Non-infill Sports Artificial Grass: Definition, Pros & Uses
What is non infill artificial grass?
Artificial turf for football field without filling is a high-performance turf system that does not require the addition of rubber particles, quartz sand and other fillers. This kind of turf is designed by optimizing the height, density and fiber structure of the grass to achieve the purpose of excellent sports performance and safety without filling. It not only saves the cost of using filling materials and the installation process, but also performs well in environmental protection and maintenance convenience.
Materials and Functions
The exceptional performance of non-infill artificial turf stems from its carefully selected materials and precision structural design.
| Core Components | Materials and Craftsmanship | Core Functionality |
| Turf fibers | PE, PP, Specialty Polymers | Durable foundation, UV-resistant, extended lifespan |
| Straight-wire structure | Reinforcing fiber | Provides upright support and enhances wear resistance. |
| Woven wire structure | Special Bending Process | Increase weight and density, optimize cushioning performance |
| Underlying System | Eco-friendly PU adhesive backing + Mesh/Double-layer EL backing fabric | Secure the grass fibers to ensure overall stability and durability. |
What was the reason for its design?
· More durable: PE/PP material and hybrid construction jointly resist foot traffic, sunlight, and weather impacts.
· Safer: The natural cushioning effect from curved fibers effectively reduces the risk of injury during sports activities.
· More stable: Professional backing adhesive and backing fabric combination prevent grass fiber shedding or base layer deformation after use.
Features of Non-infill Artificial Turf
Compared to traditional infill artificial turf, non-infill artificial turf has several advantages.
1. System Structure
Traditional turf is a combination system of "grass fibers + loose infill," with separate functions. Non-infill turf, through its integrated design of high-density, flexible grass fibers and an elastic backing, is a complete product providing support, cushioning, and stability. This is the fundamental difference.
2. Core Maintenance
This is the most significant practical difference. Traditional turf requires regular replenishment and grooming of the infill to prevent compaction and loss, which is its main maintenance cost and inconvenience. Non-infill turf completely eliminates this maintenance, requiring only simple sweeping, transforming it from maintenance-intensive to user-friendly.
3. Environmental Protection and Cleanliness
The rubber granules or silica sand from traditional infill turf can be carried off-site, causing microplastic pollution and a messy environment. Non-infill turf eliminates the problem of granule scattering, keeping the field clean at all times, with no infill accumulating dirt and grime, significantly improving environmental friendliness and hygiene.
4. Performance
The athletic performance (such as ball bounce and cushioning) of traditional infill turf gradually declines as the infill wears down, compacts, or runs away. The performance of non-infill turf is fixed at installation, maintaining a high degree of consistency and predictability throughout its lifespan.
5. Installation and Substrate
Traditional infill turf installation involves multiple infill and grooming processes. Non-infill turf installation is as quick as laying a carpet. However, this also means it requires a higher level of substrate flatness and drainage, as its integrated system cannot be adjusted for flatness using infill.
Core technology and material composition
| Core Technology | Materials and Processes | Advantages |
| Double-layer structure design | Upper layer of straight fibers + lower layer of curly fibers | Simulates the appearance and elasticity of real grass while providing solid support, no filling required. |
| Grass fiber parameters | Grass height 40–55 mm + high-density tufting | Effectively prevents lodging and significantly extends service life. |
| Raw materials | PE (Soft underfoot feel) + PP (Wear-resistant and weather-resistant) | Combining comfort and durability, suitable for all climates |
| Functional additives | UV-resistant, antioxidant, antistatic agent | Prevent fading and aging, enhance safety during use |
Advantages of non-filling artificial turf
1. Reduced Long-Term Hidden Costs
While the initial investment may be higher, it completely eliminates the costs of periodic professional maintenance required for traditional lawns. There's no need for regular infill additions or replacements, saving on heavy machinery grooming and infill purchase and transportation costs. This grass is less prone to lodging, reducing the frequency of daily grooming. From a total lifecycle cost perspective, it's generally more economical.
2. Quick Installation
The installation process is like laying a carpet, eliminating multiple steps such as infilling, leveling, and grooming, greatly shortening the construction cycle. It's ready to use immediately after installation, minimizing site downtime. Suitable for rapid project deployment, especially for locations with tight schedules, such as schools and communities.
3. No Subsequent Management Burden
Site managers don't need to learn or perform complex infill maintenance procedures, making management extremely simple.
4. Eliminates the Risk of Accidental Ingestion
For areas where children and pets play, it completely eliminates the risk of accidentally swallowing rubber granules, giving parents and owners greater peace of mind.
5. Allergy-Friendly
It does not breed mold, produce pollen, or harbor dust mites like infill, providing a safer environment for allergy sufferers.
