1 July 2024: Kemira has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Norit’s UK reactivation business from Purton Carbons Limited on June 28, 2024. This acquisition is the first step for Kemira in entering the activated carbon market for micropollutants removal.

Activated carbon is the most common technology to remove odor and taste in drinking water, as well as micropollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water treatment applications. Micropollutant removal is expected to become increasingly relevant for water and wastewater treatment plants due to growing concern for consumer health and environmental safety. In addition, PFAS removal from drinking water and micropollutant removal from wastewater have been introduced in recent EU regulation updates.

The scope of the agreement includes the reactivation facility in Purton, UK. Reactivation regenerates spent granular or pelletized activated carbons, making them ready for another reuse cycle. The acquired reactivation facility produces Green reactivation for potable water and food-related applications, and Amber reactivation which is used for other non-food related applications. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2024. Revenue of the acquired plant in 2023 was some millions of euros and nine employees will transfer to Kemira as part of the transaction.

Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, President Industry & Water at Kemira said: “PFAS and other micropollutants removal from water is increasingly relevant for our customers who are compelled to comply with regulations around consumer and environmental health. Acquiring Norit’s UK carbon reactivation business bolsters our portfolio and strengthens our water treatment offering, allowing us to capitalize on a rising demand in Europe.”