Crumb rubber infill for artificial turf: what to specify
Rubber infill sits between artificial grass fibres. Choose it to the turf system's specification, not a generic size recommendation. In the EU, placing qualifying sports infill on the market is restricted from 17 October 2031.
Explore the questionsThree checks before selecting infill
Start with the system
The carpet, infill and any shockpad work together. A granule grade is not a pitch certification.
Specify a distribution
Ask for required sieve openings and permitted passing percentages, not just a bag marked 1–3 mm.
Check the destination
EU infill rules include the 17 October 2031 deadline. Other markets need their own regulatory check.
Before selecting infill
Choose a question to read more.
What does rubber infill do?
It contributes to surface performance, but the whole pitch determines the result.
In filled turf systems, rubber granules sit among the synthetic fibres. Infill can support the pile and influence cushioning and traction. Sand, a shockpad and the underlying construction may also have distinct roles.
There is no universal rubber grade for every carpet. Use the system supplier’s material specification and installation instructions. FIFA Quality and Quality Pro evaluation includes laboratory and field testing; a loose bag of rubber does not carry that approval. See FIFA’s explanation of system testing.
What should the supplier enquiry contain?
Send the required grading, acceptance limits, volume and destination together.
- System reference: turf supplier, intended use and the infill requirement.
- Grading: sieve standard, openings and permitted percentages, including oversize and fines.
- Material checks: the project’s limits and methods for residual steel, textile, moisture and any required chemical tests.
- Order: quantity, destination, preferred packing and documents the buyer must obtain.
- Evaluation: the sample quantity and tests your laboratory or system provider needs.
Bedrock’s black rubber granules have nominal size ranges. Those labels do not establish compliance with your sieve limits. Ask which measurements and documents are available for the proposed supply before relying on them.
What changes for an EU project?
The 2031 deadline concerns placing qualifying infill on the market, not a blanket closure of existing pitches.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 sets 17 October 2031 as the transition date for granular infill used on synthetic sports surfaces. Do not read it as an order to close every existing pitch on that date, or assume containment measures automatically exempt future infill sales.
Have the importer and project adviser check the applicable product, chemical and environmental requirements before procurement. A health study and permission to market an infill are different questions.
Have the turf supplier's infill specification?
Send it with your quantity and destination. We can discuss the required granule grade, sample evaluation and the information available for a proposed order.
Discuss granules for your specificationCommon questions
Is 1–3 mm suitable for every football pitch?
No. The system supplier must confirm its required grading and whether the proposed material fits that system.
Does a sample approve the finished pitch?
No. A material sample supports evaluation of that material. The complete surface has separate installation, testing and maintenance requirements.