Second successful project in Scotland within months: ecopals accelerates sustainable road construction with recycled plastic asphalt additive
- EcoFlakes PRO, a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics, was applied in a second project in North Lanarkshire, following the convincing performance of the first site in Scotland just months earlier.
- The second project in Strathclyde Country Park incorporated EcoFlakes modified asphalt utilizing Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology for additional energy and emissions savings.
- By continuing the use of this technology, the council and its partners are accelerating the transition toward sustainable, low-carbon road construction.
- The underlying technology was developed by German company ecopals in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology.
Motherwell, SCO / Berlin, GER (March 19th 2026) – Just months after completing the United Kingdom’s first-ever EcoFlakes project in Motherwell, Scotland, ecopals has successfully delivered a second project in the area of North Lanarkshire Council. A section in Strathclyde Country Park has now been upgraded with EcoFlakes PRO, the company’s high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics. The rapid follow-up project reflects the strong performance and positive reception of the initial trial and marks a significant step forward in the deployment of sustainable road materials across the UK.
In Strathclyde Country Park, EcoFlakes PRO was applied in combination with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), a method that reduces mixing and laying temperatures, further lowering energy consumption and on-site emissions compared to conventional hot mix processes. By incorporating recycled plastics into the mix, EcoFlakes reduce the dependence on costly virgin polymers derived from crude oil, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional asphalt while enhancing pavement durability.
Since 2021, ecopals has grown its project portfolio across Europe and Eurasia, delivering proven additive technology at scale. The company is now rapidly expanding its footprint in the United Kingdom, supported by a strong network of industrial partners.
The foundational recycling process was developed by ecopals together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Germany. Through a multi-stage process, recycled plastic is refined for use in asphalt. This not only improves the thermal stability and long-term durability of the asphalt mixture but also ensures that a previously underutilised material re-enters a sustainable cycle, contributing to both the circular economy and the decarbonisation of road infrastructure.
Jonas Varga, Managing Partner, ecopals: “We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial. With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners. By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement. We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure.”
Scott Walker, Roads & Asset Services Manager, North Lanarkshire Council: “The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network. Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector. We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
Simon Arnold, Schemes Manager (North), HOCHTIEF Operations UK & Ireland: “The team were impressed with the materials, which were, in some instances, more workable than conventional, equivalent materials. The laying characteristics of EcoFlakes were comparable to locally available and widely used conventional materials, where from a laying perspective the team would have no hesitation in using the material in its current form.“
Andy Bowers, Business Development Manager Roads, ACI Group: “Myself and the ACI Group were delighted to play our part in the successful project in Strathclyde for North Lanarkshire using the EcoFlakes PRO material. It's clear that the UK highways industry is actively searching for practical and high-performance materials that deliver both long lasting results and meaningful carbon reduction on the network. What we have seen again in this project is a practical demonstration of how EcoFlakes materials can deliver what is needed in asphalt performance and modern-day requirements. By integrating recycled polymers into asphalt including Warm Mix options, we are helping the network adopt materials that are not only more sustainable but also engineered for long term durability & performance. It's exciting to support councils and contractors who are ready to lead the shift towards lower carbon, high performance and future proof road construction across the UK & Ireland.“
About ecopals
ecopals is a Berlin-based manufacturer of sustainable road construction materials. The company’s mission is to make the recycling industry a cornerstone of modern infrastructure. Its product, EcoFlakes, is a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastic. By replacing virgin polymers and parts of bitumen, EcoFlakes extend asphalt lifespan and reduce the carbon footprint of road construction by up to 20%. ecopals aims to unlock new innovation potential by bridging expertise across industries and disciplines.
www.ecopals.de
Press contact
Arianna Elsässer
arianna.elsaesser@fph.berlin
+49 170 2882433
Ecopals Accelerates Sustainable Road Construction with Recycled Plastic Asphalt Additive
Article written by Kevin Borras | Originally published by Highways News
Just months after completing the United Kingdom’s first-ever EcoFlakes project in Motherwell, ecopals has successfully delivered a second project in the area of North Lanarkshire Council.
A section in Strathclyde Country Park has now been upgraded with EcoFlakes PRO, the company’s high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics. The rapid follow-up project reflects the strong performance and positive reception of the initial trial and marks a significant step forward in the deployment of sustainable road materials across the UK.
In Strathclyde Country Park, EcoFlakes PRO was applied in combination with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), a method that reduces mixing and laying temperatures, further lowering energy consumption and on-site emissions compared to conventional hot mix processes. By incorporating recycled plastics into the mix, EcoFlakes reduce the dependence on costly virgin polymers derived from crude oil, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional asphalt while enhancing pavement durability.
Since 2021, ecopals has grown its project portfolio across Europe and Eurasia, delivering proven additive technology at scale. The company is now rapidly expanding its footprint in the United Kingdom, supported by a strong network of industrial partners. The foundational recycling process was developed by ecopals together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Germany. Through a multi-stage process, recycled plastic is refined for use in asphalt. This not only improves the thermal stability and long-term durability of the asphalt mixture but also ensures that a previously under-utilised material re-enters a sustainable cycle, contributing to both the circular economy and the decarbonisation of road infrastructure.
Jonas Varga, Managing Partner, ecopals:
“We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial. With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners.
“By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement. We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure.”
Scott Walker, Roads & Asset Services Manager, North Lanarkshire Council:
“The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network. Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector. We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
ecopals was named winner of the IRF 2025 Start-Up Label.
EcoFlakes PRO, recycled plastic asphalt trialled at Motherwell park
Article written by Beth Oliver | Originally published by Glasgow Times
A section of Strathclyde Country Park has been resurfaced using EcoFlakes PRO, an asphalt additive made from recycled plastics, as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s push to cut carbon emissions.
The material, developed by German company ecopals and used in just the second project of its kind in the UK, follows a successful trial in Motherwell just months earlier.
Jonas Varga, managing partner at ecopals, said: "We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial.
"With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners."
EcoFlakes PRO reduces the need for virgin polymers and can cut CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared to standard asphalt. The scheme also used warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology, which lowers the temperature required for mixing and laying, further reducing energy demands.
Jonas said: "By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement.
"We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure."
The technology was developed in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology and supports the council’s work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads.
Scott Walker, roads and asset services manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network.
"Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural, and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector.
"We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
Simon Arnold, schemes manager (North) at HOCHTIEF Operations UK & Ireland, also praised the material’s ease of use. He said: "The team were impressed with the materials, which were, in some instances, more workable than conventional, equivalent materials.
"The laying characteristics of EcoFlakes were comparable to locally available and widely used conventional materials, where, from a laying perspective, the team would have no hesitation in using the material in its current form."
ecopals was named winner of the IRF 2025 Start-Up Label.
Ecopals Awarded the IRF Start-Up Label 2025 at the IRF Annual Conference
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.
