The Water and Carbon Group secures $US10M to expand PFAS treatment technology globally

Brisbane-based The Water and Carbon Group has raised $US10 million in capital to accelerate the deployment of its innovative PFAS treatment technology, the LEEF System®, globally. The environmental engineering company has made significant inroads into the US market in 2024, launching its first operational fixed-plant at Bethlehem Landfill Company in Pennsylvania in July.

“The funds will enable us to fast-track our USA expansion where we are focused on PFAS treatment in complex wastewaters,” The Water and Carbon Group CEO Jim Hunter said.

PFAS (per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) have been used in products like firefighting foam, food packaging and water-repellent fabrics. They are frequently referred to as “forever chemicals” due to the length of time it takes them to naturally degrade, and they have been shown to bioaccumulate and pose serious health risks. The liquid that drains from a landfill, called leachate, can contain significant levels of PFAS. The LEEF System is designed to intercept and remove PFAS from this leachate.

PFAS has been getting international attention, with increasing levels being detected in water sources across the globe. This includes levels detected in June this year within Australia’s drinking water guidelines (but above US safety thresholds) in Sydney’s drinking water catchment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set stringent standards at four parts per trillion for the two most common PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA, in drinking water.

The Water and Carbon Group’s share issuance for the capital raise includes new investments from global investment firm Emerald Technology Ventures and US-based Ecolab Inc., and a conversion of notes issued in prior investments from Australian-owned Dragonfly Enviro Capital and certain existing shareholders.

Emerald, which led the round, is known for backing innovative water technology companies.

“The Water and Carbon Group is bringing a critical solution to the global environmental challenge of PFAS contamination. The company’s success in Australia, and now the US, shows the scalable, global potential of the LEEF System,” said Emerald Investment Director Julien Dillon, who will join The Water and Carbon Group’s Board.

The LEEF System first proved its effectiveness in Australia, where it has been operational for nearly two years at the Shoal Bay Leachate Treatment Plant in Darwin, treating approximately 51 million litres of leachate annually. The project showed the system’s ability to address PFAS in regions with significant rainfall.

The Water and Carbon Group’s Bethlehem Landfill project in the US is already making an impact. The system capacity can treat 378,000 litres of leachate daily, reducing PFAS to non-detectable levels, well within the limits set by the US EPA.

“Our USA flagship project in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is built on our years of research, development and full-scale operational experience in Australia,” Hunter said.

With the US EPA ramping up efforts to combat PFAS through initiatives such as the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and proposed enforceable limits for PFAS compounds in drinking water, the demand for effective treatment solutions is higher than ever. The Water and Carbon Group is poised to lead the charge in providing these solutions around the world.

About The Water and Carbon Group

The Water and Carbon Group is a world leading water technology engineering firm specialising in the design, build and operation of multifunctional wastewater treatment infrastructure. The company pioneered the development of PFAS treatment technology resulting in the patented LEEF System® designed for the treatment of PFAS in complex wastewaters.

Leveraging its experience within the wastewater and ecological fields, The Water and Carbon Group provides expertise and technology to deliver low-cost treatment and reuse solutions that have significant economic and sustainability advantages over other methodologies currently deployed in the market.

The Water and Carbon Group approach is to create leading environmental solutions to complex problems that deliver lasting, positive outcomes for people and the environment.

About Emerald

Emerald is a globally recognised venture capital firm, founded in 2000, that manages and advises assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore. The firm invests in start- ups that tackle big challenges in climate change and sustainability, with four current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of US$15 billion, employs more than 46,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimise water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets.

For more information, contact:

Angie Christofis: [email protected] +61 (0)408 324 774

Michaela Ryan: [email protected] +61 (0)423 378 250