Non infill artificial grass has become a preferred solution for football fields, kindergartens, courtyards, and recreational areas due to its maintenance-free nature and clean, infill-free design. However, as its popularity grows, so does the variation in product quality across the market. Selecting the right turf requires a careful evaluation of materials, structure, performance, safety, and brand credibility. Here's a complete guide to help you choose a truly high-quality non infill artificial turf.
1. Examine the Turf Fibers: Material, Appearance, and Density
The turf fiber is the heart of non infill grass. Its quality directly affects durability, aesthetics, and performance.
• Material Composition
Opt for fibers made from a PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) blend. PE fibers offer softness and flexibility, ideal for impact-heavy areas like sports fields. PP fibers add rigidity and wear resistance, contributing to the turf’s structural integrity. Premium products use 100% virgin materials, free from recycled plastics, which often contain impurities that accelerate aging and cracking. You can tell by checking for uniform color, transparency, and absence of black specks in the fibers.
• Fiber Structure
Non infill turf relies solely on fiber structure for resilience. Choose mixed straight and curled fibers—straight fibers provide vertical support, while curled fibers enhance density and rebound. Inspect the fibers closely: they should be smooth, free from burrs, and symmetrical when cross-sectioned. Irregular or rough edges usually indicate poor manufacturing.
• Density and Dtex
Higher tuft density (number of stitches per square meter) and Dtex (fiber weight per 10,000 meters) result in better resilience and durability. For sports applications, look for:
Density ≥ 16,000 stitches/m²
Dtex ≥ 11,000
For recreational or landscaping use, a minimum of 10,000 stitches/m² is recommended to avoid a sparse, worn-out appearance.
2. Evaluate Key Performance Metrics
Since non infill turf lacks supporting infill materials, its fibers must independently deliver performance across several critical dimensions:
• Resilience (Ball Rebound Test)
Drop a 5 cm steel ball from a height of 1 meter—the bounce height on quality turf should be at least 20 cm, simulating adequate shock absorption and rebound under foot traffic or athletic activity.
• Abrasion Resistance
Using a Taber abrasion test, the best turf should have a wear loss ≤ 50mg per 1,000 cycles. This indicates strong resistance to fiber breakage and fraying, critical for areas with high foot traffic. High-quality grass includes anti-abrasion additives for enhanced longevity.
• UV Resistance and Color Stability
Ensure the turf passes the QUV accelerated weathering test, which simulates five years of sunlight exposure. A strong product should retain over 80% of its tensile strength post-test, with color deviation ΔE ≤ 3, a level barely noticeable to the naked eye. Always request third-party lab reports to verify claims.
3. Inspect the Backing and Adhesion Technology
The backing layer secures the fibers and contributes to the turf’s dimensional stability and tear resistance.
• Backing Material
Choose PU (polyurethane) or SBR latex coatings. PU offers superior water resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for humid or rainy climates. SBR latex is cost-effective and works well in dry environments. Avoid cheap latex alternatives prone to hydrolysis, which can cause fiber detachment over time.
• Backing Thickness & Distribution
A quality backing should be at least 1.5mm thick, evenly coated, and free of bubbles or exposed areas. Turn over a turf sample and inspect for uniformity.
• Fiber Pull-Out Strength
Try manually pulling out fibers from the backing. Each blade should resist a pulling force ≥ 20N. Weak adhesion results in shedding, loss of aesthetics, and performance decline, especially in sports settings.
4. Prioritize Safety and Environmental Certifications
Non infill turf is often used in schools and playgrounds, where it comes in direct contact with children. Environmental safety is non-negotiable.
• Eco-Friendliness
Ask for SGS or equivalent certifications confirming that the turf contains:
Lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals ≤ 50 mg/kg
Formaldehyde ≤ 0.1 mg/m³
No pungent or chemical odors
• Fire Safety
In public or educational environments, the turf must meet B1-level fire retardancy—meaning it self-extinguishes when the flame is removed. Only select products that come with third-party fire resistance test reports.
5. Consider Brand Reputation and Case Studies
Go beyond technical specs—choose brands with a proven track record. Reliable manufacturers typically have:
10+ years of experience in turf production
In-house R&D and strict quality control systems
Case studies from prestigious projects such as major sports events, stadiums, or leading schools
Avoid low-cost products from unverified workshops, which may lack proper QC procedures and certifications.
6. Judge Based on Long-Term Value, Not Just Price
Quality non infill turf typically costs ¥50–100 per square meter (or the equivalent in your currency), depending on specifications. While bargain options under ¥30/m² may seem attractive, they often compromise on fiber strength, color stability, and safety—leading to higher replacement and maintenance costs within just 2–3 years.
Premium turf, on the other hand, can offer 8–10 years of service life, making it the more cost-effective choice over time. Always evaluate based on total lifecycle value—not just upfront cost.
Why VIVATURF Sets the Gold Standard in Non Infill Turf
VIVATURF’s non infill artificial grass meets all the benchmarks of top-tier quality. Key features include:
100% virgin PE/PP fibers in mixed straight-curled configuration
Extra high density of 20,000 stitches/m²
Ball rebound height of 25–30 cm, outperforming most sports-grade turf
Double-layer composite backing with pull-out strength ≥ 30N/cm
Certified by SGS, REACH, and RoHS for environmental and safety standards
Proven track record in international stadiums, public schools, and municipal projects
With VIVATURF, you get not only durability and performance—but also peace of mind in terms of safety, sustainability, and long-term value.