Puragen offers complete PFAS destruction through reliable thermal reactivation, offering full compliance, environmental safety and sustainable carbon reuse.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals, renowned for their persistence within the environment and defiance against degradation. With their ongoing widespread use and evidence pointing towards potential health impacts, the introduction of strict requirements surrounding the handling, treatment and disposal of PFAS has become more prevalent than ever.
Managing PFAS as POPs
Certain PFAS are now classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under international and EU/UK law. When these substances are present in waste exceeding the defined strict limits, they must be treated as POP waste. This means the material cannot be recycled, reused, or recovered unless the PFAS is completely destroyed.
For activated carbon users, a technology which is commonly utilised for PFAS capture, this creates a major challenge. Once a material is saturated with PFAS, the spent carbon must be managed responsibly and compliantly.
Our Solution
At Puragen, we provide a fully compliant and unique thermal reactivation process for PFAS-contaminated activated carbon. Our process has been independently inspected and approved by the UK Environment Agency.
Unlike standard regeneration plants, our facility is specifically designed to achieve complete PFAS destruction, not just reduce or dilute it.
This advanced approach ensures:
- Full compliance with EU/UK POP waste regulations.
- Eliminates risk of PFAS re-entering the environment.
- A sustainable alternative to mass incineration, as spent carbons are recycled for reuse.
Why it Matters
It had been previously thought that Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 prohibits the reactivation of spent activated carbon containing PFAS. However, this interpretation is not accurate, and any POPs present can be destroyed if the process is capable of doing so efficiently. In practice:
- Facility capabilities and treatment standards differ considerably.
- Many standard regeneration plants cannot achieve the destruction levels required for PFAS during reactivation.
- Some operators accept spent carbon below POP thresholds but may not achieve complete PFAS destruction.
Consequently, this means that PFAS may continue to persist in the environment, even at concentrations below regulatory limits. Puragen’s advanced technology provides peace of mind, with our facility specifically engineered to destroy PFAS entirely, with full protection, compliance, and not hidden behind loopholes.
The Advantage for You
Puragen’s reactivation facility is one of the few in the UK that is specifically engineered and independently proven to achieve complete destruction of PFAS. We offer a fully compliant, sustainable alternative to conventional disposal methods, providing our customers with total confidence that their PFAS is handled safely and responsibly. With Puragen, you benefit from:
- Assurance of regulatory compliance with the Stockholm Convention and EU/UK POP legislation.
- Complete thermal destruction of PFAS, removing any risk of environmental reintroduction.
- A sustainable, lower-impact alternative to landfill or incineration, through the reactivation and reuse of activated carbon.
Along the journey, you can be confident that your PFAS waste is being managed responsibly, sustainably and fully in line with evolving legal requirements.
Achieve Complete PFAS Abatement with Puragen
We understand that for many sectors, managing PFAS is a growing challenge, which is why we offer proven full PFAS destruction, while maintaining environmental standards and regulatory compliance. From mobile carbon filters offering plug-and-play installation to our award-winning thermal reactivation facility, we deliver a comprehensive service across your carbon’s lifespan.
No matter the waste source, Puragen can provide quality solutions in PFAS abatement. Get in touch with a member of our team today to explore how we can help.
