Kemira Plans To Build A Re-Activation Plant For Activated Carbon – The Pre-Engineering Phase Is Ongoing

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 businessPurton 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”, saysTuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, President, Industry & Water at Kemira.

About Kemira
Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries. Our customers include industrial and municipal water treatment operators, and pulp & paper industry among others. We provide the best-suited products and services to improve our customers’ product quality, process, and resource efficiency. Our focus is on water treatment, renewable solutions and digital services. In 2023, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 3.4 billion and around 5,000 employees. For more information, visit www.kemira.com.