PFAS have a habit of sticking around long after we wish they would. These so-called forever chemicals are now one of the most complex pollution challenges facing Australia’s waste and water systems, and the pressure to act is building fast. With new national regulations rolling out and community expectations rising, this moment feels like a turning point. Not just for industry, but for all of us who are conscious about clean water.

At Go For Zero, we believe progress happens when science, responsibility and early action come together. The good news is that Australia already has solutions stepping up to meet the challenge!

PFAS and Why Australia Is Taking Action

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are human-made chemicals that were developed in the 1940s, initially to 'make life a little easier'. These chemicals are  commonly found in products like non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics and they often end up in wastewater, landfill and biosolids. You can learn more about PFAS in our blog here. 

Their resistance to breaking down has made PFAS incredibly difficult to manage. In March 2025, the Federal Government released version 3.0 of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan, or NEMP, setting clearer rules around PFAS in recovered waste, biosolids and wastewater streams. 

This update introduced new maximum PFAS limits for treated sewage sludge spread on land and mandated increased monitoring across facilities such as sewage treatment plants and landfills. In response, Environment Protection Authorities are now preparing to add PFAS monitoring requirements to operating licences. The message is clear. PFAS management is no longer optional, and waiting it out is no longer viable. 

A New Generation of PFAS Treatment

For decades, activated carbon has been the go-to method for managing PFAS. Activated carbon does a great job, but once it's full, it's basically a giant PFAS sponge that has to be replaced and disposed of or regenerated, creating a secondary contaminated waste stream that is costly and carbon-intensive. 

The good news is that there are new technologies stepping up in Australia!  Extraction-based technologies focus on removing PFAS rather than simply holding onto it. One approach is foam fractionation, developed by The Environmental Group through years of research in partnership with Victoria University and now operating at full industrial scale. 

Foam fractionation extracts PFAS from wastewater, soil and biosolids without creating additional waste streams. PFAS are concentrated into a small, manageable volume for safe disposal. Some systems can treat up to 20,000 litres per hour, making them suitable for high-flow facilities. 

Why Acting Early Matters

Jason Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of The Environmental Group, puts it simply, "Early action beats delayed reaction". PFAS are invisible, persistent, and do not resolve themselves over time.  Early adopters of these new and advanced PFAS management solutions are not just avoiding future penalties. They are positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable waste management, proving that responsibility does not have to wait for legislation to catch up.

Building a Cleaner Path Forward

PFAS management is not a short-term issue, unfortunately, there’s no magic wand (we asked). While it can feel like a heavy topic, the momentum building across Australia is genuinely hopeful. As regulations tighten and monitoring increases, Australia has a real opportunity to lead with research-driven, locally developed solutions that protect communities and ecosystems.

By investing in technologies that remove PFAS, minimise waste and deliver consistent performance, we can move beyond managing pollution and start reducing it. That's the kind of progress worth backing! 

If you loved this story you’ll love our other blog here about how to keep microplastics and PFAS our of your water, it’s a goodie!

With Love,

Ellie