Ecopals, a German innovator in sustainable road construction materials, has been awarded the IRF Start-Up Label 2025, announced yesterday, 4 December, during the closing plenary of the IRF Annual Conference.

The recognition highlights Ecopals’ contribution to a more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible future for road infrastructure.

Born out of a university project and strengthened through scientific collaboration with institutions such as the Fraunhofer ICT and the University of Kassel, Ecopals has rapidly emerged as a leading voice in circular, climate-conscious road construction. The company transforms non-recyclable plastic waste into EcoFlakes, an asphalt additive that replaces virgin plastics and a portion of crude oil-based bitumen.

This approach not only upcycles waste but meaningfully reduces the carbon footprint of road construction by up to 30% while enhancing road durability.

EcoFlakes improve the performance of asphalt through greater resistance to rutting, extended service life, and reduced bitumen emissions, offering a compelling alternative for road authorities and contractors seeking sustainable materials without compromising quality or safety. Ecopals’ work with the Fraunhofer Institute ensures that the product meets the rigorous technical and legal standards required for road construction in Europe.

The IRF Start-Up Label, now in its 5th edition, reflects the International Road Federation’s commitment to advancing innovation across the global road sector. This year’s call for applications drew submissions from five continents, centred particularly on sustainability, efficiency and road safety.

The finalists from this year include Abley SafeCurves, Blue Eye Highway, Bitchem Asphalt Technologies Ltd., DataMobilize and Ernkate Limited.

Ecopals’ selection as an IRF Start-Up Label recipient reinforces the importance of sustainable materials in shaping the future of road construction and underscores how innovation can transform global challenges like plastic waste into practical, high-value infrastructure solutions.