An international connection that helps turn advanced knowledge into higher-value solutions for our clients
Environmental innovation requires more than developing new technologies. It means sharing knowledge, anticipating emerging challenges and connecting practical experience with the latest research and technical developments.
With this objective, Litoclean has been affiliated with the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) since 2019 through its Industry Affiliates Program (IAP), an international network bringing together regulators, industry professionals and technical experts to develop practical guidance on complex environmental remediation challenges.
Over these seven years, ITRC’s international reach has grown significantly. When Litoclean joined in 2019, its focus was still predominantly U.S.-based. Today, the organisation engages with environmental challenges and professionals from around the world, with growing connections across other continents. This is reflected in ITRC’s participation in events such as ecoForum, hosted by ALGA (Australasian Land & Groundwater Association), and RemTech in Italy, strengthening its links with environmental professionals in Australasia and Europe.
As Sonia Baluk, who coordinates Litoclean’s technical teams participating in ITRC, explains, “seven years ago, ITRC’s focus was still fairly U.S.-centric. Today, it has broadened significantly and engages with environmental challenges from around the world. That shift mirrors our own evolution: the market, the regulatory landscape and our own team have all grown alongside it.”
From international knowledge to applied solutions
One of the main benefits of our participation in ITRC is access to methodologies, experiences and technical criteria developed by multidisciplinary teams of experts.
Over the years, Litoclean has contributed to working groups addressing PFAS, microplastics, contaminants of emerging concern, sustainable resilient remediation, vapor intrusion, 1,4-dioxane and incremental sampling methodology. Today, we are following teams focused on PFAS Treatment Technologies, AI/ML in the Environmental Field and Phytotechnologies.
This exchange of knowledge allows our teams to incorporate international approaches, identify emerging technologies, compare real-world experiences and develop strategies better adapted to each site. It also creates value for our clients, who benefit from solutions informed not only by Litoclean’s experience but by a global pool of expertise. As Baluk explains, this represents “an extra layer of confidence” and “a real differentiator.”
Strengthening our teams and developing talent
The benefits of ITRC extend beyond technical knowledge. The collaboration also supports the continuous development of our professionals by connecting them with an international community of peers and specialists.
Litoclean has participated in initiatives such as the ITRC Early Career Professionals Program, giving younger professionals exposure to international best practices and opportunities to engage with experts from across the environmental sector. At the same time, senior professionals contribute their field experience to working groups, creating a valuable exchange of knowledge across generations.
Preparing for the next generation of environmental challenges
Environmental remediation is evolving rapidly. Emerging contaminants, resource optimisation and more sustainable approaches are creating new challenges, while technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are opening up new possibilities.
AI and machine learning are currently among the areas Litoclean is following through ITRC. For Sonia Baluk, AI “represents a huge opportunity — but also a real challenge, given how fast it’s evolving.” The key is to integrate it into day-to-day projects while maintaining “the same high standard of diagnosis and investigation we’ve always delivered to our clients.”
This reflects Litoclean’s broader approach to innovation: participating in international working groups, staying close to research and bringing new knowledge into real-world projects. Embracing innovation is part of Litoclean’s DNA, and integrating AI and digitalisation should be a natural, considered step — not a disruptive one.
Ultimately, our participation in ITRC allows Litoclean to connect global knowledge with practical application, strengthening our technical capabilities, developing our people and helping us deliver more advanced, robust and sustainable solutions for environmental remediation.
