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FlowTech Drainage Technology

Standard artificial grass relies on traditional hole-punched latex backings, forcing water and pet urine to pool on the surface until finding a drainage hole every 100mm to 150mm. FlowTech Drainage Technology replaces outdated latex with a 100% open-mesh backing matrix, allowing fluids to pass through every square inch of the surface instantly.

Engineered specifically for heavy New Zealand rain conditions and active pet owners, FlowTech ensures your outdoor space dries rapidly, eliminates standing water, and prevents pet odor buildup.

Feature Traditional Latex Backing FlowTech Open-Mesh Matrix
Drainage Mechanism Punched holes every 10–15cm 100% permeable open-mesh weave
Drainage Capacity ~50 L/min/m² 300+ L/min/m²
Pet Urine Management Traps urine in non-punched areas Instant pass-through across whole surface
Weight & Handling Heavy, rigid, rubberized latex Lightweight, flexible, high-tensile mesh
Mold & Mildew Risk High in shaded/damp NZ microclimates Low; rapid air and fluid pass-through
Material Construction Multi-material (Yarn + Latex) Single-polymer polyolefin matrix

How FlowTech Works as a System

FlowTech isn’t just a product layer—it is the primary engine of a fully permeable artificial grass installation.

  1. Surface Permeability: Rainfall or pet urine passes through high-density synthetic turf blades and flows instantly through the FlowTech open-mesh backing.

  2. Sub-Base Evacuation: Fluids pass directly into the prepared sub-base, consisting of compacted aggregate (GAP20/GAP7) and optional Zeolite odor-neutralizing infill.

  3. Rapid Air Circulation: The open weave allows ambient air to flow beneath the backing, accelerating drying time and inhibiting mold or moss growth in damp regions like Auckland, Tauranga, or Waikato.

Pet-Friendly Performance: FlowTech + Zeolite Infill

When paired with Zeolite organic infill, FlowTech forms the ultimate pet-friendly turf system for Kiwi homeowners:

  • Substantially Reduced Ammonia Retention: Pet urine doesn’t pool on top of a non-porous latex layer. By passing immediately through the open mesh into the sub-base, urine residence time on the turf surface is minimized.

  • Natural Odor Neutralization: Zeolite infill traps ammonium ions on contact, breaking down odor compounds until rain or a gentle hose-down flushes them cleanly through the FlowTech system.

  • Hygienic & Easy to Maintain: Gentle garden hose flushes and pet-safe enzyme treatments rinse through the open-mesh matrix cleanly, without damaging turf fibers or dislodging infill.

Why Backing Architecture Matters

The lifespan, hygiene, and drainage rate of an artificial grass installation depend directly on what sits beneath the yarn. Traditional latex backings trap moisture and absorb pet waste over time. FlowTech eliminates these vulnerabilities through an open-weave structural backing.

  • Up to 500% Faster Drainage: While traditional hole-punched grass drains at ~50 litres per minute per square metre, FlowTech’s open-mesh matrix achieves drainage flow rates exceeding 300+ litres per minute per m².

  • 100% Surface Evacuation: Water drains directly through the entire backing layer rather than migrating across the turf toward punched holes.

  • Pet Urine & Odor Prevention: Traditional latex backings absorb moisture and hold pet urine in localized pockets. FlowTech allows urine to pass directly into the aggregate base, preventing ammonia absorption.

  • Lightweight & High-Strength Polyolefin: Manufactured without heavy latex coatings, making handling and seaming cleaner and more precise during installation.

Close up macro view of FlowTech open mesh polyolefin backing weave for artificial grass

Future-Focused Material & Recyclability

Traditional artificial grass combines polyethylene yarns with heavy, rubberized latex backing coatings. Because these dissimilar materials are fused together, separating them at the end of their life cycle is difficult, resulting in most end-of-life turf ending up in landfills.

FlowTech is engineered using a single-polymer polyolefin matrix. Because the yarn and the backing are manufactured from compatible polymer families (PE/PP), the raw material itself is 100% recyclable.

A Note on New Zealand Recycling Infrastructure: While FlowTech is engineered to be fully recyclable at a material level, commercial recycling processes for synthetic turf in New Zealand are still developing nationwide. Unreal Lawns is committed to sustainable product design that aligns with circular economy initiatives as local processing facilities expand across NZ.

Three Technologies: One Complete System

FlowTech is one pillar of Unreal Lawns’ integrated performance technology:

  • FlowTech Drainage System: Open-mesh backing delivering 100% surface drainage and pet hygiene.

  • TrueRoll Hybrid Yarn Technology: Engineered PE/PP fiber matrix providing upright blade memory, superior resilience, and natural turf aesthetics across landscape and sports applications.

  • Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology: Heat-reflective, anti-microbial surface technology keeping turf up to 20% cooler in summer.

Learn More About Drainage, Pet Solutions & Installation

FlowTech open-mesh technology is one component of a high-performing artificial grass installation. Explore our related guides, products, and technologies to see how drainage, sub-base preparation, and surface fibers work together.

Drainage & Pet Guides

System Technologies

Targeted Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

How does FlowTech differ from standard artificial grass backings?
Standard artificial grass uses a solid latex backing with punched holes every 10–15 cm. FlowTech uses a 100% open-mesh woven backing, allowing water and pet urine to pass directly through every square inch of the turf.
Is FlowTech artificial grass good for dog owners?
Yes. FlowTech is specifically engineered for pet owners. Because urine passes straight through the open-mesh backing rather than pooling on non-porous latex, it prevents ammonia buildup and urine odors when combined with Zeolite infill.
Does FlowTech artificial grass allow weeds to grow through?
No. During installation, Unreal Lawns lays a heavy-duty commercial weed geotextile membrane beneath the aggregate sub-base, preventing weed growth while allowing unrestricted drainage.
Is FlowTech artificial grass recyclable in New Zealand?
FlowTech is manufactured using a single-polymer polyolefin structure, making the raw material 100% recyclable. However, commercial recycling availability depends on local New Zealand plastic recycling infrastructure as specialized processing facilities continue to develop nationwide.
Does FlowTech require a special sub-base during installation?
FlowTech performs best over a properly excavated, compacted aggregate base course (GAP20/GAP7 crushed stone). This ensures water draining through the mesh quickly disperses into the ground below.

Ready for a Faster-Draining, Odour-Free Outdoor Space?

Unreal Lawns is leading the industry as one of the first suppliers to introduce 100% open-mesh backing matrix technology to the New Zealand landscape market. Whether you are upgrading a residential lawn, building a high-traffic pet area, or installing mud-free green spaces for schools and childcare centres, the FlowTech system delivers year-round performance across NZ’s toughest weather.

  • Turnkey Professional Installation: Complete site excavation, aggregate base preparation (GAP20/GAP7), geotextile membrane fitting, and precision turf installation by our local team.

  • DIY & Supply-Only: Premium FlowTech landscape turf rolls supplied direct to your site nationwide with expert technical advice for self-installers.

Get a Free Assessment & Project Quote

Talk to our team in Hamilton, Auckland, or Tauranga to discuss your site’s drainage requirements, request turf samples, or calculate project pricing.

FREE Consultation | 0508 867 325 | Contact Our Team

Cross section of FlowTech fully permeable open mesh artificial grass backing showing water draining through the surface