회사 소식 Cork vs TPE vs SBR vs EPDM Infill: Which Is Right for Your Artificial Turf Project?

Infill holds turf fibres upright, absorbs impact and shapes ball behaviour — and your choice now comes with a regulatory deadline. Under EU Regulation 2023/2055, selling synthetic polymer granules (SBR, EPDM, TPE and similar) as infill on sports surfaces will be banned in the EU from 17 October 2031. Cork, being natural, is exempt.

SBR — Recycled tyre crumb. Cheap, proven, good ball roll. But odour, PAH concerns, hot surface and microplastic release; banned from 2031. Best for: budget pitches outside the EU, as a transition.

EPDM — Virgin synthetic rubber. Better aesthetics and lower odour, but costly, non-recyclable, prone to yellowing; banned from 2031. Best for: running tracks and coloured layers.

TPE — Thermoplastic elastomer, ~3 mm cross-shaped granules. Odourless, dust-free, UV-stable, recyclable, consistent performance; about 4–4.5 kg/m² for a 50 mm pile. Higher initial cost; also faces the 2031 EU ban. Best for: high-performance projects outside the EU.

Cork — Natural cork bark, renewable and biodegradable. Coolest surface, no odour, good shock absorption, fully EU-compliant. Needs periodic top-up under heavy use. Best for: EU schools, playgrounds and hot climates.

Quick pick:

• EU school / playground → cork + XPE shock pad underlay
• Elite club outside the EU → TPE
• Hot climate → cork or TPE
• Any project → add a perforated XPE shock pad: better safety, drainage and longevity, with less infill needed

We supply eco-friendly TPE and cork infill plus shock pads. Contact us for samples and quotation.