2025 has been a year in which SoilSteam clearly moved from being a “promising technology” to a documented solution in real-world applications. We have experienced strong international interest, several important projects – and, not least, a clear direction: soil as a resource, not waste.

This was not just a demo – it marked that the market is now moving rapidly toward more circular solutions for soil management.

First major step in Sweden: EWGroup

In 2025, we took an important step into the Swedish market through our collaboration with EWGroup, which became the first operator in Sweden to implement the SoilSaver 20 at its facility in Flen. This marks the beginning of a broader commitment in the Swedish market, where the need for circular handling of soil masses and control of invasive species is growing rapidly.

Trafikverket and Svevia tested SoilSaver in a project in Umeå, Sweden

SoilSteam then entered into an agreement with Svevia and Trafikverket for the treatment and recovery of approximately 1,500 tonnes of soil masses infested with lupins in Umeå. The project was planned for completion during May–June 2025 and was described as SoilSteam’s first collaboration with Trafikverket in Sweden.

This sends a strong signal that our method addresses a growing need in European infrastructure projects: stopping the spread of invasive alien species while simultaneously reducing landfilling.

An international meeting place: SoilSteam Demo Day 2025

In the autumn of 2025, we gathered more than 200 participants from eight nations at Gjennestad in Vestfold for SoilSteam Demo Day. The event demonstrated how thermal treatment can transform contaminated or infested soil and peat into a valuable resource, both for construction projects and for greenhouse production.

Gavin Griffiths Group – Japanese knotweed and the first UK unit

In the UK, 2025 has been a breakthrough year. Together with the Gavin Griffiths Group, we have taken important steps to document effectiveness against Japanese knotweed. This work is linked to the launch of what has been described as the UK’s first steam treatment unit for soil at their facility in the summer of 2025.

This marks the beginning of a broader UK journey, where documentation and strong partnerships are central.

Our goal is to save as much soil as possible from being landfilled. During 2025, our fantastic customers used their SoilSaver machines to save more than 23,000 tonnes of soil from disposal. This took place in Norway, Sweden, and the UK. Without SoilSavers in the contracting industry, this would never have been possible. A huge thank you to everyone who made this happen 😊

Professional documentation and international relevance: Sardinia Symposium 2025

In September 2025, we also participated in the Sardinia Symposium, where we demonstrated how SoilSteam technology is already being used in practice across multiple segments – from road and construction projects to the reuse of growing media in greenhouse production.

For many, this comes down to a fundamental question: Is it possible to control pests and invasive species without destroying soil quality? Our experience and documentation clearly show that the answer is yes.

New applications: substrates and growing media

2025 has also been about growing media and circularity in greenhouse production. SoilSteam has published several articles on the reuse of substrates and how this can contribute to more sustainable production.

In the summer of 2025, we carried out our first research project documenting that peat and substrate products can be treated using our SoilSaver technology and reused instead of being replaced with new material. This represents a new way of thinking about circularity in international greenhouse production and will also lead to significant reductions in methane and CO₂ emissions.

New customers and new continents

The end of 2025 was intense. We held meetings with several stakeholders in greenhouse production, waste management, and the contracting industry across multiple countries. This resulted in several SoilSaver units being sold for delivery next year during the final months of 2025.

One of these units will be delivered to North America, becoming SoilSteam’s first machine operating outside Europe. This is a major milestone for SoilSteam.

What do we take with us into 2026?

2025 showed us three things very clearly:

1. The need for circular soil management is growing rapidly – across multiple industries at the same time.
2. SoilSteam is moving from “pilot” to “scalable practice.”
3. We have documented that soil steaming works – and people understand it. During 2025, we were contacted by more than 200 companies from 24 countries interested in SoilSteaming. We believe this strong interest will grow even further in 2026.

Thank you to our customers, partners, and everyone who met us in 2025 – we look forward to building further in 2026.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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This represents an important milestone for us – not only because we now have documented results from the UK, but also because we are working alongside one of the country’s leading experts in the field.

