Pivot Turf TenCate

Redefining synthetic turf

A new standard in playability, exceptional performance without the need for infill.

Engineered to play like natural grass

Pivot® is the first non-infill turf engineered to truly replicate a natural grass field. Every detail—ball roll, traction, biomechanics, and visual appearance—has been validated with athletes to ensure it feels instantly familiar. The result is a surface that combines the science of advanced turf engineering with the experience of playing on natural grass.

Powered by TenCate’s Center for Turf Innovation.

Performance

Engineered for top-level performance. Pivot® is the outcome of years of R&D—refined through 54 design iterations since 2019. It has been tested for thousands of hours with athletes, coaches, and independent scientists, using biomechanics, motion capture, high-speed video, and on-field sensor data. Every performance detail has been measured, challenged, and validated.

For athletes
Developed with athletes, Pivot® reflects input from players, trainers, and performance experts. It promotes joint stability, smooth deceleration, and natural rotational movement where it matters most.
Biomechanics
Designed to mirror the stabilizing role of natural grassroots, Pivot® delivers consistent grip and joint support through fast, high-impact moves. Advanced testing with real player loads confirms it matches the feel and function of natural turf—without the drawbacks of infill.
Natural play
Replicating the feel, grip, and responsiveness of natural grass, Pivot® delivers controlled traction and balanced deceleration. Its engineered fiber density mirrors the interaction between cleat and soil, giving athletes the confidence to cut, sprint, and stop with precision—just like on elite natural turf.
24/7/365 Performance
Pivot® delivers consistent playability year-round, performing reliably in rain, heat, frost, and under heavy use. Engineered to resist wear and performance drop-off, it provides athletes with the same grip, response, and control—season after season.
Validation
Validation of Pivot® goes beyond lab testing. Since 2024, installations across the US, Europe, and Australia have proven its performance in varied sports and climates, including college programs. Close collaboration with professional athletes helped refine what is now a trusted surface from elite to street.
Durability
Independent testing confirms Pivot®’s durability and performance. Extended Lisport XL cycles show the surface continues to meet all FIFA standards. The result is a lifespan at least 30% longer than traditional turf systems—supported by comprehensive warranties.

Environmental impact

Pivot® is more than performance on the field. It’s engineered to address key environmental challenges—reducing microplastic release, lowering emissions, cutting water use, and simplifying end-of-life recycling. All while delivering strength, consistency, and durability season after season.

Built for performance, designed for impact

Pivot® goes beyond the game. This next-generation turf reduces microplastic release, lowers carbon impact, cuts water use, and streamlines recycling—while delivering elite performance and long-term durability.

No Infill, No Microplastics

Pivot® removes the need for infill, eliminating a major source of microplastic pollution on sports fields. Built to meet the toughest environmental standards, it’s a future-ready surface that pairs sustainability with elite playability.

Up to 85% Lower Transport Emissions

With no sand, rubber, or other infill, Pivot® is significantly lighter than traditional turf systems. The reduced system weight eases logistics, lowers emissions, and makes installation faster and less labor-intensive—delivering efficiency from day one.

Reduced Maintenance = Reduced Impact

No infill means no weekly top-ups, no decompacting, and far less machine time on the field. Over ten years, that adds up to major fuel savings, reduced equipment wear, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

Longer Lifespan, Fewer Replacements

Pivot® fields are built to last—up to 30% longer than traditional turf systems. With no infill abrasion and reduced fiber wear, the surface stays consistent over time. Fewer replacements mean less material use, lower waste, and a smaller environmental footprint across the full lifecycle.

Designed for Recycling

With 80% polyethylene, Pivot® is far easier to recycle than legacy turf systems made from mixed materials. The absence of infill simplifies the process even further. A fully recyclable ONE-DNA™ version—built from a single polymer family—is already on the way.

Validation

Rice university Pivot Turf-2
Rice University

Rice University coaches and staff highlighted how Pivot® has changed the game for their athletes. They’ve seen less joint pain, reduced soreness, and quicker recovery times, with players consistently reporting a more natural feel underfoot. According to the staff, Pivot® doesn’t just perform—it helps protect athletes, giving them confidence to train and compete at their best.

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Dr.-Mimi Nartey, head of-girl's-soccer-at-Wiseburn Da Vinci High School
Wiseburn Da Vinci High School,

Dr. Mimi Nartey, Head of Girls’ Soccer at Wiseburn Da Vinci High School, praised Pivot® for transforming the playing experience. The non-infill design eliminates rubber pellets, reducing joint strain and virtually eliminating turf burns—while delivering a feel that closely matches natural grass. With its unique fiber density acting like soil, Pivot® provides reliable grip and controlled release, giving her athletes a safer, more authentic surface to train and compete on.

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Pivot®-for-Baseball-at-McKendree-University
McKendree University

At McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, Pivot® has transformed the baseball infield. Coaches and players point to the way it eliminates the bad hops and unpredictable bounces common with other turf systems. The unique non-infill design—with dense, non-directional fibers acting like soil—delivers natural grip, smooth ball roll, and consistent play. For McKendree, Pivot® has raised both performance and confidence every time their team takes the field.

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Total cost of ownership

The true value of a field is measured over years, not just at installation. Pivot® is engineered for lasting performance, combining elite playability with long-term durability. With minimal upkeep, extended lifespan, and simplified logistics, it delivers a lower total cost of ownership from start to finish.

Invest once. Save for years.

Build lighter. Lower costs.
With no infill, Pivot® systems are dramatically lighter than traditional turf, reducing logistics complexity and cutting installation time and costs significantly.

