Euronews Tech Talks A world without PFAS
Oct 1, 2025
Fajer Mushtaq, co-founder and CEO of Oxyle, dives into her startup's groundbreaking work on PFAS treatment in wastewater. She shares insights on innovative technologies like Oxfoam, Oxlite, and OxSignal that target these harmful substances. The discussion also highlights the challenges of scaling cleantech solutions, including funding and supply chain issues. Additionally, the ZeroF project is introduced, showcasing alternatives in food packaging and textiles, tackling the technical hurdles of replacing PFAS while emphasizing the importance of recyclability and market adoption.
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Foam Concentrates PFAS Efficiently
- Foam fractionation exploits PFAS' surfactant properties to concentrate them in the foam layer.
- This up-concentration lets Oxyle treat a tiny volume instead of huge water volumes, reducing footprint and cost.
Treating Short-Chain PFAS
- Oxyle claims capability to destroy short and ultra-short chain PFAS that commonly pass other treatments.
- Targeting these mobile, hard-to-treat compounds addresses the main gap in existing filtration and destruction methods.
Prepare For Hard Scaling Realities
- Deep-tech water startups should plan for engineering scale-up, supply-chain and fundraising challenges.
- Seek investors who understand long timelines and the critical role of water in sustainability.