The background is a long-standing challenge faced by UK authorities:

• The spread of invasive species threatens nature and infrastructure
• Enormous volumes of soil are being sent to landfills instead of being reused

With SoilSteam SoilSaver, we have now demonstrated that there is a safe and effective way to address both of these issues at the same time. Together with Dr. Jones and other leading UK experts, we will continue to build evidence showing that SoilSteam can be a key part of the solution for these pressing challenges.

This is just the beginning of our journey in the UK – and we look forward to sharing more soon.

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For SoilSteam, this was an opportunity to demonstrate how steam-based soil remediation is now moving from experimental stage to industrial reality.

From Theory to Practice

For many years, the key question has been: Is it really possible to clean soil infested with invasive species and pathogens while preserving its natural qualities?
Our answer is a clear yes – and at Sardinia Symposium, we were able to show how SoilSteam technology is already being applied in practice, from landscaping and horticulture to full-scale agricultural operations.

Through controlled steam treatment, we restore a healthy microbiological balance in the soil – without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
The result is clean soil, ready for new growth, in a way that is both scalable and economically sustainable.

Research, Collaboration and Global Solutions

A central theme at this year’s conference was the need for circular and regenerative approaches in the global food system.
In our presentation, SoilSteam highlighted our collaborations with leading research institutions – which sparked great interest among both academics and industry professionals.

Our field data from large-scale commercial projects were particularly noted as an example of how technology can bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation.

A Global Commitment

SoilSteam received numerous inquiries from international stakeholders eager to understand how steam technology can be integrated into existing soil management systems.
It is clear that the challenges we are addressing – soil degradation, pollution, and unnecessary landfill disposal – are shared across borders.

The Road Ahead

Our participation at Sardinia Symposium marked not only a professional milestone, but also another step in SoilSteam’s mission to make sustainable soil recovery accessible to more people and industries.
Through continued research, strong partnerships, and by deploying our machines in an increasing number of countries, we aim to build technology that protects one of our most vital resources – the soil itself.

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Soil recovery as an alternative to costly landfilling

Instead of transporting the soil to landfill – which is both expensive and environmentally taxing – the masses were treated directly on site using heat. The SoilSaver technology uses hot water vapor to eliminate biological contaminants, without chemicals, while preserving the soil’s structure and function as a growing medium.

The project was carried out as planned in terms of time and budget. Trafikverket views the technology as a potential way to reduce the high costs associated with current practices:

“This is about finding out whether we can handle the soil on site at a reasonable cost instead of hauling it away and burying it in landfill, which is expensive,” says Claes Dahlgren, national coordinator for invasive species at Trafikverket.

“The landfill cost alone is around 1,500 SEK per ton,” he adds.

– Landfilling costs several times more than treatment

Hans Kristian Westrum from SoilSteam comments:

“We see time and again that recovering soil with our SoilSaver makes projects more sustainable – not only environmentally and ecologically, but also economically.
Our treatment cost is just a few hundred NOK per ton. In this project, the landfill cost alone was several times higher than the treatment cost.

We have to stop landfilling material that is cheap and easy to recover. Landfills should be reserved for waste we cannot recycle – not for valuable resources that can be reused with minimal effort,” Westrum concludes.

Next steps

Trafikverket will follow up the project throughout the summer and fall to assess the results. Key questions include whether the lupins are effectively eliminated – and whether the treated soil remains suitable for grass and plant growth.

SoilSteam looks forward to the outcome and hopes the SoilSaver can become a useful tool in Sweden’s efforts to manage invasive species through circular, cost-effective and environmentally responsible practices.

Read more from Trafikverket here:
New method tested to stop the spread of invasive plants – Trafikverket (in Swedish)

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In June, the very first SoilSaver 20 machine from SoilSteam will be installed at EWG’s facility in Flen. The machine uses steam treatment to eliminate seeds and plant material from problematic species such as Japanese knotweed, lupines, and giant hogweed – plants that have caused serious challenges for both biodiversity and infrastructure.