6. Improved Safety in High-Heat Environments
Under intense sunlight, its surface temperature is typically lower than traditional turf infilled with black rubber granules, reducing the risk of sunburn and providing a more comfortable experience. The relatively low surface temperature makes it particularly suitable for use in high-temperature environments.
7. Weather Adaptability
It drains extremely quickly after rain, allowing for almost immediate use without the "splashing" or "compacting" issues that traditional turf suffers from due to damp infill.
8. Indoor and Outdoor Versatility
Due to its clean, granule-free nature, it is ideal for indoor sports stadiums, commercial atriums, and exhibition spaces, preventing indoor pollution.
9. Aesthetics and Consistency
The grass fibers remain upright, without the mottled appearance caused by infill covering or splashing, resulting in a uniform, bright, and professional visual effect year-round.
10. Clear and Simple Foundation Requirements
It requires a flat, well-drained foundation, which in turn encourages developers to undertake higher-standard foundation work, improving the overall quality of the site in the long run.
11. Easy Local Replacement and Repair
In case of localized damage, damaged modules can be precisely cut and replaced like carpet, making repairs more convenient, less costly, and allowing for seamless integration of old and new sections.
12. Environmental Protection and Safety
There is no risk of infill particle splashing, and infill-free turf effectively eliminates this hazard; it is odorless, pollution-free, and reduces microplastic emissions into the environment, contributing to a green and low-carbon environment.
13. High Comfort
It feels soft underfoot, has good resilience, and is closer to natural grass, reducing impact during exercise and protecting athletes' knees and ankles.
Exploring the Perfect Applications for Non-infill Artificial Turf
Five-a-side Soccer Field
• Short Grass Design + Superior Performance: Delivers the precise bounce and optimal ball trajectory required for competition, meeting the demands of professional play.
Caged Mini Football Field
• Non-infill Structure: Completely eliminates loose filler material, keeping the area tidy.
• Exceptional wear resistance: Easily handles heavy use with minimal maintenance required.
Indoor Soccer Field
• Zero-Particle Dust: Eliminates contamination from fillers, keeps air fresh, and makes cleaning effortless.
• Full Performance: Delivers an outstanding athletic experience indoors.
Campus
• Safety First: Provides students with a soft, cushioned playing surface to effectively prevent sports injuries.
• Cost-Effective Choice: Extremely low maintenance costs enable schools to manage athletic facilities effortlessly over the long term.
Non-infill Turf vs. Infill Turf Comparison Chart
| Project | Non-infill Turf | Traditional infill turf |
| Filler | Not required | Usually requires quartz sand + rubber particles |
| Environmental protection | More environmentally friendly, no particle pollution | Filling particles are prone to produce microplastics and odors |
| Maintenance cost | Low maintenance, no need to add materials or backfill particles | Filling materials need to be replenished and cleaned regularly |
| Foot feel and safety | Softer foot feel, good cushioning | Slightly harder, filling particles have a mitigating effect on impact |
| Construction efficiency | Short construction period, saving labor and materials | Construction is more complicated and requires multiple filling processes |
| Applicable scenarios | Rooftops, indoors, schools, communities | Large outdoor standard football fields |
| Price cost | Higher (the turf itself is expensive) | Lower (the turf is cheap but needs to be filled) |
How to Choose Non-Infill Artificial Turf
1. Focus on Turf Density
Higher turf density results in a thicker, more resilient lawn that feels more comfortable underfoot. This not only boosts on-field ball bounce performance but also greatly lowers the risk of athletes slipping or falling caused by sparse turf. High density forms the foundation for long-lasting durability and an exceptional athletic experience.
2. Inspect the backing structure
A strong and stable backing structure holds each tuft of grass fibers firmly in place – so they won’t shed during intense sports. This directly determines the lifespan of artificial turf. Also, the underlayment needs good drainage – no standing water after rain, ready to use quickly.
3. View Certification
When selecting artificial turf, environmental safety is the foremost priority. Choose manufacturers like UNIGRASS, with certifications such as SGS and CE. Ensures that the content of harmful substances is well below regulatory limits. If the product also holds FIFA approval, this further attests to its exceptional athletic performance and safety standards.
4. Test dynamic performance
Focus on key metrics such as shock absorption (protecting ankles and knees), ball roll speed, and friction. Reports from third-party inspectors should support these data, which ensures the field meets professional standards.
5. Brands and Case
You can directly ask the manufacturer if they have provided products for sports fields or clubs similar to ours. Before making a decision, check photos or videos from their past projects. Nothing demonstrates quality and service more effectively than witnessing their real work firsthand.
