Short answer: natural cork infill is cork granulate spread into synthetic grass to support the fibres and soften the surface. CorkMart supplies it with a 1–2 mm grain size in packs from 1 kg to 1080 kg. In the European Union, granular infill containing synthetic polymer microparticles can no longer be placed on the market for synthetic sports surfaces from 17 October 2031, which is why natural infills such as cork are being considered for new pitches and refurbishments.
What is cork infill?
Cork infill is made from granulated natural cork. The granules settle between the synthetic grass fibres, help keep them upright and change how the surface feels underfoot. It is used in gardens, terraces, hospitality areas, schools, leisure spaces and selected sports or training surfaces, always within a turf system that specifies cork as an infill.
The EU microplastics restriction and infill
Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 restricts synthetic polymer microparticles: solid synthetic polymer particles smaller than 5 mm. For granular infill used on synthetic sports surfaces, the transitional period ends on 17 October 2031. From that date, infill containing these particles cannot be placed on the EU market for that use.
- What it means for cork: unmodified natural cork granules are not synthetic polymers. If an infill is coated or blended with other materials, check its composition.
- What it covers: the restriction targets infill for synthetic sports surfaces. For residential lawns and landscaping, follow the turf manufacturer’s specification.
Product specification
| Property | CorkMart natural cork infill |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural cork granulate |
| Grain size | 1–2 mm |
| Pack sizes | 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 180, 360, 720 and 1080 kg |
| Typical use | Infill for synthetic grass systems that specify cork |
How to calculate the quantity
The quantity is the area multiplied by the application rate: kg = m² × kg/m². The application rate depends on the turf product, pile height and system design, so always use the rate given by the turf manufacturer or project designer, not a generic figure.
Example of the method only: if a specification called for 2 kg/m² on 150 m², you would need 150 × 2 = 300 kg, which fits the 360 kg pack. Add a small allowance for edges, distribution losses and future top-ups.
Where cork infill is used
Cork infill is most relevant where natural appearance and comfort matter: residential gardens, terraces, hospitality areas, schools and leisure spaces, and sports or training surfaces whose system specifies cork. For sports projects, also check the performance standards that apply to the sport and to the complete surface, including base preparation, shock pad, turf type and drainage.
Shipping and freight
Cork infill is light per kilo but bulky. Automatic shipping rates at checkout are available for parcel shipments up to 70 kg (68 kg for destinations served by FedEx). Heavier orders can still be completed at checkout when they qualify for free shipping; otherwise, contact us for a shipping quotation. For large project quantities, pallet delivery or international shipments, send the full address with postcode and say whether pallet delivery is possible. Outside the European Union, customs processing and import charges may apply.
What to include in a quote request
- Total area in square metres.
- Turf product, pile height and the application rate from the system specification.
- Whether the surface is for sport, landscaping or a residential garden.
- Delivery country, city and postcode.
- Project deadline and whether pallet delivery is possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is cork infill affected by the EU microplastics restriction?
Unmodified natural cork granules are not synthetic polymer microparticles. The restriction concerns infill containing synthetic polymer microparticles for sports surfaces, from 17 October 2031.
What grain size is CorkMart’s cork infill?
1–2 mm.
How much cork infill do I need?
Multiply the area by the application rate specified for your turf system. CorkMart supplies packs from 1 kg to 1080 kg.
Can cork infill be used on sports pitches?
Yes, in turf systems that specify cork, provided the complete surface meets the performance requirements for the sport.
Browse Natural Cork Infill for Synthetic Grass or other cork granules, read how cork is produced in our Portuguese cork guide, or send your project details through Request a Quote.
Source
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles (REACH Annex XVII, entry 78).