A Growing Problem – and a Circular Solution

Soil contaminated with invasive species has long been a headache in Sweden. The usual solution has been to send large volumes of earth to landfill – an expensive and unsustainable practice. EWG Recycling aims to change that.

“We’re seeing stricter regulations from authorities to stop the spread of invasive species, and rightly so. But this has also led to large amounts of valuable soil being discarded, simply because the technology to clean it hasn’t been available – until now,” says Max Lindqvist, CEO of EWG Recycling.

Over the next few months, EWG expects to receive around 30,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil – the equivalent of approximately 2,000 truckloads.

“Now we can clean and reuse this resource instead of filling up landfills. It’s a concrete and important step toward a more circular approach to soil and excavation mass handling. Landfilling should be the last resort.”

Norwegian Technology with European Potential

For SoilSteam, this partnership with EWG marks a key entry into the Swedish market.

“We’ve had ongoing dialogue with Swedish authorities and major players like the Swedish Transport Administration. There’s a growing understanding that soil is a valuable resource, and that landfilling only provides temporary control – not a real solution. EWG is a forward-thinking, innovative partner that shares our vision for circular resource use. We’re excited to begin this collaboration in Sweden,” says Hans Kristian Westrum, founder and CSO at SoilSteam.

A Green Shift – One Truckload at a Time

This isn’t just a tech update – it’s a shift in how we think about soil and waste. Instead of treating soil contaminated with invasive plants as a problem to be buried, EWG and SoilSteam see it as an opportunity for value creation and environmental gain.

Sweden now has its first facility for steam-based soil remediation. Will more follow soon?

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A Strategically Important Collaboration

Svevia and Trafikverket are the most influential players in Sweden’s road and infrastructure sector. Their decision to choose SoilSteam’s technology demonstrates forward-thinking and confidence in steaming as a viable solution.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Svevia and Trafikverket,” says Hans Kristian Westrum, founder and Sales Director at SoilSteam.
“This is a strong recognition of our technology and a major step toward establishing steam-based soil recovery as a sustainable practice in Sweden.”

Soil Steaming – A Green Alternative

Lupins are among the most problematic invasive species in Scandinavia. They spread rapidly through seeds and outcompete native species, reducing biodiversity and creating poor conditions for pollinators.

By using SoilSteam’s steam-based method, contaminated soil can be treated effectively and reused — instead of being sent to landfill. This is not only environmentally sound, but also cost-efficient.

Kristina Svahn from Svevia comments:
“We’ve been looking for effective methods to combat invasive species without having to dispose of large volumes of soil. If this project proves successful, we could significantly reduce the need for landfilling in the future – which is a very positive development.”

A Turning Point for Soil Recovery in Sweden?

The Umeå project is the first of its kind in Sweden and could serve as an important reference for other regions and stakeholders facing similar challenges.
SoilSteam looks forward to expanding this collaboration and helping make soil steaming a standard practice for managing invasive species.

About Invasive Species and Lupins

Invasive alien species are plants, animals, or microorganisms that have spread outside their natural habitats due to human activity and pose a threat to biodiversity, health, or the economy.

Lupins (Lupinus polyphyllus) are perennial plants that form dense stands along roadsides and slopes.
They spread easily through seeds, which can be transported in soil, on machinery, and by vehicles.

Lupins displace native plants, reduce the abundance of pollinator-friendly flowers, and diminish overall ecological diversity.

Soil steaming is a proven and effective method to prevent the spread of such species while preserving the quality of the soil.

Want to learn more about how SoilSteam can help tackle invasive species challenges?
Get in touch with our team or read more about our technology here on our website.

Together, we can turn soil into a resource – not a waste problem.

