SoilDri SEM Range Paving the Way for Greener, Smarter Trench Reinstatement
In a sector that’s under pressure to cut waste, lower emissions, and speed up delivery, SoilDri has launched its SEM Range — a breakthrough on-site drying solution that promises to reshape trench reinstatement practices across the UK.
The SEM (Soil Excavation Management) Range is designed to convert spoil from utility excavations into high-quality, reusable backfill, all without leaving the job site. Aimed squarely at utilities and contractors working to SROH (Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways) standards, this range offers a practical, scalable route to greener construction.
“SoilDri SEM is a genuine game-changer for utilities and contractors operating under SROH specifications,” says Dan Macey, Director of Strategic Growth at SoilDri. “By treating excavated arisings directly on-site, we’re helping to reduce project delays, lower emissions, improve air quality, and deliver longer-lasting reinstatement performance.”
How It Works: Three Steps to Smarter Street Works
No fancy equipment. No waiting around. The SoilDri SEM process simplifies trench backfilling into three straightforward steps:
-
Dig – Excavation proceeds as normal.
-
Mix – The SEM agent is blended with the wet spoil.
-
Backfill – The treated material is returned to the trench, meeting compaction and structural requirements.
Because the SEM doesn’t bind or change the chemical nature of the soil, the result is a stable, compactable backfill that performs to specification beneath Type 1 sub-base, even in moisture-heavy conditions.
What’s more, SEM dramatically reduces air voids — a common culprit of asphalt fatigue — boosting the lifespan of the final surface layer.
Compliant, Compatible and Carbon-Cutting
SoilDri SEM isn’t just clever — it’s compliant. The product fully aligns with:
-
The upcoming 2025 EA-approved Street Works UK Protocol
-
The 2020 SROH (S4 and S5 classifications) for trench reinstatement
Its impact goes well beyond paperwork. Here’s how SEM stacks up in real-world conditions:
-
Diverts waste from landfill – Eliminates costly and carbon-intensive disposal
-
Scraps the need for imported aggregates – All reuse, no haulage
-
Manages a broad range of spoil moisture content – Even the soggy stuff gets sorted
-
Reduces labour and reinstatement time – Streamlining daily operations
-
Slashes transport-related emissions – CO₂, NO₂, and PM10
-
Improves compliance with Local Authority air quality targets
-
Boosts site profitability and safety – Fewer trips, fewer hazards
Supporting the Circular Economy
With Net Zero commitments looming large, SoilDri SEM hits a sweet spot in the transition to circular construction.
Instead of relying on virgin materials and landfill tipping, SEM empowers contractors to make use of what they’ve already got. This isn’t just sustainable — it’s strategic.
By working within the Waste Hierarchy’s upper rungs (prevent and reuse), SEM supports:
-
Material conservation – Less demand on aggregate supply chains
-
Carbon reduction – Lower embodied emissions from materials and movement
-
Operational efficiency – Reuse means reduced downtime and dependency
And let’s not forget: less haulage also means less congestion — a quiet but vital win in urban infrastructure projects.
Built-In Support for Field Success
What sets SoilDri apart isn’t just the innovation — it’s the support. From the first soil test to the final backfill compaction, SoilDri provides full technical backup.
Whether it’s helping crews assess arisings on-site or advising on application rates, the SoilDri team ensures clients get the most out of SEM, with none of the paperwork headaches.
“SoilDri SEM is not just a product, it applies ingenuity to soil management and trench reinstatement,” adds Macey. “It’s helping the sector move away from traditional methods and into a more efficient, compliant, and environmentally conscious way of working. SoilDri SEM isn’t the future — it’s the now.”
The Economic and Environmental Pay-Off
For those in the trenches — literally and figuratively — the SEM Range is more than just a green alternative. It’s a boost to the bottom line.
-
Reduced procurement costs – No need to truck in aggregates
-
Lower disposal fees – Fewer outbound loads means slimmer tipping charges
-
Faster project cycles – Time saved equals money earned
-
Minimised fuel usage – An immediate win for emissions compliance
As sustainability shifts from nice-to-have to must-have, tools like SEM will become essential to competitive tenders and regulatory adherence alike.
A Smarter Future is Underfoot
The SoilDri SEM Range isn’t just a clever piece of chemistry — it’s a response to urgent industry challenges. As infrastructure demands rise and environmental scrutiny intensifies, practical innovations like SEM help keep projects moving, budgets balanced, and emissions in check.
It’s soil management made smarter — and a sign the construction sector’s sustainability revolution is well and truly underway.
