Gradiant Advances ForeverGone Platform, Setting a New Standard for PFAS Destruction with Cost-Effective and Sustainable Technology
Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and wastewater solutions, has announced major advancements in its ForeverGone PFAS destruction platform, positioning it as one of the most effective and sustainable methods for eliminating persistent and harmful chemicals from industrial wastewater. This breakthrough technology addresses one of the most pressing challenges in water treatment today: the safe, permanent, and economical removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Destroying PFAS at the Source
ForeverGone is the first fully integrated platform capable of destroying PFAS compounds directly on-site, rather than merely capturing them for offsite disposal. By combining microfoam fractionation with advanced electro-oxidation, the system achieves removal rates of 99–99.9%, including for short-chain PFAS that often evade conventional treatment technologies. Unlike traditional methods such as granular activated carbon (GAC) or ion exchange resin (IER), which rely on capturing and storing PFAS, ForeverGone eliminates these contaminants completely. This approach mitigates environmental risks and removes the need for costly disposal, providing industries with a safer, more sustainable solution.
A Breakthrough in Cost Efficiency
One of the platform’s most remarkable achievements is its operating cost, which ranges from only $0.10 to $0.20 per cubic meter—substantially lower than conventional GAC or IER treatments, which can cost $0.50 to $2.00 per cubic meter. With a primary energy consumption of approximately 0.5 kWh per cubic meter, the system ensures operational efficiency while reducing energy costs. On-site treatment also eliminates the added expenses and risks associated with transporting PFAS-laden waste to disposal facilities.
“ForeverGone represents a new model for PFAS management,” said Anurag Bajpayee, co-founder and CEO of Gradiant. “By treating PFAS at the source, we solve the disposal problem while delivering a solution that is both cost-effective and sustainable. As regulations tighten globally, particularly in Europe and Asia, and industries in the U.S. prepare for stricter standards, ForeverGone provides our customers with the confidence to comply today and be ready for the future. With emerging concerns around compounds like trifluoroacetic acid, our platform lays the groundwork for leadership in managing the next generation of contaminants.”
High-Profile Installation at Munich International Airport
Gradiant has recently deployed a ForeverGone system at Munich International Airport to address contamination caused by firefighting aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). This installation underscores the platform’s versatility and ability to handle complex, high-stakes PFAS challenges. Early results from the site demonstrate the system’s exceptional performance, validating its suitability for both industrial-scale applications and sensitive environments where contamination risks are high.
Compact, Mobile, and Flexible Design
Following four years of research and development, Gradiant has dramatically reduced the size of its electro-oxidation component, known as the Destruction Engine, by over 100 times, achieving just 2% of the original system’s volume. When combined with microfoam fractionation, this compact design creates a mobile, flexible solution that can be deployed in both permanent facilities and temporary remediation projects, making it highly adaptable to a wide range of industrial and environmental scenarios.
Regulatory Drivers Fueling Global Demand
Global demand for PFAS remediation solutions is accelerating as regulatory frameworks tighten:
- Taiwan: Semiconductor discharge limits set at 1.2 ppb, with compliance requiring double-sampling protocols.
- South Korea: Heightened controls on industrial PFAS discharges.
- China: Stricter limits on PFAS in drinking water.
- Europe: Already enforcing rigorous PFAS restrictions.
- United States: Ongoing development of regulatory standards, including guidelines for leachate treatment, which are expected to drive widespread adoption of PFAS remediation technologies.
Expanding Beyond PFAS
In addition to PFAS, Gradiant is exploring opportunities with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a byproduct of pharmaceutical manufacturing. With the EU expected to finalize regulations on TFA in 2026, this emerging market could further extend the application of the ForeverGone platform and related technologies.
Engage with Gradiant at WEFTEC 2025
Gradiant will showcase the ForeverGone system at WEFTEC Chicago, from September 29 to October 2, at booth 3867. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the platform, observe live demonstrations, and learn more about its capabilities in sustainable PFAS management.
About Gradiant
Gradiant is a pioneering water company delivering end-to-end solutions for advanced water and wastewater treatment across critical industries including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy. By leveraging proprietary technologies, Gradiant reduces water use, recycles valuable resources, and transforms wastewater into potable water. Founded at MIT and headquartered in Boston, Gradiant employs more than 1,300 professionals worldwide.
