Environmental Controls Group – a look to the future
The Environmental Controls Group, which consists of two key brands; Environment Controls and Japanese Knotweed Ltd, continues to expand its range of environmental services to meet growing market demands. Our 2025 Company Day highlighted the business’s ongoing progress, driven by our diversified range of specialist control services.
As we review our achievements from 2024 and look ahead to the contracts secured for the coming year, we remain motivated for what 2025 has in store.
Environment Controls
Operating under the Environment Controls brand (a trading name of Japanese Knotweed Ltd), we offer 3 key services:
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Invasive Weed Management Plans – Herbicide & Excavation
We continue to see year-on-year growth in our invasive plant services. In addition to well-known species like Himalayan balsam, Horsetail and Giant hogweed, we now offer control programs for a directory of invasive plants as well as aquatic plants such as American Skunk Cabbage.
Our Invasive Bamboo Management Plans, which include both herbicide control and instant removal via excavation, are in high demand among residential clients looking for effective solutions.
We also provide specialised Ragwort treatment services, helping landowners and commercial businesses to manage persistent infestations through targeted herbicide applications.
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Amenity Weed Management – Roads, Pavements & Public Open Spaces
Our fastest-growing service sector is Amenity Weed Management, which has rapidly expanded since our first contract in 2022. Our innovative approach has made us a preferred partner for councils across the UK, helping them effectively manage weed growth in public spaces.
We have designed and developed a unique low-volume spray technology, demonstrating our commitment to improving herbicide application efficiency while minimising environmental impact. Our ongoing collaboration with authorities ensures that glyphosate continues to be applied sustainably, with increased efficacy and reduced ecological footprint.
In 2025, we will be delivering 3 new multi-year Amenity Weed Management contracts, expanding our portfolio to 10 major council contracts:
- Nottingham City Council
- Halton Council
- London Borough of Merton
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Non-Licensable Asbestos in Soils Removal
Another key area of growth is non-licensable asbestos in soils removal, which includes removal of other ground contaminants such as lead and arsenic. This service is available both as a standalone offering and in combination with invasive weed removal, providing clients with a cost-effective, multi-contaminant removal solution.
Japanese Knotweed Ltd
Japanese Knotweed Ltd is a leading national contractor specialising in the control and removal of Japanese knotweed. Our comprehensive services include:
- Japanese Knotweed Surveys & Verification Reports
- Pre-Legal Assessments & Legal Reports
- Japanese Knotweed Management Plans – Herbicide & Excavation
Japanese Knotweed Ltd currently manages over 8,000 active knotweed customers, primarily through multi-year herbicide management plans that come with guarantees. In 2024 alone, we conducted over 8,000 work visits and added 800 new herbicide management plan contracts to our portfolio.
For customers seeking faster solutions, our excavation service remains a popular choice. In 2024, we successfully completed over 100 knotweed excavation contracts nationwide.
Through public sector tenders, we have secured two major invasive weed control contracts for 2025 and beyond:
- London Borough of Hounslow – Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed, and Floating pennywort.
- Rossendale Council – Japanese knotweed.
A recent case study showcases how our team discovered asbestos while conducting a commercial knotweed excavation. The client benefited from having both contaminants removed simultaneously, streamlining the remediation process and reducing overall costs.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, our focus remains on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for our clients across residential and commercial sectors. With a strong portfolio of services and contracts in place, we anticipate a dynamic and successful year ahead!