Natfill 8 System
The game changer
for synthetic rugby and football pitches
In the context of growing urbanization, the need for artificial turf pitches designed for a variety of uses, combining several sports such as rugby, football, etc., is increasingly being emphasized.
Presentation
FIFA and World Rugby have invested large amounts of resources in developing long pile artificial turf requirements that reflect best practice in the areas of player welfare, performance, sustainability and longevity
It should be noted that each rugby union and football federation has their own certification process. The application of these best practices does not guarantee that certification by one or any of the rugby union or football federation will be achieved. Other sports may also have additional requirements, which must be met before they can be played on the field.
Concerning football, FIFA requires a special test called “ball roll test”, which is added to the standard requirements of World Rugby.
World Rugby Regulation 22 is mandatory for the use of artificial pitches for training and matches.
Furthermore, prior to the inauguration of the rugby or football field (then every 2 years for the rugby field ; every 3 years for football field FIFA Quality and every year for football field FIFA Quality Pro), it must be tested for compliance by an Accredited Testing Institute (ATI).
World Rugby regulation 22 emphasizes on 3 keys points:
Player safety
Performance
Sustainability
An artificial turf system is a combination of 4 components:
- A shock pad over the sub-base to absorb impact energy force (generally in polypropylene)
- A turf composed of a polyethylene carpet membrane with fibers tufted on top and welded with latex
- A stabilization infill made of silica sand
- A performance infill made of microplastics or natural particles
Only systems can be validated by FIFA or World Rugby, not individual components.
Our system designed for football & rugby Natfill 8 System
Why choose Natfill 8 ?
Natfill 8 System is the perfect solution for those seeking optimal performance on a synthetic sports field while complying with safety standard and environmental preservation
Moreover, this system complies with World Rugby Regulation 22. It has passed the tests conducted by the Accredited Test Institute (ATI), Labosport China.
The NATFILL 8 system also meets FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro requirements and is certified under the name of the turf manufacturer, CCGrass, in accordance with FIFA’s legal procedures.
Our system combines innovation, quality, and participate in the reduction of plastic pollution, setting a new standard for sports fields worldwide.
Natfill 8 System components:
Shock pad - SPDH 8
High density, thickness 20 mm, with more than 700 drain holes per square meter integrated.
Turf carpet - SUPERB EX2 60-14 PU Refo
CC Grass, a World Rugby preferred supplier and FIFA preferred producer, has been selected for this constituent: the 60mm monofilament ref “SUPERB EX2” is their best quality.
Stabilisation infill
Silica sand round shape sand, Bulk Density 1.50 g/cm3; from 42 kg/m²
Performance infill
Natfill 8 is a composition of carefully selected vegetal granules.
It is made of 100% organic material, free from any microplastics.
Natfill 8 – Natural infill can be purchased independently from the other component. You can use it to replace the performance infill of your field. In that case, you will not be able to get FIFA or World Rugby certification
(See the comparison between Natfill 8 – Natural infill and synthetic infills.)
Our Natfill 8 system meets the strict standards of World Rugby and FIFA (both FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro), including the following performance tests.
- Vertical Ball Rebound: Measures the height at which a ball rebounds after being dropped on the surface, indicating the surface's ability to return energy.
- Angle Ball Rebound: Assesses the direction and angle of ball rebound, essential for ball control.
- Shock Absorption: Evaluates the impact energy absorbed by the surface, ensuring maximum player safety.
- Rotational Resistance: Measures the resistance offered by the surface to rotation, essential to prevent injuries due to twisting or foot blockages.
- Vertical deformation: Measures the hardness of the artificial turf when player runs, in order to search the perfect balance between a field that is soft to land on, but fast to run on.
- Impact Attenuation: Measures the surface's ability to absorb impact energy, crucial for minimizing injury risks, especially during falls.
World Rugby have completed the approval of World Flair Natfill 8 System
Manufacturer: World Flair
Product: Natfill 8 System
World Rugby Reference: PCT1837
Test Laboratory: Labosport Asia
Product Test Date: 11/10/2024
FIFA have completed the approval of World Flair Natfill 8 System
FIFA Licensee: CoCreation
Grass Co., Ltd
Product: Natfill 8 System
Test number: 143529
Quality level: FIFA Quality & Quality PRO
Date of Test: 25/01/2025
High quality synthetic turf and drainage system
High quality synthetic turf:
For the carpet turf we have decided to collaborate with CCGrass for their expertise in this field. CCGrass is the best Chinese synthetic turf manufacturer, one of the FIFA prefered producer and one among the 8 World Rugby Preferred Turf Producers. They have already supplied turf carpet for :
- 41 World Rugby certified rugby fields
- 278 FIFA Quality certified football fields
- 117 FIFA Quality Pro certified fields
We have selected their reference Superb EX2 60mm turf. This turf provides enhanced durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions while perfectly mimicking the characteristics of natural grass.
