SoilSteam Demo Day 2025: Recycling Soil for a Circular Future
Sandefjord, August 2025 – More than 200 participants from eight nations gathered at Gjennestad in Vestfold, Norway, to take part in SoilSteam’s Demo Day. The event showcased how steam technology can transform contaminated soil into a valuable, sustainable resource for both construction and agriculture.
Soil – A Vital, Non-Renewable Resource
The day opened with Vestfold County Mayor, Anne Strømøy, who reminded the audience that soil is one of our most important – yet non-renewable – resources. She announced that the county will now require contractors to recycle soil masses containing invasive species and plant pathogens instead of treating them as waste.
“We cannot continue to treat soil as a waste problem. It must be seen as a resource to be protected and reused,” said Strømøy.
Technology That Changes the Industry
SoilSteam CSO, Hans Kristian Westrum, emphasized that landfilling soil has no place in a modern, sustainable society.
“SoilSteaming is often more affordable than landfilling. The technology removes weeds and plant pathogens while improving soil quality. With three machines already in Norway, one in Sweden, and one in the UK – the solution is here. Now we call on municipalities, consultants, and contractors to make SoilSteaming the standard in construction and road projects.”
The audience also heard from Gjennestad Drift’s Arne-Olav Klevsgård, who shared why his company is now adopting SoilSteaming:
“We’ve long struggled to secure soil of good quality. Now we can guarantee weed-free soil for ourselves and others, while contributing to a more sustainable resource cycle.”
From Theory to Practice
After the presentations, participants witnessed SoilSteam’s machines in action. Two models – SoilSaver 20 and SoilSaver 5 – were demonstrated in the field. Visitors also compared steamed soil with untreated soil, six weeks after treatment. The results were striking:
The steamed soil remained completely weed-free
- Grass grew better in the treated soil than in the untreated sample
“SoilSteaming doesn’t just eliminate weeds and pathogens – it can actually improve the soil’s growth properties,” summarized SoilSteam CEO, Ken Roar Riis.
A Step Toward a Circular Future
The Demo Day made it clear that interest in delivering heat-treated soil in line with the new upcoming standard is growing fast. With support from public authorities, industry leaders, and pioneering companies, SoilSteaming is becoming a key driver for a circular economy in both construction and agriculture.
You can see a summary of the day here
✅ Learn more about SoilSteam and our mission to redefine soil management: www.soilsteam.com