Cork applied in artificial turf systems
Cork infill applied in the soccer field of the Tangstedt Sports Club's soccer field in Germany.
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Allianz Parque, Brazil
Cork infill at Allianz Parque
Natural cork infill solution for enhanced player comfort, thermal behavior, and surface consistency in elite football. Case StudiesThe synthetic turf pitch at Allianz Parque, home stadium of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, has recently undergone a major performance upgrade incorporating a high-performance natural cork infill solution supplied by Amorim Sports.
The project aimed to deliver a professional-level playing surface capable of meeting the demanding performance expectations of elite football while ensuring long-term system consistency and player comfort.
The investment in the new pitch was funded by Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras and WTorre, with installation and ongoing maintenance carried out by sports turf specialist Soccer Grass. Amorim Sports supplied the cork-based infill as part of the synthetic turf system, supported by Engeglobal as a business partner.
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The Challenge
Professional football venues require synthetic turf systems that can deliver:
• reliable biomechanical performance under intensive use
• controlled surface temperature in warm climates
• consistent energy restitution and shock absorption
• long-term durability with stable material behaviour
In high-profile stadium environments, these requirements must be met while maintaining optimal playing conditions throughout the lifecycle of the pitch.
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The Solution
To support these performance objectives, the upgraded pitch integrates a natural cork infill engineered to enhance the functional behaviour of the synthetic turf system.
Thanks to cork’s unique cellular structure, the infill contributes to:
• balanced impact absorption and energy return
• stable player–surface interaction
• improved thermal comfort during play
• consistent surface performance over time
Its resilient characteristics allow seamless integration within the turf profile, helping maintain system integrity under intensive sporting activity.
Main attributes of cork infills
Performance in use
Initial feedback reported in the media following early training sessions indicated positive player perceptions regarding surface feel, comfort, and overall playing consistency.
These early impressions reinforce the role of engineered natural materials in supporting the evolving technical demands of modern football infrastructure.
Material innovation for next-generation sports venues
Amorim Sports' cork-based infill solutions are designed to combine advanced technical performance with the intrinsic advantages of a renewable raw material. By leveraging cork’s resilience, durability, and thermal behaviour, these solutions support the development of high-performance sports environments aligned with long-term material responsibility goals.
The Allianz Parque project illustrates the increasing adoption of advanced natural infill technologies in professional football, highlighting the contribution of material innovation to the future of synthetic turf systems.
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