Whether you’re specifying ECO-MSE® solutions for a rail project, designing sustainable drainage infrastructure, or simply exploring low-carbon alternatives to traditional retaining walls — you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our products and services, from technical specifications and environmental benefits to installation, approvals, and applications across the UK.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch — our team is always happy to help.
ECO-MSE® stands for “Eco-friendly Mechanically Stabilised Earth.” It refers to a retaining wall system formed using geotextile bags and reinforcement elements that work together to create a stable, flexible, and durable structure. Unlike rigid concrete walls, an ECO-MSE structure combines compacted backfill, geotextile reinforcement, and a vegetatable facing to deliver long-term stability, resilience against environmental forces, and improved sustainability.
ECO-MSE® bags are made up of a mixture of sand and compost at a 70/30 ratio by volume, typically for above-water units. ECO-MSE® bags installed under water are usually filled with gravel, as they won't be expected to vegetate. The gravel fill also provides greater permeability, allowing water to pass freely through the system and reducing hydrostatic pressure in wet environments.
ECO-MSE® bags are manufactured from a high-strength, non-woven polypropylene (PP) geotextile. PP is one of the most durable, stable and non-toxic polymers used in civil engineering, offering excellent resistance to UV exposure, chemicals, and biological degradation.
Our interlocking ECO-MSE® Plate is produced from 100% recycled, injection-moulded polypropylene, supporting both structural performance and our commitment to sustainable, low-carbon construction.
Bags can be filled with either granular material (for rapid drainage) or a soil/compost blend (for vegetation and BNG benefits). Other fill options are available on request.
Yes. ECO-MSE® is a sustainable, vegetated retaining wall system designed to provide long-term stability while integrating naturally into the landscape. The geotextile bag and interlocking plate facing forms a flexible, mechanically stabilised structure that can adapt to ground movement and differential settlement. Unlike rigid concrete or steel walls, ECO-MSE® systems absorb and redistribute stresses rather than cracking or failing—delivering a durable, environmentally responsible alternative with a design life exceeding 100 years.
A modular, geotextile-based retaining wall and erosion control system designed for long-term stability, rapid installation, and environmental performance.
An ECO-MSE® wall is formed using three primary components:
- ECO-MSE® geotextile bags that create the flexible vegetated facing.
- Compacted soil backfill placed behind the wall.
- Soil reinforcement (typically geogrid) installed in layers to create a mechanically stabilised soil mass.
Together, these elements form a durable, flexible gravity-retaining structure that adapts to ground movement and provides long-term stability.
Each layer is connected using an ECO-MSE® retaining plate, providing structural stability and forming a mechanically stabilised block.
No - the system is lightweight, modular, and can be installed by small teams, even in restricted-access or remote locations.
Retaining walls, slope stabilisation, embankments, ballast containment, headwalls, culverts, erosion control, flood defence, and BNG enhancement projects.
Yes - once vegetated, the system becomes carbon-neutral, supports biodiversity, and significantly reduces reliance on concrete.
Yes - installation is delivered through our approved partners, alongside supply-only options, design support, and hydroseeding services.
Yes - walls can be reinforced using geogrid layers, with full design support available through our specialist engineers.
Yes - ECO-MSE® systems are in use across Network Rail infrastructure for embankment repairs, drainage, and ballast containment.
At Green Gravity Walls, we invite you to join us in making a positive impact on our environment. Whether you are an environmental enthusiast, a land developer, or someone who simply cares about the planet, our products are your opportunity to be part of a green revolution. Together, we can create a future where sustainability and growth go hand in hand.
Thank you for choosing Green Gravity Walls as your partner in building a greener world.
Please enter the average length and height of your wall to estimate how many ECO-MSE bags you'll need.
