Infill vs. non-infill: what is the best choice?
There is no universal “best” artificial turf pitch. The right choice depends on several factors:
- type of sport (football, multi-sport, recreation)
- intensity of use
- available maintenance capacity
- sustainability objectives
- short- and long-term budget
Our advice
- Are you looking for a traditional playing system with maximum cushioning?
Then an infill system (such as sand or sand + cork) may be suitable, provided it is properly maintained. - Do you want a future-proof, sustainable and low-maintenance pitch?
Then a non-infill solution such as Pure PT Play is a very interesting choice.
The evolution in artificial turf is clearly moving towards sustainable, low-maintenance and recyclable solutions. Where infill used to be necessary, modern non-infill systems demonstrate that high performance is also possible without loose material.
At Namsports, we are happy to guide you in making the right choice, tailored to your project and users.