
What is Artificial Grass Made of?
At first glance, artificial grass may seem simple. Yet, beneath its green, lush surface lies a world of thoughtful design, advanced engineering, and sustainable innovation. Every component, from the synthetic fibers to the drainage systems, plays a critical role in creating a durable, functional, sustainable, and visually appealing product.
If you’ve ever wondered what artificial grass is made of and what makes it so effective—and environmentally friendly—here’s a closer look at the materials and technologies behind it.
The Anatomy of Synthetic Turf: Materials & Technologies
Artificial grass is more than just a synthetic replacement for natural grass. It’s a carefully engineered combination of materials that provide both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Here’s how it’s built:
The Blades: Synthetic Fibers
The blades—or synthetic fibers—are engineered to replicate the texture and appearance of natural grass. SYNLawn’s innovative approach goes further by incorporating green technologies, like our innovative Super Yarn™, to create safe and sustainable fibers by design.
Super Yarn™ integrates three core technologies at the molecular level:
- Sanitized® Antimicrobial: Actively eliminating up to 99% of bacteria on the turf surface, reducing odors and preventing microbial growth, making it particularly beneficial for pet areas and playgrounds.
- DualChill™ IR Reflective: Reflecting infrared light and serving as a thermal shield that prevents fiber degradation caused by sun exposure, enhancing the turf’s durability and resistance to wear.
- StatBlock™ Anti-Static: Inhibits the buildup of static electricity, ensuring a more comfortable experience, especially in environments with metal fixtures or electronic equipment.
To reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and support agricultural sustainability, SYNLawn turf incorporates renewable resources. Soybean oil replaces a significant portion of petroleum-based polymers in the backing system, and sugarcane is used in turf fibers.
The Foundation: Backing and Drainage
The backing is the foundation of your artificial turf, holding synthetic fibers firmly in place and ensuring long-term durability. It also plays a crucial role in drainage, efficiently managing rainwater, spills, and pet messes. SYNLawn uses advanced, multi-layered backing systems designed to prevent fiber shedding while optimizing drainage. Combining durability, safety, and eco-friendliness, these systems deliver premium-quality artificial grass built to last.
EnviroLoc+™: Biobased Backing System
SYNLawn’s proprietary system uses renewable materials like soybean oil and recycled plastic bottles to create a sustainable yet highly durable backing. It includes a primary layer (synthetic fabric) and a secondary layer (plant-based polyurethane) that work together to lock the fibers.
EnviroLoc+™‘s multi-layer design provides:
- Exceptional durability and resistance to fiber shedding.
- Optimal porosity for quick drainage, keeping the surface dry and safe.
- A reduced carbon footprint thanks to bio-based and recycled components.
SuperDrain+™: Optimal Long-Term Drainage
Proper drainage is essential for maintaining the usability and appearance of artificial grass. SuperDrain+™ channels water away quickly, preventing puddles and waterlogging. It minimizes maintenance, making it suitable for areas prone to heavy rainfall or high foot traffic.
Our system’s optimized drainage helps protect the turf’s structural integrity over time, ensuring long-term performance and durability in challenging environments. It also improves safety by minimizing the risk of slips and standing water.
Durability and Comfort: Innovation You Can Feel
Trionic Plus™ technology combines the softness of polyethylene (PE) with the toughness of Nylon in a single fiber, ensuring it’s both comfortable and durable even under heavy use. To achieve this, SYNLawn utilized compatibilizers that are compatible with both PE and Nylon.
Here’s how Trionic Plus™ works:
- Molecular Fusion: By blending PE and nylon into a single fiber, SYNLawn has created a material that’s both silky soft and nearly indestructible.
- Sharkskin Technology: A smoother fiber surface means less friction, fewer scrapes, and a more enjoyable experience, whether you’re playing soccer or lounging in the yard.
- Reinforced Durability: Trionic Plus™ fibers withstand heavy use, making them ideal for sports fields, playgrounds, and high-traffic landscapes.
Whether a child tumbles on a playground or an athlete charges down a soccer field, Trionic Plus™ technology delivers the perfect mix of safety and performance.
Eco-Friendly Infill: Comfortable Functionality
Infill is the material placed between the blades. While it may not be the most visible component, it keeps your turf stable, comfortable, and functional.
What Does Infill Do?
- Adds cushioning, making the surface softer to walk or play on.
- Stabilizes the blades, keeping them upright and intact.
- Improves drainage, preventing water buildup.
SYNLawn offers eco-friendly infill options, such as organic cork and natural sand, which reduce heat and improve safety.
Safe by Design: Built for Peace of Mind
Safety is at the forefront of SYNLawn’s premium turf. All products are treated with non-toxic flame retardants to make them inherently fire-resistant, meeting the highest industry standards, including the ASTM E108 Class A Fire Rating.
Additional certifications include:
- IPEMA for child safety.
- LEED® for eco-friendliness.
- USDA Certification for bio-based content.
Whether it’s a playground, a rooftop, or a commercial space, SYNLawn’s products are designed to be safe, durable, and reliable.
Realistic Design: Engineered to Please The Eye
One of the reasons artificial grass has become so popular is because of how realistic it can look. SYNLawn products deliver both performance and a lifelike appearance, making them perfect for both residential and commercial applications.
Here’s how it works:
- Multi-Tone Fibers: Varying shades of green (and sometimes brown) replicate the natural color variations of grass.
- Thatch: Short, curled fibers beneath the blades add texture and depth for a realistic appearance.
The pile height—or the length of the grass blades—is another important aspect to consider. Measured from the base (where the fibers are attached to the backing) to the tip of the blades, it determines how the turf performs and feels underfoot.
How pile height differs:
- Short Pile (<1.5 inches): Appears more uniform and clean and feels firmer, making it more suited for sports or high-traffic areas where a durable and stable surface is essential.
- Medium-to-High Pile (1.5–2.5 inches): Provides a more natural and lush look, closely mimicking real grass. Taller fibers create a softer and more cushion-like feel underfoot, making them ideal for residential lawns, playgrounds, or pet areas.
SYNLawn products include diverse options that can meet the needs of any application. Our experts are always available to help you choose the most suitable pile height for your project.
How Artificial Grass is Made: Sustainable Manufacturing
SYNLawn isn’t just making artificial grass—it’s leading a revolution in eco-conscious landscaping. Here’s how:
- Carbon-Neutral Manufacturing Facility: SYNLawn’s manufacturing process offsets emissions through energy-efficient machinery, renewable energy, and carbon offset programs. The result? A net-zero carbon footprint.
- Post-Manufacturing Recycled Materials (PCR): Recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, are incorporated into the backing system, diverting waste from landfills and decreasing the use of virgin plastics.
- Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: SYNLawn avoids single-use plastics in its production and packaging, opting for recyclable or reusable alternatives.
These initiatives reduce pollution and resource depletion, positioning SYNLawn as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
A Smarter, Greener Lawn Solution
Artificial grass has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Today, it’s a blend of science, sustainability, and artistry. With SYNLawn’s innovations, you get more than a beautiful lawn—you get a high-performance, environmentally friendly solution tailored to your needs.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a low-maintenance backyard, a durable sports field, or a safe playground, SYNLawn’s artificial grass will transform your space into something extraordinary.