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Why Hand Pulling Is Ineffective:

1. Deep Root Structure:
   Japanese knotweed has a powerful rhizome network (underground stems) that can grow up to 3 meters deep and spread 7 meters from the parent plant. Removing only the visible parts will result in rapid regrowth from the remaining roots.
2. Spread Through Small Root Fragments:
   Even tiny root fragments (as small as 1 cm) can develop into new plants. Hand pulling can inadvertently lead to further spread if root pieces are left in the soil.
3. Rapid Regrowth:
   The plant grows quickly and can return with renewed vigor after pulling, especially if the roots are not completely removed.

Effective Control Methods:

1. Digging:
   Dig out as much of the root system as possible, being extremely careful to remove all root fragments. This process is non-sustainable and often requires repetition over several seasons.
2. Covering:
   Cover the area with light-blocking materials (e.g., thick tarps or geotextile fabric) for several years. This deprives the plant of sunlight, gradually weakening it over time. Ir might be effective, but VERY time-consuming.
3. Steam Treatment:
   For larger areas, steam treatment can be an effective method. Technologies like SoilSteam can eliminate both roots and seeds in the soil using hot steam. This is quick and effective and the soil might be used after. You need large equipment, so this method is for professional use.
4. Continuous Cutting:
   Frequent cutting (every 2–3 weeks) over several years can gradually weaken the plant. Cut material must be disposed of properly to prevent further spread. This is time-consuming and requires discipline.
5. Chemical Treatment:
   Contact a specialist with the proper authorization to apply herbicides. Such treatments typically require multiple applications per season and ongoing follow-up for several years. Due to their potential environmental impact, many people prefer to avoid chemical herbicides in private gardens. Professional help is needed to ensure correct chemical treatment.

When to Seek Professional Help:

Regardless of the method chosen, it is advisable to consult professional help. SoilSteam offers an immediate solution with just one treatment. However, the challenge is that these are large, complex machines, making them economically and logistically impractical for small-scale areas.

All other methods will require continuous monitoring and repeated treatments over several years to achieve lasting results.

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Based on this, we at SoilSteam contribute to developing a Norwegian Standard for heat-treated soil. This standard will ensure that buyers of soil can be confident that the soil is heat-treated and therefore free of harmful organisms and weeds. Steamed soil is becoming increasingly popular among landscapers, and here we explain why:

One of the biggest challenges for landscape gardeners is weeds that compete with plants, creating extra costs and additional work. By using steam-treated soil, this problem is largely avoided. It also reduces the need for chemical pesticides. In addition, the use of steam-treated soil leads to more satisfied customers.

Weeds grow quickly and controlling it throughout the season requires regular maintenance, including weeding at least once a month. In a hectic summer season, this can be difficult to achieve in practice, which often results in planting areas that look poorly maintained. By using steam-treated soil, this problem is avoided. The soil will generally remain weed-free without incurring maintenance costs. This makes the slightly higher price of heat-treated soil justifiable, as it results in happier customers and lower long-term maintenance costs.

For landscape gardeners who aim to deliver high-quality results with minimal maintenance and no use of pesticides, steamed soil is the right choice.

What do you think? Will you use steamed soil in your next project? Contact us to learn more about steam-treated soil.

The post Why Landscape Gardeners Choose Steamed Soil for Park and Garden Projects appeared first on SoilSteam International.

Challenges in Soil Quality
One of the biggest concerns today is the declining quality of arable soil. Globally, around 33% of soil is degraded due to erosion, pollution, salinization, or nutrient depletion. This degradation is mainly caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, heavy use of chemicals and fertilizers, and harmful organisms in the soil. These practices lead to a loss of soil biodiversity and a decline in essential soil organisms that help break down organic matter and cycle nutrients.

Loss of Volume and Soil Sealing
Urbanization has also led to increasing soil volume loss. As urban areas, roads, and industrial zones expand, large land areas are covered with asphalt, concrete, or other impermeable materials, known as soil sealing. In Europe, an estimated 890 km² of soil is sealed annually, reducing arable land and the soil’s ability to absorb water, increasing flood risks, and lowering water storage capacity.

