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Kemira to build activated carbon plant in Sweden by 2027

18 Nov '24

2 min read

Kemira to build activated carbon plant in Sweden by 2027

Pic: Kemira

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Kemira plans to invest in a reactivation plant for activated carbon at its Helsingborg site in Sweden, boosting capacity for Nordic water treatment.
Part of its strategy to double its water treatment business, the plant aims to meet rising demand for PFAS and micropollutant removal.
The project is in the pre-engineering phase and aims to be completed by the second half of 2027.

Kemira plans to expand its Helsingborg manufacturing site in Sweden and to invest low double-digit millions of euros in building a reactivation plant for activated carbon. The new plant would add significant new capacity to reactivate activated carbon for the Nordic drinking water and wastewater market. The expansion project plans are a part of Kemira’s long-term strategy to double its water treatment business. The pre-engineering phase of the project is currently ongoing. The new plant is expected to be operational in the second half of 2027 subject to the final investment decision and environmental permits. Kemira also recently acquired Norit’s UK reactivation business Purton Carbons Limited.

Activated carbon is the most common technology to remove odor and taste in drinking water, as well as micropollutants including the harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water treatment applications. Reactivation regenerates spent granular or pelletized activated carbons, making them ready for reuse. Micropollutant removal is expected to become increasingly important for water and wastewater treatment plants due to the tightening regulation – for example, concerning PFAS removal.

“Regulation drives the demand for efficient PFAS and other micropollutants removal from drinking water and wastewater. Kemira supports its customers with new water treatment solutions including reactivation services. Building this new capacity would strengthen our water treatment offering, allowing us to capitalize on the increasing demand in Europe”, says Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, president, Industry & Water at Kemira.