Dürr received the 2025 Automotive News PACE Pilot Award for its EcoProBooth, a modular spray booth concept designed to reduce energy, paint, and solvent consumption in vehicle painting operations.

Frank Herre (left), Director Automotive (Paint shop) at Dürr, and Daniel Ackermann, Senior Manager Product Management at Dürr, accepted the PACE Pilot Award. Image courtesy of Dürr. 

The EcoProBooth features a flexible box layout that accommodates various car body sizes and allows for both interior and exterior painting within the same space using solvent- or water-based paints. This eliminates the need to move vehicles between booths and enables cleaning or maintenance during production via integrated service cubicles.

With 14 patent applications—nine of which have been granted—the system achieves up to 95% air recirculation and significantly reduces energy use compared to conventional dry and wet scrubbers. Dürr reports up to 80% energy savings compared to wet scrubbers and 45% compared to standard dry scrubbers.

EcoProBooth combines interior and exterior painting in one booth.Image courtesy of Dürr. 

The award was presented April 15 in Detroit as part of the 5th annual PACE Pilot program, which honors emerging technologies with the potential to transform the automotive industry.