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In the global artificial turf production system, artificial turf backing accounts for 24%–32% of the total weight of the artificial turf, and is the core structure determining the pull-out strength of the grass fibers, the overall roll stability, weather resistance, and long-term cost. The color of the artificial grass backing is not just a visual difference; it is usually an outward manifestation of the material formulation, adhesive system, infill mineral powder ratio, and anti-aging agent content.
According to statistics from the International Society for Artificial Turf Manufacturers (ESTO) and multinational laboratory tests (SGS, TÜV, Labosport), over 71% of after-sales problems in sports fields are related to aging, powdering, and delamination of the turf backing. Among these, the differences in artificial turf backing material formulation reflected in color differences are the most easily overlooked aspects by artificial turf installers and sports facility contractors.
What impact do different artificial turf backing materials have on the turf? The “glue” you see is not simply a painted color, but a core system that determines the stability, lifespan, pull-out strength, and overall structural strength of the turf. In international artificial turf manufacturing standards (EN 15330-1, FIFA Quality Programme), the turf backing is a key indicator affecting product performance.
As a professional artificial turf installer, nothing is worse than rework after delivery and explaining after-sales quality issues. Each rework not only directly harms your interests but also raises questions about your professionalism from your clients. In this article, an expert with over 20 years of experience in artificial turf manufacturing will tell you that different backing adhesives imply different raw material quality, aging resistance, and adhesive formulations. The choice of backing adhesive and its color will affect your artificial turf project’s bidding process, lifespan, cost, and stability. This article will tell you how to choose the right artificial grass backing for your project and how to determine which black/green/gray backing color is best suited for your project.
What Is Turf Backing?
The adhesive backing is a layer of bonding system at the bottom of artificial turf. Its main functions are:
- To secure the grass fibers (Tuft Bind), preventing them from being pulled out during use.
- To stabilize the structure, keep the grass roll flat, without twisting or deforming.
- To provide weather protection, increasing the turf’s resistance to UV rays, oxidation, and chalking.
- To extend the turf’s lifespan, determining its outdoor usability for 3–10 years. In international standards (FIFA Quality Programme, EN 15330-1, ASTM), the adhesive backing is one of the core structural components determining whether an artificial turf meets standards.
3 Artificial Grass Backing Types
The global artificial turf industry primarily uses three types of backing systems: SBRL, PU backing (polyurethane), and recyclable backing. Each artificial turf backing material varies significantly in terms of lifespan, stability, cost, and pull-out strength.
Latex Backing (SBR Latex) – 70% of Global Turf Backing
Material Characteristics: Low cost, wide application, but lifespan is greatly affected by the formulation. Main Components:
- SBR Latex (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)
- CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate Filler)
- Masterbatch (determines color: black/green)
- Water-based Emulsion
PU Backing – Sports Fields (FIFA Certified Fields)
Approximately 64%–70% of FIFA Quality Pro certified fields worldwide use PU backing (artificial grass polyurethane backing). Product Features:
- Strongest pull-out force (up to 1.8–2.5 times that of Latex)
- Non-hygroscopic, non-powdering
- Long lifespan, high temperature resistance, hydrolysis resistance
- Mostly gray/beige adhesive
Recyclable Adhesive – European Sports Fields
Primarily used in high-end sports field projects with stringent environmental requirements. Product Features:
- PU + Latex hybrid double coating
- TPE hot melt system
- Recyclable polyolefin system (meets EU sustainability standards)
Adhesive Comparison Data Table (International Experimental Data)
Integrates SGS, TÜV, Labosport 5000h UV aging tests and FIFA/EN standards, representing the most comprehensive artificial turf adhesive data currently available in the industry.
| Indicator / Backing Type | Latex Backing (SBR) | PU Backing (Polyurethane) | Hybrid / Recyclable System |
| Common Colors | Black, green, mixed | Grey, beige, light yellow | Depends on system (often light-colored) |
| Φούντα δέσιμο | 25–35 N | 45–60 N (Labosport) | 30–50 N (depending on system) |
| UV Strength Retention – 3000h | 40%–65% | 70%–90% (TÜV tested) | 50%–75% |
| UV Strength Retention – 5000h | 30%–55% | 80%–92% (Labosport) | 45%–70% |
| Anti-Chalking Ability | Medium (poor in high-temperature regions) | Excellent (almost no chalking) | Medium to high |
| Moisture Absorption / Sensitivity | High moisture absorption (risk in humid countries) | Nearly zero absorption | Χαμηλός |
| High-Temperature Stability | Performance drops at 50–60°C | Withstands 70–80°C (ideal for Middle East) | Καλή |
| Expected Outdoor Lifespan | 2–6 years (varies by formula) | 7-10 χρόνια | 4–8 years |
| FIFA Certification Compatibility | Quality (economical level) | Quality Pro (professional level) | Depends on system |
| Εύρος κόστους | ★ Lowest | ★★★ Highest | ★★ Medium |
| Typical Applications | Landscape turf, budget-sensitive projects | Professional football fields, schools, clubs, extreme-climate countries | New-energy fields, eco-friendly projects |
| Main Risk Points | Chalking, embrittlement, roll deformation | Virtually no structural risk | Cost and process stability vary |
Affect Artificial Turf Backing Selection Key Factors
From the perspective of practical artificial turf construction experience, after-sales risks, on-site controllability, climate adaptability, budget, and acceptance standards, the core factors for choosing different backing systems are: budget determines Latex or PU, climate determines lifespan, project type determines risk, and installation method determines whether rework is needed. Consider budget, climate, intended use, and installation method.
