As tighter regulations for PFAS pend, this startup is making forever chemicals not so forever
- Miquéla Thornton
- Nov 11, 2023
- 3 min read
As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Michael S. Regan announced at a stop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Wednesday, by the end of the year, the agency will finalize the national standards for PFAS in water. In March, the EPA proposed the first-ever limits on PFAS, aka “forever chemicals” in the United States, and while it made history, it won’t be set in stone until finalized.
Removing PFAS from drinking water is essential for our health. Found in the body of every American, they are linked to a slew of diseases and conditions including liver damage, high cholesterol, and multiple types of cancer; not to mention the toll they take on the environment.
However, removing them elicits a hefty bill.
PFAS are in almost any product you can think of from clothes, cookware, and electronics to medical devices, firefighting foams, and cosmetics. With centuries of production, they’ve evaded our water sources, and as the name “forever chemicals” implies, aren’t easy to get rid of.
Not only would it cost companies in the chemical industry an estimated $1 billion to comply with the March version of the proposed rules, but as a report commissioned by the American Water Works Association details, just cleaning up PFAS waste at U.S. military bases could cost at least $10 billion, and removing them from drinking water would add another $3.2 billion to the tab.
That’s why instead of simply removing them, Massachusetts-based startup, Aclarity is destroying them in water, stopping its persistent presence in the environment at the source. The company’s Octa system offers, what they call, a sustainable solution for the complete eradication of PFAS contaminants — they’re working with operators of landfills, water and wastewater treatment plants, and industrial facilities to get the job done.
Led by Aqualateral, with participation from HG Ventures, Bidra Innovation Ventures, Nor'easter Ventures, MassVentures, and Burnt Island Ventures, Alacrity just raised $16.6 million in Series A funding to keep its elimination operation going and help companies keep up with the pending federal standards. With the investment, the startup aims to broaden the range of industries it serves.
"The industry is overwhelmingly demanding a solution to the PFAS problem, responding to existing and pending regulations. We are extremely grateful for the enthusiastic support from our investors and the confidence they have shown in our mission to combat the widespread issue of PFAS contamination," said Julie Bliss Mullen, founder and CEO of Aclarity, in a statement, "The Series A funding is already enabling us to grow our team, build more PFAS destruction skids and bring them to more communities and industries, ultimately making a lasting positive impact on public health and the environment."
As the startup scales from traditional industries requiring PFAS removal or destruction like waste management operators, to others like food and beverage manufacturing and the pulp and paper industry, it is looking to deploy its mobile systems across the globe.
In addition to its ability to completely eradicate PFAS, the startup also boasts other advantages including its cost-effectiveness, environmental safety, and efficiency, which according to Aclarity, make it more sustainable than traditional PFAS remediation methods.
On top of being more sustainable in its methods, destruction instead of removal is also more sustainable in the long run, the startup argues. As Aclarity explains on its website, for landfills in particular, when implemented properly, its tech can eliminate the need for PFAS removal in the future.
According to Jiten Manglani, Aqualateral's chief investment officer, "Aclarity has the potential to revolutionize the field of environmental remediation and solve one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”
"The Aclarity team has the capacity and vision to deliver far-reaching transformative results to communities across the globe,” he added.
The efforts of a startup working to make forever chemicals less harmful as tighter PFAS regulations approach highlight the importance of innovation and responsibility in addressing global challenges. Similarly, in the real estate sector, navigating regulations and ensuring compliance is key to protecting investments. Many rely on Real Estate Attorneys Dubai to provide trusted legal advice, manage contracts, and resolve complex property matters. With expert support, investors can confidently face challenges while securing long-term success.
This is an exciting step forward in tackling the environmental threat posed by PFAS, often known as “forever chemicals.” Innovations like this give hope that harmful substances can be managed more responsibly for the future. Just like how eco-conscious Flooring Stores Whitby are now offering safer, sustainable options for homeowners, the shift toward greener technologies is shaping a healthier world. Regulations play a key role in driving these positive changes, ensuring businesses innovate responsibly. It’s great to see startups leading the way in solving problems once thought impossible.
It's encouraging to see startups tackling the serious issue of PFAS and working toward real solutions to reduce their long-term impact. Innovations like these are vital for a healthier planet. As more industries shift toward sustainability, sourcing natural alternatives becomes even more important. If you're looking for high-quality natural products, finding a reliable Pink Salt supplier in UAE is a great step in the right direction.
This is such an exciting development, as tackling PFAS with innovative solutions is crucial for a healthier environment and future generations. Just like how sustainable technologies are transforming industries, homeowners are also turning to All season sunrooms to create eco-friendly living spaces that blend comfort with nature. The idea of making "forever chemicals" not so forever really aligns with the shift toward greener, more responsible choices. These advancements prove that science and design can both work toward sustainability. It’s inspiring to see startups and homeowners alike embracing innovation for long-term well-being.
It’s impressive to see startups innovating solutions to address PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.” With tighter regulations coming, tackling this environmental challenge is crucial for both human health and ecological safety. As someone working as a Garment exporter in Pakistan, I admire how innovation and responsibility can align to create a more sustainable future — a principle that benefits every industry worldwide.