SBR, EPDM, TPE and Organic Infill for Artificial Turf
Compare turf infill by performance, heat, maintenance, supply continuity, documentation, environmental controls and end-of-life route.
Performance infill supports artificial-turf fibres and affects player-surface interaction and ball behaviour. Infill type alone does not determine pitch quality: turf, sand, shockpad, sub-base and maintenance are parts of one system.
Main infill options
| Infill | Potential strength | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| SBR | Established supply and economical entry cost | Odour, heat, colour and project requirements |
| EPDM | Colour and engineered technical properties | Quality class, density and production evidence |
| TPE | Controlled elasticity and potential recovery routes | System compatibility and supply continuity |
| Organic | Potential heat and renewable-material benefits | Moisture, biological change, climate and care |
Define performance before material
Impact absorption, vertical deformation, ball rebound and traction should match the project level. The same infill can behave differently with another turf height or application rate. Request system-level test results, not just a material name.
Evaluate heat and climate
Dark surfaces can become hot in sunlight. Colour, composition, irrigation, shading and airflow should be considered together. Organic options may reduce surface heat in some projects, but maintenance and behaviour under high humidity require verification.
Control infill migration
Player movement, wind, snow removal and maintenance machinery can move infill. Entrance grids, footwear cleaning, perimeter controls and correct brushing reduce loss. Include annual top-up quantities in total cost.
Check supply and regulation
Confirm current environmental, chemical and sports requirements in the destination market. Keep safety data, test reports, batch traceability and manufacturing controls in the technical file. Similar product names do not guarantee identical composition.
Five decision questions
- What playing and safety performance is required?
- What risks come from climate and irrigation?
- What annual care and top-up will be needed?
- Are test evidence and batch traceability available?
- What is the separation or recovery route at end of use?
Ask the RHB Group technical team to compare infill alternatives as part of a complete turf and shockpad system.
