Incorrect handling of soil can lead to project delays, increased costs, regulatory non-compliance and long-term environmental damage.

The good news is that much of this risk can be eliminated before the first shovel hits the ground – if the right decisions are made early.

Below are the key steps every project should follow.

1. Identify invasive species before the design phase begins

The first – and most important – step is to understand what is present on site.

• Carry out an early ecological / environmental survey
• Identify:
  • invasive plant species
  • areas at risk of spread
  • existing soil that may be contaminated with seeds, roots or plant material

👉 Projects that overlook this in the early phase often experience:

• sudden stoppages on site
• costly emergency measures (often dig & dump)

2. Understand that soil is biological material – not just bulk mass

Soil containing invasive species is not inert waste – it is a biological risk material.

Common mistakes include:

• temporary storage without containment
• transporting soil between multiple locations
• reusing soil without treatment

The result can be unintentional spread both within and beyond the project area, often not discovered until months or even years later.

3. Plan soil management as part of the overall project logistics

Soil should be treated as a dedicated workstream, just like concrete, steel or logistics.

Well-managed projects:

• clearly define which soils are “clean” and which are “risk material”
• establish clear procedures for:
  • excavation
  • temporary storage
  • treatment or final use
• avoid unnecessary transport and re-handling

👉 This leads to better control, lower costs and fewer surprises.

4. Avoid “dig & dump” as the default solution

Excavating soil and sending it to landfill has long been the standard response to invasive species. In practice, this approach is often:

• expensive
• logistics-intensive
• dependent on limited landfill capacity
• environmentally unsustainable

Across many parts of Europe, millions of tonnes of biologically contaminated soil are handled this way every year – despite the soil itself often being of high quality.

5. Consider treating soil on or near the construction site

Modern projects increasingly view soil treatment as an alternative to landfill.

Key benefits include:

• reduced transport and disposal costs
• elimination of spread risk
• enabling safe reuse of soil within the project
• improved documentation and control

For many projects, this can be the difference between a reactive and a proactive environmental approach.

6. Document – for authorities, clients and future liability

Regardless of the method used, documentation is critical:

• What was identified?
• How was the soil handled?
• How was biological risk eliminated?

This protects:

• the contractor
• the client
• the developer

— both legally and financially.

Final thoughts: Start right to avoid costly consequences later

The spread of invasive species is rarely the result of bad intent – but often of insufficient planning in the early stages.

The most successful projects:

• take biological risk seriously
• plan soil management strategically
• choose solutions that reduce both environmental impact and cost

At SoilSteam, we work with contractors and developers who want to:

• eliminate biological risk in soil
• reduce reliance on landfill
• enable safe reuse of soil

👉 Engage early in the project phase – that’s where the best solutions are created.

The post How to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species When Starting a Construction Project appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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!

The post 2025: The Year SoilSteam Took a Major Step onto the Global Stage appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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.

The post SoilSteam at Sardinia Symposium 2025 – Turning Steam into Sustainable Soil Recovery appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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

The post SoilSteam Demo Day 2025: Recycling Soil for a Circular Future appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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)

The post Trafikverket tests SoilSteam’s SoilSaver to prevent the spread of lupins appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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?

The post EWGroup Becomes the First in Sweden to Use SoilSteam’s SoilSaver! appeared first on SoilSteam International.

Image 1: The soil is prepared and ready for steam treatment in Kinn Municipality.

“We’re proud to set an example of how projects can be carried out in a more environmentally friendly way,” says Erik Endestad, Project Manager at Mesta, who is executing the work on behalf of Kinn Municipality.
“This is an exciting initiative, and we hope it will be considered in future projects across the country.”

🌱 Why Steam-Treat Soil?

Traditionally, soil contaminated with invasive species like Japanese Knotweed is treated as waste and sent to landfill. This is both expensive and resource-intensive, with unnecessary CO₂ emissions from transport and the extraction of new materials.

With SoilSteam’s technology, this practice is being transformed:

• The soil is cleaned using steam only – no chemicals
• Seeds, roots, and plant diseases are eliminated effectively
• The soil can be reused on-site instead of being discarded

“Our technology gives municipalities and contractors a concrete tool to reduce emissions and treat soil as a resource,” says Hans Kristian Westrum, Sales Director and founder of SoilSteam.

♻️ More Cost-Effective Than Landfilling

Steam-treating soil might sound expensive, but the numbers speak for themselves:

“When we compared the cost of steam treatment with the cost of transport and landfill, it actually turned out to be more affordable to treat and reuse the soil,” says Jorunn Reisæter, Project Manager at Kinn Municipality.
“And that’s not even counting the environmental benefits – which are hard to put a price on.”

🌍 From Exception to Standard?

Kinn is following in the footsteps of recent initiatives, such as the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s project in Jevnaker, where 4,000 tonnes of soil were recovered through steaming.

Now, we’re seeing more counties and municipalities beginning to adopt this technology – a development that is both encouraging and inspiring.

“We believe this is just the beginning,” Westrum concludes.
“Kinn has shown real courage and vision – and may very well have set a new standard for the future of construction projects in Norway.”

🚀 Want to Learn More?

Curious about how SoilSteam can help your municipality or project manage contaminated or biologically infested soil in a more sustainable way?

👉 Get in touch with us – or read more about our technology right here on our website.
Together, we can turn soil into a resource – not a waste problem.

The post Kinn Municipality Leads the Way in Sustainable Construction Practices appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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.

The post SoilSteam International AS is proud to announce its first project in Sweden appeared first on SoilSteam International.

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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