Shock pad for optimal cushioning:
Specially developed for our system, this SPDH 8 20mm layer installed under the turf enhances sports performance, protects players, and promotes rainwater drainage.
Specialized drainage system:
Designed according to World Flair specifications, our system ensures efficient water management, guaranteeing a field ready for play regardless of weather conditions.
SWITCH TO NATFILL 8 - NATURAL INFILL
No more compromising between performance, safety, and durability. Choose Natfill 8 – Natural Infill for your sports fields and enjoy a natural solution that meets all your expectations.
Natfill 8 - Natural Infill
The First 100% vegetal infill Made in China
Benefits of Natfill 8 - Natural Infill
Hardness and Energy Absorption:
Our infill is designed to efficiently absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of injuries on sports fields.
Biodegradability:
All components of Natfill 8 – Natural Infill are natural, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Resilience and Durability:
Designed for long-term use, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill granulate is resistant and maintains its performance even after intensive use.
Chemical Inertness:
Natfill 8 – Natural Infill is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with other materials and does not release any harmful substances.
Lightweight:
The light composition of Natfill 8 – Natural Infill facilitates its application as an infill material while allowing better thermal regulation through improved air circulation.
Moisture Absorption:
This infill offers excellent moisture absorption and release capacity, helping to maintain a stable temperature and prevent synthetic field overheating.
An optimized formulation for superior performance
Natfill 8 – Natural Infill is formulated from a combination of carefully selected organic materials to maximize the benefits of each component.
We eliminated:
- Cork due to its electrostatic properties and buoyancy in the event of flooding
- Coconut fiber, which can become too compact and increase the risk of injuries
Two different processes are applied to the treatment of vegetal materials:
- A roasting process with varying temperatures and durations.
- A treatment process for biocide action and anti-mold protection.
Thanks to this careful selection, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill offers the perfect balance between performance, safety, and environmental respect.
Unlike synthetic infill materials, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill does not release any microplastics.
An ecological and innovative solution for sports fields
Modern sports fields require infill solutions that guarantee both performance and safety.
With Natfill 8 – Natural Infill, discover a new generation of infill that combines innovation and environmental respect to provide optimal playing surfaces.
Under the draft standard prEN 15330-5, Natfill 8 infill is classified as vegetal infill, which represents outstanding innovation in the market.
Why choose Natfill 8 - Natural Infill for your synthetic turf?
Player safety and well-being
The innovative formula of Natfill 8 – Natural Infill provides excellent shock cushioning, minimizing impacts and enhancing playing comfort. Additionally, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill is safe for health: it contains no harmful chemicals. It complies with EN71-3 standard (migration of certain chemicals into the body)
Exceptional performance
Natfill 8 – Natural Infill is designed to provide optimal shock resistance and stability on all sports fields. Whether for rugby, football, American football, or other sports, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill ensures a uniform and comfortable playing surface, even during intensive use.
Respect of the environment
Made from carefully selected natural materials, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill reduces the carbon footprint of your field while preserving air and soil quality. Unlike traditional infills, our solution does not release microplastics into the environment, contributing to the protection of our planet.
Adaptability and versatility
Whether for rugby, football, or multisport fields, Natfill 8 – Natural Infill adapts to all synthetic surfaces for optimal performance. It can be compatible with all synthetic turf installations and can be used for new projects or renovations, subject to a compliance test.
Why choose a product made in China?
Expertise and recognized know-how
The decision to manufacture Natfill 8 – Natural Infill in China is a strategic one, aimed at leveraging our technical expertise and know-how, to produce an innovative infill material in this country. China is globally recognized for its high-quality production capabilities, thanks to its advanced technologies and modern manufacturing infrastructure.
It is our passion and our core business to search for it since 30 years.
By manufacturing Natfill 8 – Natural Infill in China, we ensure efficient production that meets international quality standards.
SWITCH TO NATFILL 8 - NATURAL INFILL
No more compromising between performance, safety, and durability. Choose Natfill 8 – Natural Infill for your sports fields and enjoy a natural solution that meets all your expectations.
Responsible and sustainable production
Our DNA is a commitment to sustainability
Cost-effective and accessible manufacturing
Manufacturing Natfill 8 – Natural Infill in China allows us to benefit from competitive production costs without compromising quality. This cost optimization is an advantage we pass on to our customers, offering them a natural product at an affordable price. This allows us to make our solutions more competitive in the global market and meet the needs of our customers in various economic environments.
Reducing the carbon footprint
By choosing to manufacture Natfill 8 – Natural Infill in China, we reduce our carbon footprint by consolidating production and raw materials in one geographical area. This centralization minimizes costs and the environmental impact associated with local transportation and deliveries by vessel to Asia and Africa, our main markets.
Natfill 8 - Natural Infill vs synthetic infills
which is the best solution for your artificial turf?