Budget Factors
One of the primary considerations for choosing the right backing is budget. If your client has a sufficient budget, minimize after-sales risk: PU backed artificial grass is the first choice; if the client has a limited budget but still wants stable performance → choose “Latex (SBR)” backing; if the project is environmentally friendly, recyclable, or for special sports applications → recyclable/hybrid backing is an option.
Mightygrass experts advise: Never choose “inferior backing” due to budget constraints. Rework costs are typically 3–10 times the price of the artificial turf itself.
Climate Factors
Climate determines the aging rate of artificial turf backing; temperature determines backing powdering; humidity determines whether backing absorbs water and swells; and ultraviolet radiation determines lifespan. Climate varies significantly across the globe. Based on UV-5000h / high-temperature aging / low-temperature embrittlement / moisture absorption tests, a “Regional Backing Selection Standard” is established according to global geographical regions.
Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, etc.): Surface temperatures can reach 70–80°C; one of the regions with the strongest UV radiation globally; the ground easily absorbs heat, and the turf backing undergoes daily heat cycling. Black backing easily absorbs heat → accelerates aging within 2 years and is prone to powdering at high temperatures.
Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana): UV intensity consistently ranks in the top 10% globally; large temperature fluctuations; diverse surface materials (red soil, stone powder) place high demands on backing; turf without UV additives is prone to aging within 3 months.
South America (Chile, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil): High UV radiation + High humidity + Large temperature differences — Risks vary by country. For example, frequent rainfall and high humidity in Colombia can lead to mold growth on the adhesive, softening from rain, and delamination due to insufficient adhesive thickness.
Europe (Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe): The complex European climate, especially in Northern Europe with its year-round low temperatures, snow, and rain, coupled with prolonged outdoor use, can cause the adhesive to become brittle at low temperatures. The frequent snow removal on sports fields necessitates tear resistance.
Asia (Southeast Asia, South Korea, Japan, Central Asia): Humidity + High temperatures + Monsoons → Adhesives must be moisture and heat resistant (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia) → Both humid and hot.
Global Climate Adhesive Selection Guide
| Περιοχή | Climate | Best Backing | Optional Backing | Not Recommended |
| Μέση Ανατολή | Extreme heat + strong UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | Κανένα | All Latex |
| Αφρική | High temperature + high UV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | High–solid-content Latex | Mixed-color or recycled Latex |
| Chile | High UV + large temperature swings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | High–solid-content Latex | Green Latex (no UV protection) |
| Colombia | High humidity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | Anti-mold Latex | Standard Latex |
| Brazil / Argentina | High temperature | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | High–solid-content Latex | Mixed-color Latex |
| Northern Europe | Extreme cold + snow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | Double-layer backing | Low-end Latex |
| Western Europe | Heavy rain + eco-friendly trend | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hybrid | High–solid-content Latex | Low-end Latex |
| Southeast Asia | High humidity + high temperature | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | High–solid-content Latex | Green Latex (no anti-mold) |
| Japan / Korea | Rainy + four seasons | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ PU | Hybrid / Latex | — |
Application – Sports vs. Landscape Determines Adhesive Grade
For applications involving children, athletes, or sports courts, higher pull-out force is better. Choosing high pull-out force = reducing after-sales risk by 90%.
| Σενάριο εφαρμογής | Recommended Backing |
| FIFA Football Pitch | PU only (strongest tuft bind, highest durability) |
| School Playground / Community Sports Field | PU or high–solid-content Latex |
| Gym Turf (Indoor Fitness Areas) | Anti-slip rubber backing, PU, or special coating |
| Pet Area (Pet Turf) | Latex + Anti-mold additives, or PU |
| Τοπίο χλοοτάπητα | Latex (including green Latex) or Hybrid |
| Extreme Outdoor Use | PU |
Experts advise: Don’t use Latex for sports fields to save money; Latex can be used for landscaping grass on a limited budget, but it must be a “new adhesive”.