Focus on Sustainable Soil Management
There is a growing trend toward sustainable soil management methods, such as agroforestry, regenerative agricultural practices, and minimal soil tillage (plowing). These methods aim to restore soil structure and organic content, helping to increase soil fertility, water retention, and carbon storage capacity. Sustainable management can also help slow down erosion and reduce soil volume loss in the long term.

Innovative Technologies and Solutions
Technological advancements play a vital role in preserving soil quality and volume. Numerous innovative solutions have been introduced, such as digital soil monitoring, the use of drones to analyze nutrient and moisture levels, and the development of machinery that can clean contaminated soil and reclaim arable land. An example is our SoilSaver, which effectively combats harmful microorganisms without polluting the soil with chemicals. It also removes seeds and plant parts from invasive species, which would otherwise require the disposal of large volumes of soil.

The Way Forward
Ensuring the quality and volume of soil requires collaboration between agriculture, the technology sector, and governments. World Soil Day provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can better care for our most valuable resource. Supporting sustainable management practices, increasing the use of innovative technologies, and engaging society in soil conservation may be the key to maintaining productive soil for future generations.

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The Critical State of Soil

According to the UN, about 33 percent of the world’s soil is moderately to severely degraded due to erosion, compaction, acidification, and construction, where vast amounts of soil are transported to landfills annually. In Europe alone, an estimated 970 million tons of soil are lost each year due to erosion. This means we are losing topsoil much faster than it can naturally regenerate. Such a loss not only threatens food security but also weakens soil’s ability to regulate water and carbon. Without healthy soil, it will be impossible to produce sufficient food in the long term. Several EU countries have now implemented high taxes on soil disposal, and some have even banned it.

EU Law – Soil Protection on Par with Water and Air

In July 2023, the EU Commission announced a legislative proposal that would give legal protection to soil, just as water and air quality have been regulated over the past decades. This is a significant step forward, as soil resources in many countries have previously been managed in a fragmented manner or without clear rules for long-term conservation.

The proposed law will likely include measures to combat soil degradation and erosion while promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the loss of organic matter in the soil. It will also focus on reducing pollution from chemicals, excessive fertilizers, and other contaminants that harm soil structure and the life within it. Additionally, there will be no more room for disposing of soil when it is unnecessary. In the Netherlands/Belgium and the UK, concepts such as soil hotels and soil hospitals are now being discussed.

Why Stricter Regulations Are Necessary

• Food Security: The degradation of topsoil threatens our ability to grow enough food for a growing population. Healthy soil is essential to ensure we have nutritious food in the future.
• Biodiversity: Soil is home to a vast ecosystem of microorganisms and small animals that are crucial for plant growth and ecosystem health. When soil degrades, these life forms are threatened, which can have cascading effects throughout the food chain.
• Climate Crisis: Soil plays a central role in carbon storage. Well-maintained soil binds carbon and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When soil degrades, the carbon is released, contributing to climate change.
• Erosion and Disasters: Without protection, soil becomes more vulnerable to erosion. This not only leads to the loss of topsoil but also increases the risk of floods and other natural disasters, destroying land and communities.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The EU’s initiative represents a paradigm shift in how we view and treat soil. By introducing stricter regulations for soil protection, the EU is laying the foundation for a more sustainable future where agriculture, nature, and climate can coexist. This is crucial in a time when we are facing a global food crisis and growing environmental challenges.

However, it is also important that countries outside Europe follow suit. Soil is not an infinite resource. It must be treated with respect and care, and we need international cooperation and guidelines to ensure we protect this resource for future generations.

Call to Action

Consumers, farmers, and policymakers must all play their part in protecting soil. Farmers can adopt more sustainable practices such as regenerative agriculture, while consumers can support local products and demand that soil resources are properly managed. At the same time, we must all push for politicians to implement and enforce legislation that ensures soil is treated with the same care as water and air.

Rethink Food published an excellent article on this topic a few months ago.

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