Dutch Innovators Combat 'Forever Chemicals' with Sustainable Solutions
Zwijndrecht, Thursday, 9 October 2025.
Entrepreneurs in the Netherlands are developing methods to destroy harmful PFAS and create safer alternatives, addressing severe pollution issues and health risks in areas like Zwijndrecht.
Pioneering Solutions for PFAS Containment
In the Netherlands, entrepreneurs and scientists are fervently working to tackle the widespread issue of PFAS contamination, particularly in areas like Zwijndrecht, which have been significantly impacted by industrial pollution. Fajer Mushtaq, the CEO and co-founder of Oxyle, is leading efforts with innovative techniques to contain and eliminate PFAS from wastewater. Oxyle’s approach, which involves a three-step process—OxFoam, OxLight, and OxSignal—targets PFAS in a manner that many other technologies do not. OxFoam separates PFAS from water, OxLight breaks the robust carbon-fluorine bonds using light, and OxSignal ensures continuous monitoring of PFAS concentrations [1].
Advancements in Sustainable Alternatives
Parallel to efforts in PFAS destruction, the ZeroF project, led by Miika Nikinmaa and Diana Lau, is making strides in developing sustainable alternatives to PFAS-laden materials. Their focus is on creating PFAS-free coatings for food packaging and textiles, aiming to match the performance of PFAS-based products without the environmental and health drawbacks. The challenge lies in developing coatings that offer similar resistance to water and oil while being safe for human health and the environment [1][2].
Regulatory and Environmental Context
The urgency of these innovations is underscored by regulatory developments and mounting public health concerns. The European Union, along with countries like the Netherlands, is pushing for a comprehensive ban on PFAS by 2026, following extensive research into their health risks and environmental impact [3]. In Belgium, the town of Zwijndrecht has been a focal point for PFAS pollution, primarily due to emissions from a 3M chemical plant. Residents have faced significant lifestyle changes and health risks due to PFAS contamination, which has prompted local and international calls for more stringent regulations and innovative remediation technologies [2].
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The ongoing work by Dutch innovators like Mushtaq, Nikinmaa, and Lau exemplifies a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. By developing technologies that address both PFAS destruction and the creation of viable alternatives, these initiatives offer hope for reducing the prevalence and impact of ‘forever chemicals’. Such efforts are vital as the EU moves towards implementing a ban on PFAS, aiming to safeguard future generations from the adverse effects of these persistent pollutants [1][3].