Installation Method – Determines the compatibility of the backing adhesive with other glues/bonding methods.
- PU is better suited for strong adhesives, direct bonding, heat welding, and professional soccer field systems.
- Latex is better suited for regular adhesives, anti-slip laying, and landscaping installations.
- Gym Turf requires a rubber backed turf to enhance anti-slip properties.
Experts recommend: If the project requires a lot of splicing → PU backed artificial grass is more stable, while Latex is more prone to seam displacement.
What does Mean in Artificial Grass backing Color?
The color of artificial turf refers to the addition of different colored masterbatches to the raw materials of the backing. For example, to achieve a red backing, red masterbatch is added to the SBR or PU backing. While black backing is the most widely used in the global artificial turf industry, more manufacturers are currently developing green, blue, and white/light colored backings to enhance visual appeal and marketability.
As an artificial turf installer or sports facility contractor, when introducing your products to school principals, football clubs, or government agencies, customers often ask, “Why are some artificial grass backing colors black, some green, some gray, and some transparent? What impact does the turf backing color have on the turf? How much does the cost differ?”
Turf backing color is more than just a coating; it often reflects differences in the backing raw materials, anti-aging properties, coating system, and manufacturing process. Installers must choose turf backing based on climate conditions, usage scenarios, and cost comparisons.
| Backing Color | Material System | Professional Explanation |
| Μαύρο | SBR Latex + Carbon Black | Carbon black provides natural UV resistance, but this color is also commonly used to mask defects such as recycled rubber content or excessive filler powders. |
| Πράσινος | SBR Latex + Green Masterbatch | More common for landscape applications; aesthetically pleasing. Weather resistance depends on whether UV stabilizers are added. |
| Grey | PU Backing (Polyurethane) | Represents the most stable and premium system. Offers superior aging resistance, high-temperature durability, and the strongest tuft bind, without chalking. |
Which Backing Color Is Best for Sports, Landscape, and Pet Turf?
Different applications require vastly different adhesive color requirements. Sports fields demand extremely high structural stability; landscape grass prioritizes appearance and comfort; pet grass needs durability, mold resistance, and easy cleaning. The material system represented by the adhesive color directly determines whether you might encounter problems such as grass shedding, powdering, or odor.
MightyGrass, as a global artificial turf manufacturer, offers the clearest, most professional, and most trouble-free adhesive color selection advice: Choose gray PU for sports fields; gray PU for high-end landscapes; green Latex for ordinary landscapes; dark Latex or gray PU for countries with high temperatures; and gray PU is preferred for pet grass.
| Application Scenario / Climate | Best Backing Color | Alternative Options | Not Recommended |
| Αθλητισμός / Football Fields / Schools | Grey PU | High–solid-content Black Latex | Green Latex |
| Landscape Turf (Κατοικητικός / Εμπορικός) | Green Latex (with UV additives) | Grey PU | Mixed-color Latex |
| Χλοοτάπητα για κατοικίδια (Indoor / Outdoor) | Grey PU | Green Latex (anti-mold) | Black recycled Latex |
| High-Temperature Regions (Northern Chile / Middle East / South Africa) | Grey PU | Black Latex (high solid content) | Green Latex |
| Low-Temperature Regions (Northern Europe / Canada) | Grey PU | — | All Latex-based backing |
How to Identify Turf Backing?
Στο εγκατάσταση τεχνητού χλοοτάπητα, 80% of after-sales problems (powdering, grass shedding, cracking, weakened seams) are directly related to the quality of the adhesive backing. Therefore, regardless of the color of the adhesive backing you purchase (black, green, gray), a quick quality check must be performed before installation.
Below are 6 “adhesive quality screening methods” commonly used by installers worldwide, which can identify potential problems in your turf in just 30 seconds.
① Touch it: Is it brittle?
A good adhesive backing should be “resilient,” no matter how cold the weather.
If it turns white or cracks easily when gently bent, it’s a strong indication that the material is substandard and won’t last long.
② Rub it: Does it leave powder on your hands?
Simply rub your hands back and forth on the adhesive backing a few times.
If your hands are covered in a layer of black or white powder, it means there’s too much filler and too little adhesive. This type of adhesive is most prone to powdering and grass shedding.
③ One-touch test: Check the rebound speed.
Press the adhesive backing with your thumb. If it springs back immediately, the adhesive is sufficient and the material is healthy.
If pressing it feels like pressing on wet cardboard—slowly rebounding or not rebounding at all—it means it will age quickly and have a short lifespan.
④ Gently pull the grass fibers: Can they be pulled out?
