The Clear Divide: Comparing Infill-Free Artificial Turf and Rubber-Infill Grass — Why Witten Leads the Future
In the evolving landscape of artificial turf, two dominant types compete for attention: infill-free artificial turf and rubber-infill turf. Both serve distinct purposes, yet their differences in composition, performance, safety, maintenance, and application are profound. As sustainability and health concerns grow, Witten’s infill-free turf is emerging as the preferred solution across educational institutions, athletic facilities, and community spaces.
Material Composition: Simplicity vs Complexity
Rubber-Infill Turf
Rubber-infill systems are layered constructions. They consist of artificial grass blades, a primary backing, and significant amounts of rubber granules (often from recycled tires) and silica sand. While this layering can enhance stability and cushioning, it also brings certain risks. Inferior rubber infill may contain toxic elements such as heavy metals or PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which pose environmental and health hazards. Moreover, improper or uneven filling affects the pitch’s smoothness and functionality.
Infill-Free Artificial Turf
Witten’s infill-free turf strips away the complexities. There are no rubber particles or silica sand. Instead, its performance relies entirely on engineered grass fibers and an advanced triple-layer backing system. The turf is constructed using high-density PE and PP straight-curled hybrid yarns, reaching densities up to 20,000 blades per square meter. These dense structures enable natural uprightness and durability without external fillers. Its PU-based eco-backing provides not only strength and elasticity but also contributes to shock absorption and turf integrity.
Performance: Consistent Playability vs Gradual Degradation
Rubber-Infill Turf
While rubber infill provides initial cushioning, its performance declines over time. Granules shift, compact, or wash away—leading to uneven surfaces, reduced elasticity, and erratic ball behavior. In high-intensity environments like football matches, this inconsistency undermines both player safety and game quality.
Witten Infill-Free Turf
Witten’s design emphasizes long-term performance stability. The hybrid yarn ensures 75% rebound rate, mimicking natural grass in ball roll and bounce. Friction coefficients align with FIFA standards, enabling consistent grip and foot traction. The added shock pad layer reduces injury risks by over 30%, creating a safe and reliable environment for athletes at all levels.
Environmental & Health Impact: A Sustainable Alternative
Rubber-Infill Turf
Rubber-infill systems face increasing scrutiny due to their potential toxicity and pollution. Under intense sunlight, these granules can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating foul odors and health concerns. The infill material also traps bacteria, molds, and pollutants, complicating cleaning routines and making them less suitable for children’s play areas or indoor use.
Witten Infill-Free Turf
Witten’s commitment to sustainability and human safety is evident throughout its product line. Its fibers use 100% virgin PE and PP, free of phthalates and certified by SGS with REACH compliance. The entire system emits near-zero VOCs and is odor-free, making it ideal for schools, indoor gyms, and playgrounds. Through its VRG recyclability system, Witten offers a 100% recyclable turf solution, drastically reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions from rubber incineration.
Durability & Maintenance: Long-Term Savings
Rubber-Infill Turf
As rubber and sand migrate over time, regular refilling and grooming are required. This maintenance cycle drives up costs and labor demands. Additionally, clogged drainage due to infill displacement can cause water pooling and further damage.
Witten Infill-Free Turf
Thanks to UV stabilizers and anti-wear technology, Witten turf resists fading, aging, and weather degradation. Its dual bonding technique ("woven-buried + adhesive lock") ensures superior tuft binding strength (≥8N), minimizing the risk of blade detachment. With no infill to replenish, cleaning is straightforward—just sweeping and occasional rinsing. Witten reduces maintenance costs by over 80%, offering significant savings across its lifespan.
Application Scenarios: Versatile Use vs Limited Suitability
Rubber-Infill Turf
While still used in low-traffic community spaces, rubber-infill grass is less desirable for high-performance or sensitive applications. It falls short on environmental safety, cleanliness, and player comfort—critical elements in schools, professional venues, and children’s zones.
Witten Infill-Free Turf
Witten shines across a broad range of applications:
Professional Sports Fields: With performance validated by FIFA certification, it delivers elite playability.
School Playgrounds: Safe, non-toxic materials safeguard young users.
Parks and Community Areas: Aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance, it elevates public space quality.
For instance, the Zhengzhou Nankai High School football field, built with Witten’s infill-free turf, became the world’s first field to pass FIFA’s new Basic Standard for infill-free systems—demonstrating elite-level performance and safety.
Installation & Cost: Efficient vs Labor-Intensive
Rubber-Infill Turf
The process of laying rubber-infill turf is time-consuming—requiring turf placement, followed by multiple rounds of infill addition, leveling, and grooming. The procurement and transport of infill further inflate both budget and timeline.
Witten Infill-Free Turf
Witten simplifies installation by eliminating the infill stage, reducing construction time by over 50%. Despite a slightly higher initial purchase cost, its long-term savings in maintenance and extended product life offset the upfront investment. A standard full-size football field using Witten’s turf saves approximately ¥300,000 in maintenance over 5 years.
The divergence between infill-free artificial turf and rubber-infill systems is not just technological—it’s philosophical. As global priorities shift toward sustainability, health, and efficiency, Witten’s infill-free turf represents a modern, responsible approach to surface design.
With advanced materials, eco-safe certifications, consistent athletic performance, and versatile application potential, Witten’s solution offers far more than turf—it offers peace of mind, long-term value, and a greener footprint.