Europe Unveils Game-Changer in Eliminating Forever Chemicals

Veolia's new tech claims near-total PFAS destruction as EU rules sharpen

30 Jun 2025

Europe's waste industry has begun rolling out a new treatment process that targets PFAS, the long-lasting chemicals found in soils and waterways, in what is being described as the first scalable solution for their elimination.

The technology, branded Drop® and developed by Veolia, uses very high temperatures combined with a catalyst to neutralise the compounds. Tests using US Environmental Protection Agency sampling methods OTM-45 and OTM-50 reported destruction rates of up to 99.9999 per cent. Veolia is installing the system at 20 hazardous-waste facilities in France, Germany and the UK.

The launch comes as the European Chemicals Agency prepares broad restrictions on PFAS use, following decades of concern over their presence in consumer products such as non-stick coatings and firefighting foams. The compounds' durability has made them both commercially valuable and a growing environmental hazard.

"This is a decisive step in reducing global exposure to forever chemicals," said Catherine Ricou, chief executive of Veolia Hazardous Waste Europe. "We are not only delivering for today's regulations but also preparing for tomorrow's expectations."

Industry analysts said the new process could reshape contract standards, pushing companies to demand higher levels of PFAS destruction and weakening the case for older containment methods.

Some experts cautioned that the system's energy requirements and ability to handle diverse waste streams still need to be assessed. Nevertheless, many in the sector view the deployment as a turning point, noting that near-total elimination at industrial scale had previously proved elusive.

With public concern rising and regulatory measures tightening, Drop® is likely to serve as a benchmark for hazardous-waste treatment. The technology aligns with European efforts to reduce exposure to PFAS and could accelerate a shift in how waste companies manage one of the most persistent environmental challenges.