When considering non infill artificial grass for sports fields, schoolyards, or public landscapes, one of the most frequently asked questions is: Will it fade over time? The answer largely depends on the quality of materials used, UV resistance, and the manufacturer’s production techniques.
Leading brands like VIVATURF have proven that, with the right formulation and technological innovation, non infill turf can maintain its vibrant color and visual appeal for years—far outperforming lower-quality alternatives.
What Causes Artificial Grass to Fade?
Fading in artificial grass occurs when its fibers deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to environmental stressors. The main culprits include:
UV Radiation: Sunlight, particularly UV rays (280–400 nm), breaks down the molecular bonds in synthetic polymers, causing pigments to degrade. This is the most common cause of fading in outdoor turf.
Heat and Moisture: High temperatures can accelerate oxidation, while humidity may promote mold or mildew growth, which indirectly causes discoloration.
Chemical Exposure: Acid rain, deicing agents, or aggressive cleaners can strip protective coatings from the turf, making fibers more vulnerable to fading.
Low-Quality Materials: Turf made from recycled plastics, poor-grade pigments, or insufficient UV stabilizers will degrade much faster than turf made from premium raw materials.
Why VIVATURF’s Non Infill Grass Stays Green for Years
VIVATURF has engineered its non infill artificial grass to resist color degradation through multiple layers of innovation and quality control:
1. Premium Virgin Raw Materials and Pigments
VIVATURF uses only 100% virgin PE/PP (polyethylene/polypropylene) resins—no recycled content—ensuring high purity and structural stability. The turf’s color is produced with imported weather-resistant masterbatches, featuring pigments with superior UV-blocking properties. These pigments are designed to withstand extended UV exposure without breaking down, and have a fusion rate of over 99% with the base polymer, eliminating the risk of pigment migration or bleeding.
2. Advanced UV Stabilization Technology
VIVATURF’s fiber manufacturing process incorporates a multi-agent UV and anti-aging system, including:
UV absorbers to convert harmful radiation into harmless thermal energy.
HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) to neutralize free radicals and halt the chain reactions of polymer degradation.
Antioxidants to slow down thermal oxidation and degradation under high temperatures.
Together, these components improve UV resistance by over 3x compared to standard products. In accelerated xenon arc testing (simulating 5 years of direct sunlight), VIVATURF turf showed a minimal color deviation (ΔE≤3), a result significantly better than the industry benchmark (ΔE≤5).
3. Nano Protective Coating
Each blade of grass is treated with a nano-scale siloxane coating, which:
Enhances durability and wear resistance.
Reflects a portion of UV radiation before it penetrates the polymer layer.
Creates a hydrophobic surface that reduces water retention and mold growth.
This layer also acts as a physical barrier against chemical agents, helping preserve the turf’s color even in environments with air pollution or acidic rain.
4. Rigorous Weathering and Field Testing
VIVATURF enforces industry-leading quality control through extreme environmental testing:
QUV testing: Turf samples exposed to alternating UV light and moisture at 70°C for 1,000 hours retained over 90% of original color.
Chemical corrosion tests: Fibers soaked in solutions with pH levels ranging from 3 to 11 showed no significant discoloration.
Outdoor exposure testing: Turf installed in harsh regions like Hainan and Xinjiang, China, maintained color vibrancy over 2+ years of natural UV exposure.
Field-Proven Results: How Does It Compare?
| Environment | Ordinary Non Infill Turf (2 years) | VIVATURF (5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| High UV Regions (e.g., Southern China) | Yellowing and visible fading (ΔE ≈ 8) | Color remains vivid (ΔE ≈ 2) |
| Areas with Temperature Fluctuations | Edges whiten and become brittle | Color consistent, no fraying |
| Industrial Zones | Surface soiling, dark stains, difficult to clean | Easy to rinse clean, pigment protected |
Tips to Extend Color Longevity
Even with superior technology, proper maintenance can further prolong turf life:
Regular Cleaning: Rinse with water monthly to remove dirt, dust, and bird droppings. Debris buildup can retain heat and accelerate aging.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use neutral cleaners and eco-friendly deicers (e.g., potassium acetate). Always rinse thoroughly after exposure.
Timely Repairs: If fibers are damaged by sharp objects, trim affected areas promptly to prevent unprotected sections from degrading faster.
Final Thoughts: Quality Makes the Difference
Not all non infill artificial grass is created equal. While lower-quality products may show fading within a year or two, high-grade turf like VIVATURF’s non infill solution is engineered for longevity. Through careful material selection, UV-blocking formulation, nanocoating, and stringent testing, VIVATURF delivers vibrant color stability for 8 to 10 years or more, even in the harshest outdoor conditions.
If long-lasting beauty and low maintenance are your goals, VIVATURF is a smart, future-proof choice.