#United States #Illinois #PFAS #DEXSORB #Kurita

Kurita's Strategic Investment in PFAS Solutions

Kurita, a Japanese company based in Nakano, has announced its recent investment in Cyclopure Inc., a U.S.-based firm specializing in the development of innovative PFAS adsorbents. This partnership grants Kurita exclusive rights for the industrial and municipal water application of Cyclopure's DEXSORB material in the United States. With this collaboration, Kurita aims to significantly accelerate its PFAS mitigation initiatives starting from the U.S. market.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of over 10,000 chemicals, with specific compounds like PFOS and PFOA known for their ability to repel water and oil, as well as their high thermal and chemical resistance. These properties have led to their widespread use in both industrial and consumer products. However, due to their hazardous nature—including carcinogenic effects and impacts on children's growth—regulations on PFAS have been tightening in recent years, especially in Europe and the U.S. Notably, new regulations in the U.S. are expected to take effect in 2024, setting limits of 4 ng/L for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

In light of these developments, the demand for effective PFAS analysis, removal, and treatment solutions is rising rapidly. Cyclopure, founded in 2016 in Evanston, Illinois, excels in creating water treatment technologies specifically targeting PFAS. The company's leading product, DEXSORB, leverages plant-based β-cyclodextrin to selectively remove PFAS from water. It's designed to maintain stable performance even in varying water quality conditions, minimally affected by natural organic matter (NOM), inorganic ions, or pH levels. Its easy regeneration process and ability to concentrate PFAS waste further enhance its utility. DEXSORB is already being used to facilitate PFAS removal and waste concentration in various applications, including municipal and industrial wastewater, groundwater, and residential settings.

Kurita's U.S. branch, Kurita America Inc., is committed to expanding its partnership with Cyclopure, having entered into a pact in September 2025, to enhance PFAS removal solutions. As part of this partnership, Kurita America is currently validating the use of DEXSORB in water treatment facilities serving municipal and industrial markets across the U.S. Additionally, Kurita America will oversee the design, construction, and operational testing of a regeneration facility in Michigan, where used DEXSORB will undergo regeneration and PFAS waste will be processed.

Going forward, both Kurita America and Cyclopure will work together towards launching commercial-scale DEXSORB regeneration plants and distributing regenerated products, targeting U.S. municipal and industrial sectors. They also aim to accumulate evidence of DEXSORB's effectiveness in complying with rigorous U.S. regulatory standards for PFAS removal in water treatment systems.

Through these joint efforts, the Kurita Group seeks to establish a solid foundation for expanding its PFAS mitigation solutions, starting in the U.S. and potentially extending to markets in Japan, Europe, and beyond.

Since its inception, the Kurita Group has utilized its extensive expertise in water treatment technologies to provide valuable innovations, products, and services. The company's mission continues to focus on addressing societal challenges related to water and the environment, ultimately contributing to the achievement of a sustainable society.

Notes:

1. PFAS refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a collective term for synthetic organic compounds that include perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

2. PFOS stands for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid.

3. For further details, refer to Kurita America's news release dated September 30, 2025, titled "Kurita America and Cyclopure to Deliver Groundbreaking PFAS Removal and Regeneration Solutions."