– EFT and Ushio to Demonstrate an Integrated, Innovative PFAS Recovery and Neutralization Process – 

Emulsion Flow Technologies Ltd. (Head Office: Tokai, Ibaraki Prefecture; President/CEO: Hiroshi Suzuki, hereinafter “EFT”) and Ushio Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President/CEO: Takafumi Asahi, hereinafter “Ushio”) are pleased to announce that their jointly proposed technology has been selected for the Ministry of the Environment’s “Demonstration Project for Technologies to Reduce PFOS Concentrations.”
This project aims to socially implement a fully integrated process for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that combines highly efficient recovery and concentration with photodegradation-based neutralization. 

1.Background: Why PFAS Treatment Is Urgently Needed

PFAS are synthetic compounds widely used for their excellent water and heat resistance in products such as food packaging, cookware, fire-fighting foams, and semiconductors. However, PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and human body, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.” Concerns about their carcinogenicity and effects on immune function have grown. Notably, PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) are regulated under the Stockholm Convention and are principally banned from manufacture and import in Japan. In addition, the provisional guidance value of 50 ng/L for PFOS/PFOA in water will become an official drinking water quality standard under Japan’s Water Supply Act starting April 2026. Yet, instances of PFAS-contaminated wastewater and leachate exceeding this level have recently been detected across the country, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment technologies.

2.Technology Overview: A Breakthrough in Combined Recovery and Decomposition

■ “Emulsion Flow” – EFT’s Selective PFAS Recovery and Concentration Technology

Developed originally at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Emulsion Flow is a next-generation solvent extraction process offering 4–10 times the processing capacity of traditional mixer-settler systems, while reducing equipment size by over 75%.
EFT has adapted this technology to selectively extract and concentrate a wide range of PFAS—from short to long chain species—from industrial wastewater and landfill leachate, even at ppm levels. The process achieves up to 10,000-fold concentration, contributing to volume reduction of residuals, lower incineration load, and significant CO₂ emissions reduction. 

■ Photodegradation Technology by Ushio

Ushio’s proprietary photodegradation technology directly breaks down PFAS in aqueous solutions using light, without the need for catalysts or additives. This first-of-its-kind Japanese technology combines 172 nm excimer lamps with hydroxyl radicals and hydrated electrons to decompose high-concentration PFAS (ppm level) under ambient conditions, achieving over 99% degradation into harmless compounds such as fluorosilicic acid and CO₂. 

■ Integration of Technologies

By integrating EFT’s Emulsion Flow and Ushio’s photodegradation process, the solution can safely and efficiently treat PFAS-containing wastewater without relying on incineration. Compared to conventional activated carbon treatment, this method offers over 98% reduction in CO₂ emissions at a lower cost.
Furthermore, the post-treatment solution can be reacted with calcium to recover fluoride in the form of fluorite (CaF₂), enabling practical fluorine resource recycling. 

 3.Demonstration Project Overview

The demonstration will target real-world PFAS-contaminated wastewater from two sites: 

• Final disposal site in Kyoto Prefecture: effluent containing approx. 600 ppb PFAS 

• Final disposal site in Kumamoto Prefecture: leachate containing approx. 4 ppb PFAS
  The project aims to significantly reduce PFOS and PFOA levels in these wastewaters and safely neutralize them with minimal environmental impact. 

For more information about the project, please visit our official website. 

4.Future Developments

 EFT has already filed patents for its PFAS recovery technology and is now accelerating plant development toward commercialization. Through this demonstration, EFT will evaluate applicability to various PFAS sources, including landfill leachate, in addition to conventional industrial wastewater. We are also exploring the development of compact, containerized units that can be quickly deployed for temporary PFAS recovery needs such as environmental remediation. Our goal is to bring this accessible PFAS treatment technology into practical use within a few years and ensure broad adoption for global impact. 

Company Profile
Company Name: Emulsion Flow Technologies Ltd.
Headquarters: 7-5 Shirakata, Tokai, Naka-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
Founded: April 5, 2021
President/CEO: Hiroshi Suzuki
Business Domains: 

• Resource circulation, with a focus on rare metal recycling from lithium-ion batteries 
• Environmental solutions for the recovery of PFAS and other pollutants 
• Contract R&D services for extraction process development, plant design, and implementation 

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