Tackling Japanese Knotweed: Introducing the UK’s First Steam Treatment Unit

We’re excited to announce the launch of the UK’s very first steam treatment unit for soil. This revolutionary technology eliminates invasive plant species like Japanese Knotweed and restores soil health, all without the use of chemicals.

The new unit was officially unveiled at our Cwmgwili facility on 31st July. The event brought together industry stakeholders, environmental consultants, government representatives, and academics, all of whom showed strong support for this innovative approach to sustainable land remediation.

Why This Matters

South Wales is a European hotspot for Japanese Knotweed—an aggressive invasive plant that threatens biodiversity, damages infrastructure, and is notoriously difficult to eliminate. Traditional removal methods such as spraying or burial are often ineffective, expensive, and environmentally harmful.

This new technology changes the game.

Using superheated steam, the system neutralises weeds, seeds, and harmful pathogens in soil. That soil can then be reused safely, reducing the need for disposal and helping landowners meet both regulatory and sustainability goals. It's a solution already proven across Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, where it’s cut costs and reduced soil disposal by thousands of tonnes.

A Sustainable Step Forward

Speaking at the launch, Gavin Griffiths, Managing Director of Gavin Griffiths Group, said:

“We are proud to be the first in the UK to bring this game-changing technology to market. Our Innovation Division has been searching for a solution like this for some time as it’s one of the biggest issues our clients face. This technology not only helps protect native ecosystems but also supports our circular economy goals by allowing treated soil to be reused safely and sustainably.”

The treatment unit complements the work already being carried out at our Cwmgwili wash plant, which processes hundreds of thousands of tonnes of construction and demolition waste into high-quality, recovered aggregates.

“Our commitment to innovation and bringing forward technology that enhances the environment is at the forefront of our operations. We’re excited to see the impact this can have for clients in South Wales and across the UK.”

Flexible, Scalable, and Ready to Deploy

While it is currently based at our Cwmgwili site, it can be transported to larger remediation projects anywhere across the UK.

Whether you're a developer, contractor, landowner or local authority, our new soil treatement technology offers a sustainable, cost-effective and compliant way to manage invasive species and restore soil health.

Learn how this could benefit your next project: www.griffiths-group.co.uk/soil-treatment