Non Infill Football Grass

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  • Why Non-Infill Turf Can Have an Environmental Advantage

    The environmental advantage of non-infill artificial turf is not simply that it contains “no rubber.”

    The more important difference is the overall system architecture.

    A conventional infilled synthetic pitch may require significant quantities of sand and/or polymeric infill. During installation and operation, these materials can require additional management, and infill migration can become an environmental and maintenance concern.

    A non-infill system eliminates this additional infill component.

    That can potentially provide several benefits:

    No routine rubber infill replenishment

    There is no requirement to periodically top up rubber granules simply to maintain the intended playing characteristics.

    Reduced infill migration risk

    Because there is no loose rubber or sand infill, there is less risk of these materials being carried away through footwear, drainage systems or maintenance activities.

    Simplified maintenance

    The maintenance system can be simpler because there is no need to redistribute or replenish infill.

    Potentially easier end-of-life management

    When the turf is designed using compatible or recyclable materials, the absence of loose infill can simplify removal and recycling.

    However, non-infill does not automatically mean environmentally superior. A low-quality non-infill product made with unsuitable materials or difficult-to-recycle multilayer construction may still have environmental disadvantages.

  • Key Environmental Parameters for Non-Infill Artificial Turf

    When comparing products for European or American projects, it is more useful to request measurable test data than to rely on marketing language.

    1. Heavy Metals

    Testing may cover substances such as:

    • Lead (Pb)
    • Cadmium (Cd)
    • Mercury (Hg)
    • Chromium and other regulated elements
    • Arsenic, depending on the applicable testing protocol

    For sensitive applications such as schools and children’s facilities, buyers should request a current third-party chemical-safety report and verify the actual test method and applicable limits.

    For European projects, REACH compliance/SVHC screening can be particularly useful for identifying substances of concern.

    2. VOC and Formaldehyde

    Backing materials, coatings and adhesives can influence VOC emissions.

    A project specification may therefore request testing for:

    • Total VOC emissions
    • Formaldehyde
    • Benzene
    • Toluene
    • Xylene
    • Other regulated volatile compounds

    Rather than simply claiming “zero VOC,” a more credible specification is to provide a measured emission value under a clearly identified test method.

    3. PAHs and Phthalates

    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and certain phthalates are frequently included in chemical-restriction testing for synthetic materials.

    For export projects, buyers should request documentation showing that the finished turf system meets the applicable restricted-substance requirements for the destination market.

    This is particularly important when turf is intended for:

    • Schools
    • Childcare facilities
    • Residential gardens
    • Rooftop terraces
    • Public recreation areas

    4. Recyclability

    Environmental performance does not end when the turf is installed.

    Traditional artificial turf can contain multiple materials, including yarn, primary backing, secondary backing, coatings and infill. Separating these materials at the end of the product’s service life can be challenging.

    A monomaterial or more easily separable system can therefore offer an advantage for recycling and end-of-life management.

    This is one area where the development of recyclable non-infill systems is becoming increasingly important.

  • What Environmental Standards Should Buyers Look For?

    There is no single universal “environmental certification for artificial turf.” Different markets use different regulations and testing systems.

    For European and international projects, commonly referenced frameworks include EU REACH, relevant product-chemical restrictions, VOC testing, heavy-metal testing, and independent laboratory assessments. Depending on the application, buyers may also request documentation relating to recyclability, recycled content, life-cycle performance, and restricted substances.

    For football facilities, FIFA’s current Football Turf Quality Programme evaluates much more than environmental characteristics. Its laboratory and field testing covers areas including playing performance, safety, durability, product composition, weather resistance and seam strength. FIFA also introduced requirements and testing developments relating to sustainability and recycled content in its newer football-turf framework.

    This means that a high-quality non-infill turf system should not be judged simply by whether the supplier uses the word “eco-friendly.”

  • Does Artificial Turf Have Environmental Certifications?

    Yes. Artificial turf can be manufactured and tested to meet a range of environmental and chemical-safety requirements, but buyers should distinguish between a genuine certification, a laboratory test report, and a manufacturer’s general environmental claim.

