Can Integrated Tech Rescue Europe’s PFAS Response?

Saur’s PFAS Resolve and Coldep tech drive faster PFAS compliance amid tightening European rules

12 Nov 2025

Europe’s water sector is increasing investment in new PFAS treatment systems as regulators tighten limits on the chemicals and utilities seek clearer routes to long-term compliance. Saur has moved early, linking its new PFAS Resolve platform with a majority stake in Coldep to create a more unified approach to detection, concentration and final treatment.

The strategy brings Coldep’s foam fractionation process, known as VAL and VFF, into a wider treatment framework. The technology isolates PFAS in water and concentrates them into smaller volumes, allowing downstream steps to run at lower cost and with less energy. Pilot sites in France and Belgium have reported concentration factors of up to 200 times in certain industrial wastewaters, reducing the amount that requires final treatment.

Industry executives argue that Europe will struggle to meet its PFAS targets without integrated methods. Analysts say that combining high efficiency concentration with advanced detection could ease long-standing pressures around throughput and logistics. Operators testing VAL and VFF systems point to improved capture of long-chain PFAS and steadier performance during fluctuating flow conditions.

Competition is increasing as utilities reassess their options. Veolia is expanding high temperature destruction units across Europe, while Axine is promoting an electrical oxidation system aimed at degrading PFAS without reliance on large scale incineration. The wider range of options offers utilities more flexibility but also raises uncertainty over which platforms will dominate as rules evolve.

Several challenges remain, including limited operating data for different water types and questions over newer PFAS variants that can bypass established removal methods. Even so, many in the sector view Saur’s investment in Coldep as a significant step that aligns technical development with regulatory expectations.

With compliance deadlines approaching and public attention growing, the region’s water industry is entering a period of rapid change. The choices made by operators and regulators in the coming years are likely to shape PFAS management across Europe for the long term.