Puragen offers complete destruction of PFAS through reliable thermal reactivation, ensuring full regulatory compliance, environmental safety, and sustainable carbon reuse.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation. Due to their ongoing widespread use and data indicating potential health impacts, the implementation of strict requirements for handling, treatment, and disposal of PFAS has become more prevalent than ever before.
Handling PFAS as POPs
Some PFAS are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under international and EU/UK legislation. When these substances are present in waste above defined strict limits, the waste must be considered POP-containing. This means the material cannot be recycled, reused, or recovered until the PFAS have been completely destroyed.
For users of activated carbon — a technology commonly used to capture PFAS — this presents a significant challenge. Once the carbon is saturated with PFAS, the spent material must be managed responsibly and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Our Solution
Puragen offers a unique thermal reactivation process for PFAS-contaminated activated carbon that fully complies with all regulatory requirements. Our process has been independently verified and approved by the UK Environment Agency.
Unlike standard regeneration facilities, our plant is specifically designed to achieve complete destruction of PFAS, rather than merely reducing or diluting its concentration.
This advanced approach ensures:
- Full compliance with EU/UK POP waste regulations.
- Eliminates the risk of PFAS re-entering the environment.
- A sustainable alternative to mass incineration, as the spent carbon is recycled for reuse.
Why this Matters
Previously, it was believed that Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 prohibited the reactivation of spent activated carbon containing PFAS. However, this interpretation is not accurate, and any POPs present can be destroyed if the treatment process is capable of doing so effectively. In practice:
- The capabilities of facilities and treatment standards vary significantly.
- Many standard regeneration plants are unable to achieve the destruction levels required to eliminate PFAS during reactivation.
- Some operators accept spent carbon below POP threshold limits but are still unable to achieve complete PFAS destruction.
As a result, PFAS may continue to persist in the environment, even at concentrations below current regulatory thresholds.
The Benefit for Our Customers
The Puragen reactivation facility is one of the few in the UK specifically designed and independently tested to achieve complete PFAS destruction. We provide a fully compliant, sustainable alternative to traditional disposal methods, giving our customers complete confidence that their PFAS is being managed safely and responsibly. With Puragen, you benefit from:
- Regulatory compliance with the Stockholm Convention and EU/UK POPs legislation.
- Complete thermal destruction of PFAS, eliminating any risk of re-release into the environment..
- A sustainable, lower-impact alternative to landfill or incineration through the reactivation and reuse of activated carbon.
With this approach, you can be confident that your PFAS waste is being handled to the highest environmental and regulatory standards.
Achieve complete PFAS destruction with Puragen
Puragen is proud to offer and supply a wide range of high-performance activated carbon solutions. Our granular and powdered activated carbon products, manufactured from carbon-rich sources such as coconut shell, coal, or wood, consistently deliver high-quality purification results.
We understand that managing PFAS is an increasing challenge across many industries, which is why we offer proven complete PFAS destruction while maintaining environmental standards and regulatory compliance. From plug-and-play mobile carbon filtration systems to our award-winning thermal reactivation facility, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire service life of your carbon.
Whatever the source of contamination, Puragen can provide effective solutions to reduce PFAS impact. Contact a member of our team today to discuss how we can help.
