When people imagine eco-friendly outdoor spaces, they often think of blooming gardens, insects, greenery and biodiversity. ECCO goes a step further. Alongside nature and aesthetics, the company places strong emphasis on durability, sustainability and high-quality permeable solutions that support the environment in the long term.
Rebalancing the natural water cycle
Water plays a crucial role in both our daily lives and the surrounding ecosystem. Issues such as water shortages, declining groundwater levels and frequent flooding are becoming more common worldwide. While many people try to reduce their water consumption, the impact of outdoor landscaping on the water cycle is often overlooked.
Modern environments are dominated by hard, sealed surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and paving stones. Rainwater falling on these surfaces is quickly drained away into sewers and waterways, without the opportunity to soak into the soil. Along the way, it collects pollutants like oil and fuel residues. In addition, these hard surfaces retain heat, contributing to the so-called urban heat island effect.
By replacing sealed surfaces with permeable ones, rainwater can infiltrate the ground naturally. This improves groundwater replenishment, supports temperature regulation and creates a cooler, healthier outdoor environment.
ECCO’s mission for a greener future
ECCO Products actively contributes to restoring soil permeability. For many years, the company has focused on developing innovative, water-permeable and long-lasting solutions. ECCO’s ambition is clear: to make 20 million square metres of surface water-permeable by 2025 and to double this impact every five years.
ECCO solutions help manage excess rainwater efficiently and support a more balanced water cycle. Choosing permeable materials goes beyond installing ponds or water tanks — it means rethinking how outdoor spaces interact with nature. Permeable surfaces create more room for greenery, water absorption and biodiversity, benefiting both people and the environment.
Gravel stabilisation: the foundation of permeable outdoor spaces
Gravel grids are among the most well-known permeable solutions for outdoor construction. Combined with gravel, they allow rainwater to seep directly into the soil, even during heavy rainfall. At the same time, high-quality gravel grids create a stable surface comparable to asphalt in terms of comfort and usability.
Traditional gravel surfaces without stabilisation often develop problems under frequent use. Gravel shifts, ruts and puddles form, and walking or driving comfort decreases. In the past, gravel with many fine particles was used to improve stability, but this reduces water permeability and causes gravel to stick to shoes.
The solution: ECCOgravel gravel grids
When installing gravel grids for driveways, paths or terraces, the material must be both strong and flexible. Vehicle movement creates not only pressure but also twisting forces, while temperature changes demand flexibility to prevent cracking.
ECCOgravel combines strength and flexibility in one system. The result is a stable, modern-looking gravel surface that remains fully permeable. Puddles, potholes and muddy areas are eliminated. The surface is suitable for cars, bicycles and wheelchairs and can be used in a wide range of applications, including garden paths, terraces, driveways, roof terraces and fire access roads.
The advantages of ECCOgravel
ECCOgravel is entirely manufactured in Belgium under strict quality standards. The grids are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a material known for its flexibility and durability. Reinforcements between the honeycomb structure provide excellent load resistance.
Each grid is bonded to a high-quality polyester geotextile designed to prevent gravel from migrating underneath the panels. This strong bonding ensures long-term stability while maintaining excellent water permeability. Unlike traditional root fabrics, the open structure of the geotextile allows water to pass through easily without clogging over time. It also helps limit weed growth and keeps the surface clean and well-finished.
Long-term water permeability
Sustainable construction requires materials that perform reliably for decades. ECCOgravel is engineered to remain permeable throughout its entire lifespan. Even when fine particles such as dust, sand or organic debris accumulate on the surface, water can still infiltrate the ground. The water-buffering capacity of the system remains intact year after year.
ECCOdal: adding greenery to permeable surfaces
For projects that combine permeability with greenery, grass grids offer an ideal solution. ECCOdal grass grids are specifically designed for grass infill and provide excellent strength without compromising flexibility. Made from HDPE, they remain stable even in freezing temperatures.
Expansion joints absorb temperature changes, preventing movement or damage. ECCOdal HD Flex grids are produced from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping reduce environmental impact while supporting healthy soil and vegetation.
Gravel grids and grass grids together form the basis of sustainable, water-permeable outdoor spaces that promote natural water flow and reduce runoff. As ECCO puts it: green needs blue — nature and people both depend on water. Creating solutions that respect this balance is at the heart of ECCO’s vision.