#Sustainability

2025-06-27

Veolia announces a major technological breakthrough, effective to achieve up to 99.9999% destruction of targeted PFAS

Veolia announces an unprecedented technological breakthrough in Europe in the fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." Developed in the Group’s global research centers, the patented Drop® technology enables the removal of these persistent pollutants with an efficiency rate of up to 99.9999%1 on several targeted PFAS. Veolia is currently deploying the patent across its 20 incineration lines dedicated to hazardous waste in France, Germany, Spain, Poland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Veolia’s largest PFAS treatment plant sets global standard for protecting drinking water by removing regulated PFAS from up to 30 million gallons of water per day © 2025 Veolia

This major innovation addresses one of the most complex environmental challenges of our time: the treatment and disposal of PFAS and waste that may contain PFAS. These substances, used in many industrial and domestic applications since the 1940s, are particularly difficult to treat and degrade due to their carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest in organic chemistry. Their persistence in the environment and their potential effects on human health make them a concern from both a health and industrial perspective.

To develop this unique solution, Veolia drew on its 50 years of experience in hazardous waste management in more than 40 countries. The Group, which currently holds and files the largest number of patents in the world in the field of hazardous waste treatment, innovates at every stage of the waste treatment process: analysis tailored to the specific characteristics of facilities and their operation, treatment of industrial effluents, thermal treatment, soil and groundwater remediation, and final storage.

“At a time when health expectations are rising in Europe and regulations are becoming stricter, Veolia is now able to offer a wide range of tailor-made treatments, aligned with the principles of resource regeneration and the environmental challenges faced by the industry. Thanks to our patented Drop® technology, we are proud to set a European benchmark by eliminating up to 99.9999% of targeted PFAS. As a European and global leader in hazardous waste treatment, we are fully committed to continuing, as we always have, to innovate in this field, which is as complex as it is crucial for industry and health,” says Catherine Ricou, CEO, Veolia Hazardous Waste Europe

A disruptive innovation capable of eliminating targeted PFAS while preserving the integrity of industrial facilities

The Drop® technology, thanks to a catalyst added during thermal treatments, accelerates the degradation of PFAS with the aim of mineralizing them, and eliminates the acidic gases formed during the process to transform everything into simple, non-toxic mineral substances. It also drastically reduces problems of corrosion and fouling in boilers to ensure long-term reliability of installations. Its implementation is part of the BeyondPFAS offer launched by Veolia in 2024.

Based on standardized waste containing known concentrations of several target PFAS, which are also considered Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP), introduced into the furnace at over 900°C, Veolia achieved destruction efficiencies of up to 99.9999%, whether the relevant target PFAS were non-polymeric PFAS(notably PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS) or polymeric PFAS.

Through several testing campaigns conducted since 2022, and based on the sampling standards validated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), OTM-45 and OTM-50, which allow for the analysis of semi-volatile and volatile PFAS in air at the outlet of stacks, Veolia has been able to demonstrate the performance of targeted PFAS destruction in dedicated hazardous waste incineration.

1 Destruction and Removal Efficiency (DRE) (up to 6 log) and not Destruction Efficiency (DE) (up to 4 log), notably in application of the March 2025 guidance communication

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.