Veolia has begun deploying its patented Drop® technology across 20 hazardous-waste incineration lines in seven European countries. The process is designed to destroy selected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which persist because their carbon-fluorine bonds are exceptionally difficult to break.
Drop adds a catalyst during thermal treatment above 900°C to accelerate PFAS degradation and mineralisation. The process also treats the acidic gases created during destruction, converting them into simpler non-toxic mineral substances while reducing corrosion and fouling risks inside the plant.
Testing campaigns conducted since 2022 reported destruction and removal efficiencies of up to 99.9999% for several targeted polymeric and non-polymeric PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS. Stack measurements used US Environmental Protection Agency sampling methods for both semi-volatile and volatile PFAS.
The first European deployment covers facilities in France, Germany, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Hungary. Drop forms part of Veolia’s BeyondPFAS service, which combines analysis, treatment and remediation for industrial effluents, contaminated soil and groundwater, and wastes containing persistent pollutants.
