Veolia achieves up to 99.9999% PFAS destruction in UK testing

Veolia has achieved a PFAS destruction efficiencies rate of up to 99.9999% for nine target PFAS compounds at its UK high-temperature incineration facility

Veolia has completed testing of nine target PFAS compounds at its High Temperature Incinerator (HTI) facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, achieving destruction efficiencies of up to 99.9999%.

The results were achieved in line with internationally recognised Other Test Methods (OTM) 45 and OTM 50, according to Veolia.

The company said the results validate its capability to support the destruction of PFAS-containing waste, including a 10,000-tonne stockpile of AFFF fire suppressant at its Ellesmere Port facility.

PFAS destruction and AFFF disposal

The UK announced in February 2024 that it would ban three legacy PFAS – PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS – in line with the Stockholm Convention framework.

However, the UK has adopted a targeted, application-by-application approach to PFAS restrictions, meaning additional substances could be subject to future controls.

Veolia said its latest testing provides a basis for supporting the destruction of a wider range of PFAS compounds as regulations develop.

At its Ellesmere Port facility, Veolia is already supporting the mandatory destruction of stockpiled AFFF fire suppressant following its ban in July 2025. The company said the work will help reduce the risk of PFAS contamination reaching groundwater.

Nicola Henshaw, Managing Director Hazardous at Veolia in the UK, said: “These test results demonstrate our commitment to delivering effective, compliant solutions for managing PFAS. Our high temperature incineration process, now validated across nine key PFAS compounds, positions Veolia as a trusted partner for organisations facing the urgent challenge of PFAS disposal. This achievement reflects our role as a leader in decontamination and environmental protection, and supports Veolia’s global GreenUp strategy to deliver environmental security.”

Growing PFAS disposal market

Veolia said forecasts predict the PFAS concentration and destruction industry will be worth $8 billion by 2036.

The company has also made a number of acquisitions over the past year as part of its GreenUp strategy, strengthening its position in the emerging PFAS waste disposal sector.

Veolia said the secure disposal of concentrated PFAS waste remains a key focus of its environmental strategy as organisations face increasing regulatory requirements around the chemicals.