ACI Group accelerates UK decarbonisation drive following second successful EcoFlakes project in Scotland

EcoFlakes, the high-performance recycled polymer asphalt additive exclusively distributed in the UK by ACI Group, has been deployed for a second time in Scotland within months, demonstrating how innovation is moving rapidly from trial to trusted mainstream use in the decarbonisation of UK highways.

The latest installation at Strathclyde Country Park in North Lanarkshire was delivered in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and HOCHTIEF as part of the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads Project.

Following the first UK application in Motherwell in late 2025, this swift follow-on highlights growing confidence in EcoFlakes performance under live conditions and its seamless integration into standard highway construction processes.

For the Strathclyde project, EcoFlakes PRO was incorporated into an AC10 asphalt mix alongside Warm Mix Asphalt technology whilst also using RAP. The combination enabled lower production and laying temperatures, reducing energy consumption and on-siteemissions, while adding recycled virgin polymers and partially substituting bitumen binder. This delivered both carbon savings and a high-performance polymer modified equivalent asphalt system. The result is up to 20% lower CO2 emissions compared with conventional asphalt without compromising durability or constructability.

Contractors reported the material was highly workable and comparable to traditional mixes, ensuring smooth installation and consistent performance across the paving process.

Andy Bowers, Business Development Manager – Roads at ACI Group, said: "This second successful EcoFlakes project in Scotland shows how quickly innovation can move from trial to trusted application when performance is proven in the field. At Strathclyde Country Park, EcoFlakes PRO delivered a PMB equivalent material that combines high performance, improved workability and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. This is not experimental adoption; it is confident specification."

Developed by German cleantech company Ecopals in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, EcoFlakes transforms post-consumer plastics into a high-performance asphalt additive through a multistage recycling process. The technology reduces reliance on virgin polymers, improves thermal stability and supports a circular materials system within road construction.

Jonas Varga, Managing Partner for Ecopals, said: "Seeing our technology applied for a second time in Scotland so soon after the first trial is incredibly exciting. With multiple projects already in the pipeline, this rapid adoption shows the asphalt performance is convincing partners and shaping low-carbon roads at scale."

For North Lanarkshire Council, the project forms part of a broader strategy to decarbonise public infrastructure through real-world testing and evidence-led adoption.

Scott Walker, Roads and Asset Services Manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said:"Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low carbon materials in live environments, helping overcome technical, behavioural and market barriers that have slowed sector-wideadoption. We will continue to monitor performance and share findings across partners throughout the UK."

The project illustrates a growing shift in the UK highways sector towards scalable low-carbon solutions that integrate with existing construction methods and move rapidly from innovation to everyday practice. EcoFlakes is demonstrating that sustainable roads are not just possible but ready to be built.