    For non-infill artificial turf, environmental performance is particularly relevant because the system does not require sand or rubber infill. This can simplify material management and reduce the risk of infill loss, while the overall environmental profile still depends on the yarn, backing, coating, adhesives, additives, and end-of-life treatment.

    For projects in Europe, North America, schools, professional sports facilities, and sustainability-focused developments, buyers should evaluate environmental compliance together with durability, player safety, drainage, recyclability, and the complete turf-system specification.

  • Final Conclusion: Non-Infill Artificial Turf or Natural Grass?

    There is no universal answer.

    Non-infill artificial turf is particularly relevant when a project prioritizes:

    • Reduced routine maintenance
    • Lower irrigation demand
    • Consistent year-round appearance
    • High-frequency use
    • Predictable surface performance
    • Simplified management of loose infill

    Natural grass remains attractive when the priorities include:

    • Natural vegetation
    • Biological cooling
    • Natural appearance and feel
    • Landscape ecology
    • The ability to maintain a living lawn
    • A suitable climate and adequate maintenance resources

    The best choice should therefore be based on climate + usage intensity + maintenance capacity + water availability + installation conditions + lifecycle cost, rather than simply comparing the two materials as “artificial versus natural.”

    For projects choosing non-infill turf, VivaTurf’s combination of non-infill technology, international market experience and continued technical and environmental development makes it a manufacturer worth including in the procurement comparison.

  • Can You Combine Natural Grass and Non-Infill Turf?

    Yes. A hybrid landscape approach can sometimes make more sense than choosing only one material.

    For example:

    • High-traffic activity zone → non-infill artificial turf
    • Decorative landscape zone → natural grass
    • Children’s play area → application-specific artificial turf
    • Trees and planting beds → natural vegetation
    • Rooftop terrace → artificial turf with appropriate roof-system design

    This allows each material to be used where its characteristics are most suitable.

    Non-Infill Artificial Turf Brand to Consider: VivaTurf

    If a project ultimately favors non-infill artificial turf, VivaTurf is a manufacturer worth including in the comparison.

    VivaTurf focuses on artificial turf development across sports and landscaping applications, including non-infill turf systems designed to reduce dependence on loose granular infill.

    Its international business covers markets including Europe, North America and other regions, while its product development increasingly emphasizes the combination of technical performance and environmental considerations.

    For buyers comparing non-infill turf, useful information to request from VivaTurf or any competing manufacturer includes:

    • Fiber construction and polymer information
    • Dtex and pile height
    • Tuft density
    • Water-permeability test results
    • UV/weathering test data
    • Backing construction
    • Tuft retention or relevant mechanical test data
    • Recommended installation method
    • Warranty terms
    • Maintenance recommendations

    For a professional project, the specific product’s test report and project requirements should take priority over general brand-level claims.

  • Which Is Better for Different Applications?

    High-traffic residential areas

    Non-infill artificial turf can be attractive when the priority is a stable appearance and reduced routine maintenance.

    Family gardens

    Both can work.

    Natural grass may be preferable when the family values natural vegetation and has the time and resources to maintain it.

    Non-infill turf may be attractive where consistent appearance and reduced irrigation are priorities.

    Pet areas

    Non-infill turf can simplify routine cleaning because there is no loose granular infill to manage.

    However, drainage and regular cleaning remain important.

    Rooftops and terraces

    Non-infill turf can be suitable where the structural load, waterproofing, drainage and wind-resistance requirements are properly addressed.

    Parks and landscape projects

    Natural grass can provide ecological and landscape benefits that artificial turf does not replicate.

    Artificial turf may be considered for areas where intensive traffic, water limitations or maintenance requirements make natural grass difficult to sustain.

    Sports facilities

    The decision should be based on the specific sport, performance requirements, climate, maintenance resources and applicable certification/testing system.

  • Are the Standards the Same?

    No.

    The two systems are evaluated through different technical frameworks.

