BrockFILL™
Artificial turf systems are built from multiple structural layers that work together to create a stable and durable synthetic grass surface.
DEFINITION
BrockFILL™ Infill
BrockFILL is an engineered organic infill made from wood particles designed to provide shock absorption, cooling, and traction in artificial turf systems. It is commonly used in athletic and playground applications where safety and performance are priorities. The material is lightweight and absorbs moisture to help regulate surface temperature.
Key Functions:
- Enhances shock absorption and safety
- Improves traction and surface stability
- Provides moderate cooling through moisture retention
System Role: Acts as a performance-focused infill that enhances safety, traction, and temperature control in high-use environments.
View in: Artificial Turf Infill Materials →
QUICK SUMMARY
BrockFILL™ Infill
Best For: Shock absorption • Playgrounds • Athletic applications
Not Ideal For: Traditional landscaping • Pet systems
Key Benefits:
- Reduces impact and improves safety
- Lightweight and consistent
- Enhances surface performance
Tradeoffs:
- Higher cost
- Not designed for odor control
- Less common in residential installs
Relative Cost: $$$
Performance Profile: Drainage: High • Heat Reduction: Medium • Odor Control: Low • Durability: High
Part of the Artificial Turf Industry Glossary.
Common Alternatives
EPDM • Cork • Crumb Rubber
This diagram highlights infill material, the granular layer placed between artificial grass fibers to support the blades and stabilize the turf surface.
Turf Network — Artificial Turf System Components
Source: Turf Network – turfnetwork.org/artificial-grass/components/infill/
System Components
The Role Infill Material Plays in Artificial Turf Systems
During the installation of artificial grass, a very small granular material called infill is spread over the turf.
Infill serves several important purposes that contribute to the overall performance and longevity of artificial grass.
BrockFILL enhances the infill layer by improving shock absorption and surface safety for impact-heavy applications.
It acts as ballast, keeping turf in place, protects the backing from UV damage, keeps fibers upright, and mimics the sensation of walking on natural grass.
Additionally, infill materials can contribute to efficient drainage and reduce odors, especially in pet-friendly environments.
What is BrockFILL™ Infill & How Does It Work?
A durable, cool, affordable, best-performance infill engineered for athletes. And it’s organic. In a world that is getting too hot, it’s time to cool off. BrockFILL™ is a highly engineered wood particle infill material specifically designed to improve traction and reduce artificial turf heat. It’s made from a species of southern pine grown, harvested, and replanted in continuous cycles. Through a 9-step manufacturing process, they’ve created a durable, affordable, and renewable organic infill produced here in the USA.
They measured two adjacent fields in the same location, with the same turf product, the same day, the same time, and both were dry. The BrockFILL field measured 33 degrees cooler than the crumb rubber field with a cooling agent added. Plus the lower thermal conductivity of BrockFILL reduced heat transmission through shoes and skin. The difference is even greater after a rain.
Finding a material that would solve the problems with crumb rubber and the durability, cost, and availability challenges of other organic infills was no small task. Once identified, they then had to create a process to make tiny wood particles smooth, rounded, and the right size for drainage and the natural foot traction required.
What is BrockFILL™ Made Of?
BrockFILL is a 100% organic infill with no coatings or additives. When we talk about closed-loop, it’s the ideal infill for the environment. It’s sourced from Softwood Tree Farming: an abundant, renewable U.S. resource.
A prolific species of trees are planted in high density on farmland across the southeastern U.S. After 7 to 9 years, the trees are thinned to allow the remaining trees to grow taller for higher end uses like lumber, furniture and telephone poles. The thinned trees are then converted for the paper, animal bedding, and biofuels industries… and BrockFill.
BrockFill is manufactured through a proprietary process that removes splinters, buffs and rounds the particles, and sifts out dust. The process involves 12 different steps to achieve the ideal particle shape, size, and smooth surface.
BrockFill is used as infill for the life of the turf, providing a safe, high-performing surface for athletes. After years as an infill on sports fields, BrockFill returns to the earth as soil amendment for natural grass fields, lawns, gardens, golf courses, or landscape mulch. Unlike crumb rubber infill, BrockFill doesn’t contain leachates that are harmful to water quality or human health.
The Science Behind BrockFILL™
Years of research, testing, and studies have led to a superior playing surface. Now 30 years from its introduction, it’s time for the crumb-rubber, turf-over-stone system to take its place in history and clear a path for the next generation system for athletes. One that is cooler, firmer, safer, and leaves no scars on the athlete, or the environment.
How is BrockFILL™ Manufactured?
The wood particles undergo a specialized manufacturing process where splinters and fungus are removed before being rounded off. This minimizes friction and results in soft and pleasant wood chips that are gentle on the skin.
BrockFILL has the ability to absorb water, such as rainwater and condensation, and gradually release it for cooling. Its weight increases when wet, preventing it from floating or being washed away during heavy rain on sports grounds. Artificial turf filled with BrockFILL provides a natural turf feel and falls within the optimal traction range.
This infill material meets the FIFA quality program and World Rugby requirements for synthetic turf systems. Additionally, it is durable, offers optimal drainage, lowers ground temperature, prevents weed growth, and does not splinter, float, or promote mold or bacteria growth.
