Investments for the future: EPDM Granules vs. traditional materials - Why is EPDM the best choice for constructing modern sports fields.
When planning a future-proof sports ground, are you looking for a type of material that not only meets the needs of today's users but also being responsible for the long term? In today's world of efficiency and sustainability, the choice of materials for sports surfaces has a direct impact on experience, maintenance costs and environmental responsibility. Traditional materials such as asphalt and concrete have dominated the market, but their environmental friendliness, durability and safety hazards have been gradually exposed. EPDM granules are becoming the first choice for many stadium operators, schools and sports organizations to build modern sports grounds, thanks to their environmental friendliness, durability and all-round safety. This blog provides you an in-depth comparison of how EPDM is reshaping the standard of sports fields with innovative technology, bringing multiple values to your field investment.
Pain points with traditional materials: Is your venue facing these problems too?
⚠Asphalt field: It is easy to soften under high temperature in summer, which makes the feet feel sticky and uncomfortable, and may stick to the soles of shoes as well. It’s also easy to crack after long-term use and requires frequent maintenance. More importantly, due to the lack of shock absorption, athletes who train on them long-term put greater pressure on their joints, increasing the risk of injury.
⚠Concrete field: High hardness and poor shock absorption increase the risk of injury when athletes fall due to insufficient cushioning. The surface becomes slippery in rainy conditions, posing safety hazards. Additionally, the limited color options and tendency to fade and age over time can affect the appearance of the venue.
⚠Environmental challenges: Asphalt and concrete have high carbon emissions during production and are difficult to degrade after disposal. With increasingly strict environmental regulations, the cost of handling this waste is expected to rise, making them inconsistent with the trend toward sustainable development.
Three core benefits of EPDM pellets: an all-round upgrade for your fields
1.Environmental Commitment: Embracing social responsibility and safeguarding a greener future.
•Safe and Harmless: 100% free of heavy metals and irritating odors, certified by SGS, and compliant with PAHS and REACH standards. Whether children are running and playing on the field or athletes are fully engaged in training, parents and coaches can feel at ease—because EPDM granules provide a safe surface for contact. This is not only a commitment to users, but also a reflection of your responsibility as a venue builder toward environmental protection.
2. Durability: standing the test of time and nature
•UV and Weather Resistance: Rated 4–5 on the grayscale test (DIN EN 20105-A02), FieldsMaster EPDM granules maintain vibrant color even after prolonged sun exposure, without fading or deformation—keeping your venue looking clean and professional, preserving that all-important first impression.
•Superior abrasion resistance: In accordance with EN 14877, it can withstand 20,000 abrasion tests and has a lifespan of more than 10 years, far exceeding the 3-5 years refurbishment cycle of asphalt. This means you don't need to maintain and renovate your site as often, saving you a lot of time and money, and keeping your site in good condition for a long time.
•Extreme Weather Adaptability: With stable performance across a wide temperature range from -40°C to 120°C, our surfaces resist cracking, softening, or damage in heavy rain, snow, or intense heat. FieldsMaster’s EPDM granules offer outstanding elasticity and anti-cracking strength, resisting chalking and fading. A field built with our materials can last well over a decade—truly a choice that stands the test of time.
3. Safety: guarding every sporting passion with care and attention
•Scientifically Engineered Shock Absorption: Shock absorption rate of 35%-50% effectively absorbs impacts and greatly reduces the risk of joint injuries for athletes compared to concrete with almost zero cushioning. Whether in intense competition or daily workouts, users are better protected.
•Smart Anti-Slip Performance: Featuring a dry/wet friction coefficient of 0.5–0.65—exceeding World Athletics standards—our surfaces deliver 40% better slip resistance in rainy conditions. Even in bad weather conditions, the fields can still maintain good non-slip performance, so that users can rest assured that sports.
•Comfortable Underfoot Feel: 60±5 Shore A hardness (ISO 48-4:2018) balances support and comfort, providing effective cushioning protection when someone falls down accidentally. the uniformity of particles in the FM series of granules is controlled at 1.0-3.5mm, which effectively ensures uniformity of the foot feeling and comfort. FieldsMaster’s FM-HIG and FM-PRO series surfaces have passed HIC tests up to 2.7 meters, meeting EN 1177 safety standards—making them ideal for high-safety playgrounds where children can play safely and joyfully.
FieldsMaster FM-S Pro Series:
The Performance Benchmark for Premium Venues Worldwide
As a leader in EPDM technology, FieldsMaster has developed the FM-S Pro Series using innovative formulations and rigorous standards, bringing cutting-edge performance to sports surfaces—and becoming the trusted choice for premium venues around the world:
The FM-S Pro series EPDM granules offers excellent performance and meets all international testing standards, making it the perfect choice for high-end site construction.
Long-term cost-effectiveness: Choosing EPDM is a wise investment
•Initial Investment, Long-Term Return: While the initial investment in EPDM is slightly higher than traditional materials, over a 10-year cycle, the overall cost is lower, with maintenance savings of more than 60%. Instead of spending a lot of money on frequent maintenance and renovations, the savings can be redirected toward other upgrades or operational improvements. •Multi-functionality: EPDM granules are suitable for running tracks, courts, children's playgrounds, fitness trails and many other scenarios, making them versatile and reducing the cost and hassle of repeated construction. Whether you're building a professional sports venue or a community recreation area, EPDM meets the demand. •Value-added return: A visually appealing and highly safe venue attracts more users, improving facility utilization and increasing commercial value. When your venue becomes the go-to choice of local residents, schools and sports teams, it not only boosts economic returns but also enhances your brand and community reputation.
Choose EPDM for a sustainable future
At a time of tightening environmental regulations and escalating health and wellness demands, EPDM granules are more than just a material—they represent a commitment to users, the environment, and long-term investment value. With technological innovation at its core, FieldsMaster is providing safer, more durable and cost-effective solutions for the world's sports grounds, helping to create truly future-proof sports spaces. Today, more and more venue operators, schools, and sports organizations are choosing EPDM granules to elevate their facilities in every aspect. Do you also want your venue to become a benchmark of sustainability—one that attracts more users and delivers lasting value?
