Q and A with Alyson: TURF INFILL
‘There is a lot of pressure in the industry, rightfully so, to start evaluating alternative infills that are safer for humans, non-human animals, and the environment,’ Myers says. Calcean’s natural, sustainable infill is a good place to kick off the search.
Many industries and applications can use oolitic aragonite to meet sustainability goals.
One of those industries is SPORTS/RECREATION, and the application we’re exploring today is TURF INFILL.
_______
Picture it: you're watching a football or soccer game, and a player falls to the ground or kicks the ball...only to be followed by a flurry of black particles.
What's that stuff anyway?
Those particles are often used on fields as turf infill to cushion players and/or weigh down artificial turf to keep it evened out and prevent wrinkles.
BUT: If they're dark-colored particles, they're probably crumb rubber, an all-too-common infill that draws heat into the playing surface AND is carcinogenic.
Calcean is looking to spread an ecofriendly layer of protection over your turf...literally.
Our oolitic aragonite infill provides all the benefits of standard infills to both artificial and natural sports turf, PLUS:
✔ added player safety/health;
✔ a cooling effect based on color and particle shape;
✔ antimicrobial properties; and
✔ a quality product -- all without sacrificing performance.
Our infill is better for the playing surface, the players, AND the planet. 🌎
We're proud to cushion the impact of players on fields, while making a lasting impact in the field of sustainability.
Recently we asked Calcean’s VP of Business Development & Research, Alyson Myers, Ph.D., a few questions about Calcean Turf Infill to get you thinking sustainably:
Turf infill helps the structure and appearance of artificial turf.
1) Why is turf infill important for artificial turf?
“Infill is a critical part of any artificial turf installation. It helps the turf both structurally and aesthetically. Generally, infill assists with drainage, keeping the grass blades upright and looking fuller, protects turf backing, weighs down the turf preventing wrinkling, and improves various aspects of turf durability. There are several infills on the market that also provide added benefits such as cooling the turf, pet odor neutralization, or antimicrobial properties as well.”
2) Is Calcean’s turf infill really better than common infills?
“There is a lot of pressure in the industry, rightfully so, to start evaluating alternative infills that are safer for humans, non-human animals, and the environment.
“Many artificial turf applications utilize crumb rubber or silica sand. Crumb rubber has been found to have carcinogenic properties and makes turf extremely hot due to its dark color. Silica sand contains respirable silica, which can cause a hazardous respiratory health condition called silicosis. Additionally, many silica-based infills are coated, leading to the leaching of microplastics in the surrounding environments. Alternative infills like walnut shell may appear like a suitable alternative, but they may be an issue for those with nut allergies.
“As such, there is a need to start looking at cooler, non-carcinogenic, allergen-free, and environmentally friendly alternatives. This is where oolitic aragonite steps in.
Check out the rounded particles of oolitic aragonite (above). The term ‘oolitic’ literally means ‘egg-shaped.’
“Oolitic aragonite is a highly pure form of naturally precipitated calcium carbonate sand that forms in the ocean. It is continuously precipitating, making it a renewable resource. ASTM D6866 testing confirms that it is biogenically renewable, and Environmental Product Declarations confirmed that it indeed is a climate positive material, helping you to meet your sustainability goals.
“Because of oolitic aragonite’s unique morphology, it naturally runs cooler than other sands, has excellent drainage capabilities, and the ability to neutralize pet odors. The grains are naturally spherical, allowing it to provide cushion for athletes and making it easy to spread into turf.
“If you are looking for a non-allergenic, non-carcinogenic, natural/plastic-free, and renewable alternative that also has performance benefits, then oolitic aragonite is the ideal selection.”
3) What is your favorite thing that makes Calcean’s turf infill ‘special’ and sets it apart as the best choice?
“I think that the opportunity to provide artificial turf fields with a renewable, sustainable, and safe alternative without sacrificing performance is what really excites me about this product line. Our infill truly checks all the boxes in terms of safety, environment, and performance to make it a preferred infill.”
4) What other sports and fields can aragonite benefit? Golf courses, beach volleyball and track sand pits, and sports chalk come to mind…
“Oolitic aragonite has several applications in the sports industry, but one that I would like to highlight here is that it can also be used on natural turf as both a topdressing and bioavailable calcium source for the grass.
“Oolitic aragonite naturally contains highly bioavailable calcium, which is extremely beneficial for plant health – supporting healthy root systems, immunity, and therefore color improvement.
“Many natural turf installations require a topdressing and an addition of bioavailable calcium to improve grass health. However, with one application of aragonite, you are killing two birds with one stone (so to speak).”