Recyclable precision materials to capture forever chemicals with reduced carbon footprint

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are \>4700 human-made chemicals, used in broad applications in UK industries (OECD). The UK government (April 2023) published a report on Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA) on PFAS; the launch of the UK REACH programme intended to restrict PFAS, noting that **'there is widespread human and wildlife \[detrimental\] exposure via surface waters and groundwater'**. The looming regulatory landscape requires a step-change in PFAS management in industry to continue operations and maintain competitiveness.

Current state-of-the-art for PFAS removal is petroleum-derived ion-exchange and carbon-based granular activated carbon, designed to be single use and ineffective at meeting the more stringent 2023 regulations, **leaving an immediate market gap**. End- of-life fate for these PFAS-laden materials is incineration or landfill, **highlighted in the April 2023 RMOA report as a major environmental exposure route** for PFAS.

This holds back the Net Zero journey by requiring additional carbon footprint to manufacture virgin material, dispose of single use material at 1100C incineration and transport large volumes of hazardous waste. **A substantial void exists for a sustainable "cradle-to-grave" PFAS treatment process**, to protect the environment and businesses from future PFAS liabilities.

**Puraffinity has developed a predictive materials development engine for sustainable PFAS targeted adsorbent material**. We will develop the next generation of **recyclable** adsorbents in this project using a TRL3-proven step called regeneration, thereby enabling Safe Engineered End of Life and aligning PFAS treatment to the Net Zero journey.

**The technology targets industrial sectors that require PFAS water treatment at source**, and additional markets needing PFAS removal. Markets are local and international, focusing on regulated EU and US geographies.

The manufacturing sector is valued at $trillions with a CAGR\>10%, making it attractive for technology adoption that facilitate sustainability. It is assumed that the emerging PFAS TAM is roughly $12B, growing at a CAGR\>10% in line with the regulatory landscape.

**Puraffinity's experienced multi-disciplinary team will enable successful delivery of this project**. The company projects being able to attain ca. 10% of the PFAS SAM within 7 years (~£600m turnover), utilising channel partners, representing a solid ROI.

WP1-3 focus on development, refinement and testing of regenerable materials. WP4 is the commercialisation/exploitation activity, whilst WP5 will ensure the project plan is executed on time and to budget.

**Supply of a reusable technology to address imminent environmental regulation will accelerate the Net Zero journey**, promote employment in the UK and de-risk financial liabilities for the industrial sector.