Activated carbon is the most common technology to remove odor and taste in drinking water, as well as micropollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water treatment applications. Micropollutant removal, Kemira said, is expected to become increasingly relevant for water and wastewater treatment plants due to growing concern for consumer health and environmental safety. In addition, PFAS removal from drinking water and micropollutant removal from wastewater have been introduced in recent EU regulation updates.

The scope of the agreement includes the reactivation facility in Purton, UK. Reactivation regenerates spent granular or pelletized activated carbons, making them ready for another reuse cycle. The acquired facility produces the Green reactivation brand for potable water and food-related applications, as well as the Amber reactivation brand which is used for other non-food related applications. Revenue of the acquired plant in 2023 was several millions of euros and nine employees will transfer to Kemira as part of the transaction, the company stated.

Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, president of Kemira’s Industry & Water business, said: “PFAS and other micropollutants removal from water is increasingly relevant for our customers who are compelled to comply with regulations around consumer and environmental health. Acquiring Norit’s UK carbon reactivation business bolsters our portfolio and strengthens our water treatment offering, allowing us to capitalize on a rising demand in Europe.”