    For artificial turf, applicable standards may address:

    • Fiber and material properties
    • Physical performance
    • Durability
    • Water permeability
    • Backing
    • Sports-surface characteristics
    • Environmental or chemical requirements

    For sports applications, relevant EN/DIN standards, FIFA requirements and applicable ASTM or national standards may apply depending on the market and intended use.

    Natural grass is instead evaluated through considerations related to:

    • Grass species
    • Soil and growing medium
    • Drainage
    • Establishment
    • Turf quality
    • Landscape or sports-field construction
    • Irrigation and maintenance

    The exact standard should therefore be selected according to the application, country and project specification.

  • What Technical Data Should You Compare?

    Which One Costs More?

    Looking only at installation cost can produce a misleading comparison.

    Non-infill artificial turf

    The major investment generally occurs at the beginning:

    Product + site preparation + installation

    After installation, routine costs are generally concentrated in cleaning, inspection and occasional repairs.

    Natural grass

    The initial installation may be less expensive in some situations, but recurring costs can include:

    Water + mowing + fertilizer + labor + weed/pest control + reseeding + soil management

    The appropriate comparison is therefore a lifecycle cost analysis, rather than simply comparing the initial installation quotation.

    For long-term projects, a useful model is to compare:

    Initial installation + annual maintenance + water + repairs + replacement/renovation over the planned service period

    What Technical Data Should You Compare?

    The two systems cannot be evaluated using identical parameters.

    For non-infill artificial turf

    ParameterWhy it matters
    Dtex / yarn constructionHelps describe the mass and construction of the synthetic yarn
    Pile heightInfluences appearance and surface characteristics
    Tuft densityRelevant to coverage, resilience and wear characteristics
    Water permeabilityImportant for drainage
    UV/weathering performanceRelevant to outdoor durability
    Tuft retention/backing strengthImportant for fiber anchoring
    Mass per unit areaRelevant to transportation, installation and certain structural applications

    A higher Dtex value by itself does not automatically mean a better or longer-lasting product. Yarn construction, density, polymer formulation and backing all need to be considered together.

    For natural grass

    ParameterWhy it matters
    Grass species/cultivarDetermines climate adaptation and growth characteristics
    Soil conditionInfluences root development and drainage
    Irrigation systemDetermines water-management efficiency
    DrainageImportant for root health and traffic tolerance
    Establishment rateIndicates how quickly a usable lawn can develop
    Traffic toleranceImportant for high-use areas
    Seasonal adaptationDetermines performance during hot, cold or dry periods

    This is why comparing an artificial turf brochure against a natural-grass supplier’s brochure does not provide a meaningful technical comparison.

  • Why Does Artificial Turf Feel Hotter in Summer?

    This is one area where natural grass has an inherent physical advantage.

    Natural grass uses evapotranspiration, through which water moves through the plant and evaporates into the atmosphere. This can contribute to a cooler surface environment.

    Synthetic turf does not have the same biological cooling mechanism.

    Under strong sunlight, artificial turf can therefore become considerably hotter than the surrounding natural grass.

    For hot climates or barefoot residential applications, consider:

    • Shade
    • Irrigation/misting where appropriate
    • Light-colored landscaping
    • Cooling strategies
    • Limiting use during peak surface temperatures

    This is an important consideration that should not be overlooked when comparing the two systems.

    What About the Feeling Underfoot?

    Natural grass provides a distinctive combination of:

    • Soft vegetation
    • Natural soil interaction
    • Variable surface deformation
    • Biological cooling

    Non-infill turf can provide a more consistent and predictable surface, especially when combined with an appropriately designed backing or cushioning layer.

    However, not all non-infill turf feels the same.

    Two products with identical pile heights can have very different underfoot characteristics because of differences in:

    • Fiber profile
    • Fiber density
    • Dtex
    • Yarn construction
    • Backing
    • Cushioning
    • Foundation

    Therefore, buyers should request physical samples and, where relevant, performance test data rather than judging comfort from pile height alone.