Around 500 tonnes of PFAS-containing firefighting foam from New Zealand is being transported to Finland for specialist treatment and disposal in an international hazardous-waste cooperation involving NG Nordic .

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, can persist in the environment for long periods and require specialised treatment under strict regulatory controls.

Limited treatment capacity

The challenge is not simply where the waste is located, but where the technology and expertise exist to treat it safely.

NG Nordic says only a limited number of facilities worldwide can provide the specialist capabilities required for complex PFAS-containing waste streams. The first shipment has now arrived safely in Finland, with additional shipments planned during the year.

The project combines hazardous-waste treatment, international logistics and regulatory compliance to manage a waste stream for which treatment options remain limited globally.

International cooperation

“This is an important step in reducing the environmental legacy of PFAS-containing firefighting foams and supporting responsible hazardous waste management,” says Lisa Moen, CCO International Sales in NG Nordic’s downstream division.

The project highlights a growing challenge for hazardous-waste management: some waste streams require international cooperation because specialist treatment capacity is concentrated in a limited number of facilities.

Source: NG Nordic