Yokogawa Corporation of America and Australian cleantech company Synergen Met Limited announce a partnership regarding the remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” in North America. This relationship will leverage the unique strengths of both companies. Synergen Met will provide its foam fractionation and thermal plasma technologies that capture, concentrate, and totally destroy PFAS without creating harmful, residual byproducts. Yokogawa will provide sensor, control, and remote access technology to enable remote autonomous operations, along with local manufacturing, support, and services. Together, the two companies are committed to a shared mission to address the pervasive issue of PFAS contamination affecting society.
PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, such as fire retardants, nonstick materials, and rainproof clothing. Known for their robust chemical structure, PFAS compounds are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their enduring presence in water bodies and landfills. Their resistance to degradation contributes to their persistence, posing long-term environmental and health challenges.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the PFAS group of chemicals is associated with many impacts on human health, including reproductive effects, developmental effects in children, increased risk of cancers, reduction in the ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, interference with the body’s natural hormones, and increased cholesterol levels.
To begin to address this, the EPA recently established legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for PFAS within the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR), which apply to public water systems. “Yokogawa is proud to take this significant step forward regarding the issue of PFAS. We are collaborating and investing in best-in-class treatment technologies to address environmental challenges in line with our corporate sustainability goals for net zero emissions, circular economy, and human well-being,” commented Steve Hayden, Industry Director at Yokogawa Corporation of America. “This is co-innovation at its best. We have high expectations for leveraging Synergen Met’s unique technologies in North America.” 2
“Synergen Met is delighted to be collaborating with Yokogawa to roll out our PFAS technology in North America,” said Christopher Dunks, Managing Director. “The delivery of our powerful PFAS concentration and destruction technology requires best-in-class automation and project delivery capability. Yokogawa delivers this as a core competence, and we look forward to building out critical treatment solutions together.”