The discussion around rubber granulate used in infill turf systems is ongoing. It can be assumed that replacing rubber-based shock absorption with another material will soon become necessary—primarily for environmental reasons. What should be known about this issue, and why is it worth considering 4G non-infill turf in this context? These questions are answered in the article below.
The drive to eliminate microplastics
To understand why rubber granulates are currently a major topic among infill turf manufacturers, it is necessary to look at the actions of the European Union. Several years ago, the EU drew attention to the issue of microplastics—particles containing plastic with a size of up to 5 mm.
Numerous studies show that these particles are harmful and almost impossible to remove from the environment. Moreover, they can be found even in remote areas, such as the Pyrenees, the Rocky Mountains or even Antarctica. It is estimated that each year, environmental pollution from these particles equals the equivalent of 1.6 billion plastic bottles.
The problem is serious, which is why the European Commission is intensifying work on regulations aimed at limiting the production of microplastics. This directly affects the future of traditional rubber granulates used in infill turf systems. Although they have not yet been officially restricted or banned, the situation is evolving rapidly. It is possible that adaptation to new regulations will soon be required, which is already generating significant discussion within the artificial turf industry.
Infill football turf and possible changes
Infill turf is a proven artificial surface, primarily used on football fields. Its structure is relatively simple and consists of fibers, infill, backing and base layers. Optionally, it may be installed on a shockpad.
It should be emphasized that there are many types of this surface, so this structure should be treated as an example only. Additionally, much depends on the production technology used, meaning that the properties of such turf can vary significantly.
In this article, we refer to our product—woven infill turf. What distinguishes it?
- Woven artificial turf is extremely durable
- It performs well for demanding investors and closely replicates natural grass conditions
- Maintenance is very easy compared to natural grass
- Regular cleaning and brushing ensure a good appearance all year round
- It meets FIFA QUALITY CONCEPT for Football Turf = IMS and PN-EN 15330-1 standards
- It is made entirely of PE/PP fibers, making it recyclable
However, in the context of microplastic restrictions, concerns arise regarding infill materials. Rubber granulate provides shock absorption and elasticity but is harmful to the environment. To address this issue, manufacturers—including DYWILAN—have begun testing alternative infills in Wovengrass woven turf.
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Alternatives to rubber granulate
Infill materials can be replaced with organic granulates, such as cork, or more commonly with sand. However, such solutions do not perform well in every climate. This is especially problematic for organic infills, which tend to decompose quickly in humid conditions, reducing the lifespan of the turf.
Another alternative—this time not for the infill, but for the entire system—is 4G non-infill turf.
A new generation of turf without rubber granulate
4G non-infill turf represents a new generation of woven artificial surfaces. It does not use rubber granulate, eliminating the environmental issue of microplastics.
At the same time, it offers excellent elasticity and closely replicates natural playing conditions. This means that despite the absence of rubber infill, it maintains key performance properties and meets the highest quality standards.
What replaces rubber infill? In our product, we use a shock-absorbing layer made of two levels of textured fibers. This is a polyethylene (PE) material that performs very well on football fields and can also be combined with quartz sand infill.
Additionally, like infill turf, 4G systems are fully recyclable.
These properties make 4G non-infill turf a strong alternative to traditional infill systems.
Właściwości te sprawiają, że trawa bezzasypowa 4G może być idealnym zastąpieniem nawierzchni zasypowej.
Is changing the system necessary?
No.
At present, regulations concerning infill turf with rubber granulate have not yet come into force. There is also no need to fear that playing on such surfaces will be banned after regulatory changes.
If the EU introduces restrictions, it will simply result in the development of new technologies. Investors will be encouraged to build fields using natural, hybrid or non-infill systems, or with environmentally safe infills.
In this context, it is worth being aware of alternative solutions. One of them is 4G non-infill turf, which is part of the Dywilan – Wovengrass offering.
