Exploring the Future of Turf Infill Beyond Crumb Rubber
2023-10-11
The introduction of turf systems in the 1960s marked a groundbreaking moment in outdoor recreation, revolutionizing athletic fields and landscapes across the United States. With reduced maintenance demands compared to natural grass, these innovative systems offered a meticulously leveled and neatly cut alternative. However, just as technology has advanced since the 1960s, so has the development of turf systems. In the early days of turf, no infill supported the turf fibers and athletes playing on the field. It wasn't until the 1980s that basic sand infill was introduced, later evolving into the rubber sand mix, which remains the most common infill used today. Innovation knows no bounds, and turf systems are no exception. Constantly seeking to enhance turf systems and their performance over time, industry experts continually explore new, innovative products to improve the playing experience. One area of particular excitement and innovation is the infill material used in turf systems. Historically, "crumb rubber" has been the primary choice, comprised of shredded rubber, often derived from discarded tires. While it's cost-effective and readily available, it does have its drawbacks, including its temperature on hot days, the smell of rubber that intensifies with heat, and the fine dust produced as the rubber particles break down. The Significance of Infill in Turf Systems What goes into your turf matters, and it matters a lot. Drawing on over four decades of experience, we have pioneered alternatives to crumb rubber infill for athletic fields, playgrounds, parks, and backyards. For customers seeking a different experience, we offer options with built-in antimicrobials, consistent performance, reusability, low dust, and temperature-reducing properties. Why America Is Thinking Beyond Crumb Rubber for Sports and Landscape Turf Systems 1. No Unpleasant Odor: Our turf infill options are crafted from safe and natural materials that don't produce strong odors with rising temperatures. Unlike crumb rubber, which is notorious for its pungent tire smell that intensifies with heat, our infill keeps the air fresh. 2. Cooler Playing Surface: Don't subject athletes, children, or pets to scorching heat from a crumb rubber surface. With temperatures on the rise, field owners are seeking solutions to combat the heat. Our infill is engineered to absorb less heat, thanks to its light color and naturally cooling materials, ensuring a comfortable playing surface even on the hottest days. 3. Clean and Organic: Organic and clean infill is a game-changer. A typical football field using crumb rubber turf infill comprises an estimated 20,000 ground-up, used car tires from various manufacturers, each with different chemistries. We believe the best infills are those specifically manufactured to be part of the synthetic turf system. This approach allows us to control manufacturing from start to finish, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and environmental stewardship for low-maintenance, long-lasting, clean turf systems. As we move into the future, exploring alternative infill materials demonstrates a commitment to improving the sports and landscape turf experience. With a focus on innovation and performance, the industry continues to evolve, offering safer, cooler, and more sustainable options beyond crumb rubber.
