PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' - Search, Capture & Destroy

PFAS (per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances) is a chemical family consisting of at least 5,000 individual compounds. They are sometimes referred to as “forever” chemicals because of their persistence in the environment. These compounds, which are now known to pose serious health risks for humans and animals, have been widely used in industry since the 1950s, for products including non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, food packaging and fabric coatings. PFAS-group “Forever” Chemicals are now the number one environmental concern for many industrial sectors, notably the chemical industry and water utilities. The aim of our “Search, Capture & Destroy” project, developed in-house by our technical team, was to be able to offer a state-of-the-art abatement technology that includes the removal of PFAS from water using optimised granular activated carbons (GAC), followed complete destruction of the PFAS molecules via advanced thermal reactivation techniques. It is the only PFAS-removal technology that is truly sustainable, since the GAC reactivated via our process can be reused for water treatment and other purification applications. The key issue was to prove that the PFAS molecules have been completely destroyed in our process, since many in our sector believed that this would not be possible. The technology has recently been awarded a Gold Award in the 2024 Green Apple Environment Awards, and we are keen to share this breakthrough with the ChemUK attendees at the NEC.

David Reay is Head of Strategic Partnerships for CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons. He graduated with a Masters Degree in Chemistry and has enjoyed a varied and interesting commercial career in a number of industrial sectors, including chemicals, automotive and aerospace. He has held senior strategy/marketing roles in the activated carbon industry for over 16 years and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He is passionate about environmental issues and is an experienced public speaker. He particularly enjoys communicating the numerous applications and benefits of activated carbon purification technology.