Choosing between natural and synthetic infill
Choosing the right infill for your synthetic turf is essential to ensure good performance, player comfort and reduced environmental impact.
Natfill 8 – Natural Infill is a 100% vegetal infill solution designed to offer advantages over traditional synthetic infills such as SBR, EPDM, or TPE. Discover below how Natfill 8 – Natural Infill stands out from existing synthetic options.
Comparison Between Natfill 8 - Natural Infill and Synthetic Infills
Here is a comparison table illustrating the key differences between Natfill 8 – Natural Infill and synthetic infills.
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Characteristics
|
Our vegetal infill (Natfill 8 - Natural Infill)
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Other synthetic infills (EPDM / TPE)
|
Special case of SBR (banned within the EU from October 2031, norm REACH)
|
|---|---|---|---|
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Composition
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100% natural materials
|
Made from synthetic rubber or plastic materials, including ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
|
Petroleum-derived materials (rubber, polymers)
|
|
Environmental Impact
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Biodegradable, does not release microplastics
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Non-biodegradable, potential microplastic pollution due to wear and tear over time.
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Non-biodegradable, releases microplastics into the environment
|
|
Health Safety
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Does not contain carcinogenic or toxic substances
|
May contain additives or stabilizers that could leak into the environment, potentially harmful if ingested or inhaled over long periods.
Potential risk due to chemical additives that can leak into groundwater, especially in wet conditions. |
May contain carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
|
|
Playing Comfort
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Thermal and olfactory comfort
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Can retain heat, leading to potential overheating on sunny days; some materials have unpleasant odors when exposed to high temperatures.
|
Risk of overheating in summer. Strong plastic odors.
|
|
Risk of Groundwater Pollution
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Very low
|
Potential risk due to chemical additives that can leach into groundwater, especially in wet conditions.
|
High, with the possibility of microplastic dissemination
|
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes. You can purchase either the full Natfill 8 System with its 4 components (shock pad + turf carpet + stabilization infill + performance infill), or Natfill 8 – Naural infill only. In that case, you will not be able to get FIFA or World Rugby certification for your field.
Because our reference is the US market. It is 5 years ahead in experimenting natural filling layers.
Our visit there revealed to us the synthetic solution of the future which we implement now.
Furthermore we added extra test (beyond the requirements) to secure the sustainability of Natfill 8 infill.
Absolutely! Natfill 8 – Vegetal Infill is designed to adapt to a wide variety of sports, offering excellent performance for rugby, football, and some other field sports.
Natfill 8 – Vegetal Infill is a 100% natural solution that does not release microplastics and contains no harmful chemicals, unlike traditional rubber granules.
Rugby requires a much thicker shock pad than football pitches because the impacts are much more violent. In fact, the thickness of shock pads used for football fields starts at 10mm, which cannot pass the World rugby tests.
To play international games on their pitch, Unions have to get their artificial turf produce by a listed system supplier on Hermès website and then prior to the inauguration of the rugby field (then every two years), it must be tested for compliance by an Accredited Testing Institute (ATI). This second test, once the pitch is installed is included in the contract issued by Natfill 8 System.
To fill a rugby pitch of 120 x 70 m (with a 5-meter run-off all around) our Natfill 8 System needs to contain approximately 440 tons of silica sand
To fill a rugby pitch of 120 x 70 m (with a 5-meter run-off all around) our Natfill 8 System needs to contain approximately 60 tons of Natfill 8 – Natural Infill.
To fill a football pitch of 100 x 70 m (with a 3-meter run-off all around) our Natfill 8 System needs to contain approximately 340 tons of silica sand
To fill a football pitch of 100 x 70 m (with a 3-meter run-off all around) our Natfill 8 System needs to contain approximately 45 tons of Natfill 8 – Vegetal Infill.
Our main commitment lies on maintenance.
With proper maintenance a turf rugby field can last up to 8 or 10 years
A strict commitment from the investor is required such as the respect of maintenance work frequency.
World Flair has edited a guide and a maintenance log which we join to any tender.
It explains in details how to ensure the sustainability of the field.
Suppliers of vegetal infill using these two materials offer great comfort for players.
Unfortunately, their durability is very limited, achieving only a small number of durability cycles. For this reason, the ambition of the draft standard prEN 15330-5 has been downsized to accommodate certain popular systems that struggle to meet the requirements outlined on, chapters 7.3 and 7.8.3.
These requirements include having a particle size distribution where at least 80% of the infill falls within the d – D range of the reference sample.
How can I get Natfill 8?
Vegetal Infill for my sports field
By Email
Logistics and operations manager
cassandra@world-flair.com
AND
CEO
alain@world-flair.com
By WhatsApp
Alain Vichy / +33 (0)6 08 98 66 93
By WeChat
Alain Vichy / +33 (0)6 08 98 66 93