How to Fill Empty ECO-MSE® Bags
Practical guidance for customers filling empty ECO-MSE® bags on site, including recommended fill types, placement considerations, closure advice and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Correct Filling Matters
The fill material affects drainage, vegetation establishment, handling, compaction, wall appearance and long-term performance. Good filling practice also makes installation quicker and more consistent.
Important design note
This page provides general guidance only. For engineered retaining structures, rail embankments, slope stabilisation, headwalls, culverts, flood control structures, watercourse works or load-bearing applications, the fill specification should follow the project design and any site-specific engineering requirements.
Choosing the Right Fill Material
The correct fill depends on whether the priority is vegetation, drainage, structural backfill, water-facing use or a combination of these factors.
Vegetated Compost / Soil Blend
For vegetated retaining structures, slope stabilisation, erosion control and Biodiversity Net Gain improvements, use a free-draining blend that supports plant establishment while allowing water to move through the ECO-MSE® bag system.
- Best suited to vegetated wall faces and green infrastructure works.
- Use clean, pollutant-free material capable of supporting seed germination and root growth.
- Avoid clay, silt, waterlogged material, rubble, roots, sharp debris and unsuitable site waste.
Clean Granular Fill
For drainage-focused locations, lower courses, culvert areas, wet areas or non-vegetated details, a clean granular fill may be more suitable where specified by the project design.
- Best suited where drainage, permeability or scour resistance is the priority.
- May be suitable for lower courses or wet areas when allowed by the design.
- Do not use contaminated material, demolition waste, cohesive clay or sharp rubble.
Step-by-Step Filling Guide
Use the same method for every bag to keep the finished ECO-MSE® bag system neat, stable and consistent.
Prepare a clean filling area
Set up a safe, level working area close to the installation zone. Keep empty ECO-MSE® bags clean and dry before filling. Where possible, use a simple filling frame or jig to hold the bag open.
Use a consistent measured fill
Fill each bag using the same number of buckets, loader scoops or measured quantities. Consistent filling helps the bags sit neatly, interlock correctly and form a uniform wall face.
Do not overfill
The bag should be firm but still capable of being closed securely and shaped during placement. Overfilled bags can become rounded, difficult to close and harder to compact into a stable course.
Close the bag securely
Close each filled bag using a suitable heavy-duty UV-resistant cable tie, approved tie or approved stitching method. The closure should prevent fill loss during handling, movement and installation.
Place with the closure facing inwards
Where possible, position the closure and seam towards the rear or inside of the structure rather than leaving it exposed on the visible face.
Shape and lightly compact each course
Once placed, shape the bag so it sits flat and aligns with neighbouring bags. Lightly compact each course before building the next layer. Backfill behind the ECO-MSE® bags should be placed and compacted in accordance with the project design.
Do and Don’t Guide
A quick reference for site teams filling ECO-MSE® bags before installation.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use clean, free-draining fill material. | Do not use heavy clay, silty material or waterlogged fill. |
| Fill every ECO-MSE® bag consistently. | Do not overfill or underfill bags. |
| Use a compost / soil blend where vegetation is required. | Do not use contaminated soil, demolition waste or unsuitable site arisings. |
| Use granular fill where drainage is the priority or where specified. | Do not use sharp rubble that may damage the geotextile fabric. |
| Close each bag securely before handling. | Do not leave bags loosely tied or open during placement. |
| Keep seams and closures away from the visible face where possible. | Do not drag filled bags across sharp or rough surfaces. |
| Follow the project design for engineered retaining structures. | Do not guess the fill specification for structural or water-facing applications. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from customers who purchase empty ECO-MSE® bags for filling on site.
Can we use soil from site to fill the bags?
What fill should we use if we want the wall to vegetate?
What fill should we use for wet areas or drainage details?
How full should each ECO-MSE® bag be?
Do empty ECO-MSE® bags need specialist equipment to fill?
Need advice before filling your ECO-MSE® bags?
Contact Green Gravity Walls UK Ltd for project-specific guidance on fill type, installation approach, vegetation requirements and suitability for your application.