Fewer trucks. Fewer moves.
Pivot®’s lighter, no-infill design reduces transport needs, fuel use, and site disruption—streamlining installation and shortening project timelines.

Minimal maintenance.
With no infill, there’s no need for decompaction or top-ups. Pivot® significantly reduces maintenance demands across the field’s entire lifespan.

Longer lifespan
No infill, less wear, more years. Pivot® lasts longer than infill systems and stays performance-compliant even after a decade of play.

Lower disposal costs.
Pivot® is easier to recycle, with no infill and fewer materials, making separation and processing far simpler.

No infill. No ongoing costs.
Infill loss is a constant issue with traditional fields. Whether rubber or cork, maintenance and replacement costs pile up year after year. Pivot® removes those expenses completely.

Feedback from the field

Testimonials from real-world installations confirm Pivot®’s consistency: a high-performance, non-infill turf that delivers a natural feel, dependable play, and long-term durability.

The future of artificial turf

Pivot® was built from the ground up to elevate the player experience while reducing environmental impact.

We asked Dr. Colin Young, TenCate’s Global Director of R&D, to share what sets Pivot® apart—and why it’s defining the standard for next-generation turf.

Q&A

Pivot® meets FIFA Quality and Quality Pro standards, delivering the consistency and performance athletes expect at every level of play.

Pivot® delivers performance that mirrors top-quality natural grass. Athletes get traction, comfort, firmness, and predictable ball response. Best of all, these qualities remain consistent year-round—no matter the weather or how often the field is played.

Absolutely. Pivot® delivers reliable footing, natural ball response, and player comfort—essential for fast-paced sports. It’s engineered for high-intensity play while staying safe and comfortable in any weather. Versions of Pivot® are tailored to different sports and levels, from elite training to everyday recreation. It’s also ideal for shared spaces like school and community fields, seamlessly handling soccer, PE classes, pickup games, and casual play.

Yes. Pivot® is built for American football. Its non-infill design delivers stable footing, consistent traction, and reliable shock absorption—supporting the demands of blocking, cutting, and high-impact contact. The surface reduces joint strain and stays durable under heavy use, making it ideal for both practice facilities and game-day fields.

Yes. Professional and grassroots players worldwide were involved in testing Pivot® to ensure realism and comfort. It’s the most extensively tested product in TenCate’s history—and likely the most tested turf system on the market.

While Pivot® may cost more per square foot upfront, overall expenses balance out quickly. Installation is faster, simpler, and requires less transport with no infill, sand, or ballast. Long term, maintenance remains low, field life extends by roughly 30%, and end-of-life recycling is easier and more cost-efficient. The result is a significantly lower total cost of ownership.

A longer lifespan, no infill replacements, reduced brushing, less cleaning, and quicker installation all combine to lower ongoing operational costs.

Pivot® requires minimal upkeep—just occasional brushing and surface cleaning. There’s no need to level, top up, or decompact infill.

Performance

Yes. The Pivot® system is tested for CFH, Gmax, shock absorption, energy restitution, and rotational resistance, along with all other required criteria to meet International Sports Federation standards and additional norms worldwide.

Pivot® performs across a wide range of temperatures and can be paired with cooling systems in hotter regions or snow-clearing methods in colder ones. Fields in severe winter climates have shown reliable play after clearance—without the frozen water issues of sand or rubber infill. In hot regions, Pivot® experiences far less heat stress and lower peak surface temperatures than rubber infill turf.

Pivot® is built to last, with performance shaped by usage intensity and site conditions but consistent throughout its lifespan. Backed by TenCate’s warranty, it is expected to last up to 50% longer than legacy rubber-infill systems. In recent LISport testing, Pivot® surpassed 500,000 cycles with minimal yarn wear or degradation.

Yes. Pivot® uses optimized yarn height and density to remove the need for infill while preserving sport-specific performance. Its fiber density is far higher than traditional turf systems, backed by extensive research dedicated to developing yarns exclusively for Pivot®.

Pivot® is engineered to provide balanced rotational traction and shock absorption, supporting safety and agility without excessive grip. It has been extensively tested with athletes of all levels across multiple sports.

Yes. Extensive biomechanical testing on Pivot® has optimized energy return, surface hardness, foot stability, and surface friction.

Environment

Pivot® is designed with the environment in mind. No infill means no microplastics, less maintenance, and reduced wear. Its lighter system cuts transport needs and significantly lowers CO₂ emissions. With a single-polymer design, Pivot® is fully recyclable at end of life. Less material. Less impact. Less waste. More play.

Yes. Pivot® is easier to recycle than traditional infilled turf, with no sand or rubber to separate. Its high polyethylene content provides more flexible end-of-life recycling options than older systems.

Yes. Pivot® can be produced with ISCC+ certified polyethylene yarns, including recycled and bio-based options, reducing reliance on fossil-based materials.

Pivot® is engineered for durability, even under heavy use. With no abrasive infill, field lifespan can increase by up to 30%, while maintaining consistent performance and safety over time. This long-term resilience is proven through LISport testing to 500,000 cycles and LISport XL testing to 75,000 cycles, confirming compliance with all key standards after more than a decade of simulated play. Warranties further reflect the confidence built on both lab results and real-world validation.

Get in touch

Have a question about Pivot® or interested in a partnership? Let’s talk, technical details, project support, or just a quick chat.

TenCate Americas
736 Market Street, Suite 1700
Chattanooga, TN 37402

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