Gently pulling a few grass fibers is the simplest way to judge the pull-out force.
Good grass won’t loosen no matter how much you pull; poor grass will fall off with a light tug, and this certainly won’t hold up on a sports field.
⑤ Smell it: Is there a pungent odor?
Good adhesive has almost no noticeable odor;
But if you can smell a pungent rubber or chemical odor as soon as you get close, it’s highly likely that recycled rubber or inferior adhesive was used,
and it will be prone to mold, aging, and even hardening later on.
⑥ Finally, take a look: Is the adhesive coating even?
The adhesive backing should be flat, even, and continuous.
If you see areas of thinning, bubbling, or even seeing the base fabric, it indicates a poor coating process, and it will definitely age prematurely during use.
Συμβουλές: A truly qualified adhesive backing should feel resilient to the touch, not shed powder when rubbed, bounce back immediately when poked, not shed grass fibers when pulled, have no odor, and be applied cleanly and evenly. Inferior adhesive backing often exhibits several characteristics simultaneously: brittleness, powdering, odor, easy detachment, slow rebound, and a thin coating.
MightyGrass Turf Backing Technology
MightyGrass utilizes its proprietary SBR Latex and PU backing formulas, combined with over 20 years of industry experience, to provide professional coating systems for sports fields, landscaping grass, and high-temperature environments. All backings use 100% new materials and masterbatches, avoiding the powdering, brittleness, and odor issues associated with recycled rubber.
The company offers three core backing types:
- Black SBR Artificial Grass Latex Backing (suitable for landscaping and budget sports)
- Grey PU Backing (suitable for schools, clubs, FIFA-grade fields, and high-temperature regions)
- Dual-Layer Hybrid Systems (for high-end and recyclable projects)
All backing systems undergo UV-3000h/UV-5000h, Tuft Bind, hydrolysis resistance, low-temperature flexibility, and high-temperature aging tests, and have had their stability verified over long periods in extreme climates such as Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The core value of MightyGrass adhesive technology lies in providing higher pull-out strength, better weather resistance, a uniformly coated adhesive structure, and real-world project performance that significantly reduces after-sales risks. For installers, the MightyGrass adhesive system means: more stable grass rolls, fewer after-sales issues, more reliable field life, and easier acceptance.
FAQ
What is the best backing for artificial grass?
The best backing is the one that gives you strong tuft lock, stable dimensional strength, and consistent drainage. For most projects, you get the best performance from a double-layer backing (PP cloth + SBR latex or PU). PU-coated systems cost more but offer superior stability, low shrinkage, and longer service life — ideal for high-traffic sports fields and harsh climates.
Why do some turf products have black backing?
You see black backing because SBR latex is naturally dark once cured. It’s the most common and cost-effective coating used worldwide. The color doesn’t mean lower quality — it simply reflects the coating material.
Is green backing better quality?
Not automatically. Green backing is usually made with pigmented SBR or PU, mainly for visual preference or marketing alignment. The performance still depends on coating type, thickness, and tuft lock — not the color itself. A green PU backing may outperform a black SBR backing, but a green SBR isn’t inherently “premium.”
Does backing color affect durability?
No. Durability comes from the coating formula, coating weight, UV stability, and dimensional strength, not the color. A well-formulated black SBR can last longer than a poorly made green backing. Color alone is not a durability factor.
How do you choose backing for hot climates?
If you’re installing in a hot or desert climate, choose backing with:
- High UV-resistant coating (PU preferred)
- Low shrinkage and stable dimensions
- Breathable or fast-drying structure
- Cooling yarn options (if available)
PU coatings perform better in extreme heat because they resist deformation and hydrolysis, making them a safer choice for Middle East, LATAM, and Australian markets.
Can you request custom backing colors?
Yes. Manufacturers can customize backing colors — green, grey, beige, or brand-specific shades — as long as the order volume meets production requirements. For OEM customers, custom colors help you differentiate your product line.
Is black backing harmful?
No. The black color comes from carbon black in SBR latex, which is widely used and considered safe for landscape and sports applications. Certified products (SGS, REACH, CE, or FIFA-tested systems) must pass strict limits for heavy metals and PAHs, so properly produced black backing poses no safety concern.
Does backing color affect price?
Only slightly. The coating type affects price far more than color. PU costs more than SBR, and heavier coating weights cost more than lighter ones. Color pigments add a small cost difference compared with the main material.
Does backing color matter for FIFA testing?
No. FIFA tests performance metrics such as ball rebound, ball roll, shock absorption, deformation, energy restitution, UV aging, tuft lock, and environmental safety. Color is not part of any FIFA laboratory or field test. What matters is the system’s performance — yarn, backing strength, shock pad, infill, and installation quality.
