From our editorial team
A technique to solve the PFAS problem does not yet exist. Clever minds in laboratories of universities and companies are doing everything they can to find a smart way to process this substance. But so far, it is only in development and the 'egg of Columbus' is still missing.
Nevertheless, there are entrepreneurs who are already making a difference in reducing PFAS to prevent this harmful substance from ending up in the environment. One of those entrepreneurs is Arjan van 't Wel from the Eerste Lelystadse Schroothandel. With his family business ELS, he demonstrates how a valuable contribution is made in reducing PFAS while simultaneously navigating a minefield of permits, lawsuits, and injustices. ELS is the only specialized company in our country that has a permit for recycling PFAS-containing fire extinguishers.
New Legislation
'Due to new legislation, all PFAS-containing fire extinguishers must be replaced. This means a flood of extinguishers for us at ELS. In government buildings alone, there are 1.5 million devices that need to be safely recycled. And then there are several million from the business sector,' says Van 't Wel.
Van 't Wel has been running a company that collects and processes fire extinguishers since the 1990s. It started small. Old powder extinguishers, which do not contain PFAS, were refurbished and refilled. There was hardly any market demand. Nevertheless, the company grew without acquisition to about three hundred thousand extinguishers per year, and that growth is continuing towards half a million.
'We are the only certified specialist in the Netherlands that can safely process PFAS-containing extinguishers. We do this in a controlled manner and according to strict standards. We can't move fast enough. Because in practice, PFAS-containing fire extinguishers are still used in drills, fires, and incidents. Just on the street. That contaminated water goes directly into the surface water.'
Groundwater
In recent years, the company has disposed of about six hundred thousand tons of water released during recycling to recognized processors. This makes it one of the few parties actively trying to prevent residual materials from finding their way into the environment. In neighboring countries, this is less self-evident. In Düsseldorf, a company was caught draining foam extinguishers into the groundwater. Van 't Wel emphasizes that this has never happened or will happen with him. He points out that treating PFAS is serious work that requires discipline and expertise.
The discussion mainly revolves around how much PFAS is released during the processing of extinguishers and where the found values in the Lelystad soil come from.
Van 't Wel is aware of the societal unrest surrounding PFAS. He points out that everyone has PFAS in their blood. From rain gear to solar panels, there are many sources. Nevertheless, he wants to demonstrate that his company operates safely. Employees undergo annual blood tests. Those tests show no increased burden despite years of working with the residue water from extinguishers. He emphasizes that fear is not a good advisor and that factual measurements should be leading.
The entrepreneur is also investing in the future. 'A new hall is ready to be put into use. The entire installation is of our own design, and we have paid the investment of about one and a half million euros out of our own pocket. The system can make foam water up to ninety percent cleaner and operates entirely on an internal sewer system. Cars are unloaded inside so that any spills are immediately contained. The hall has no connection to the municipal sewer. Everything is disposed of in a controlled manner. The goal is maximum control of risks and minimal impact on the environment.'
Underworld
The tension between regulation and feasibility remains. From 2027, the Netherlands must process its own ZZS substances. Van 't Wel fears that this could lead to illegal routes. To so-called processors across the border where the rules are not taken as seriously. He advocates for realistic and workable policy for now. 'The technology is developing rapidly, from Danish pilots to Belgian initiatives. But solutions take time.' He warns that overly strict regulations could lead to the problem being pushed into the underworld. A risk that he believes is greater than supporting and guiding carefully working companies.
In the meantime, he must defend himself against lawsuits from a neighbor who accuses him of PFAS pollution. He understands that attention. The bar is set high. Nevertheless, he feels that blame is too quickly assigned. 'We have conducted many measurements and studies at 18 drilling locations.
'These show that the PFAS pollution in the soil at this business park does not originate from us. The DNA of this pollution does not match the DNA of pollution from fire extinguishers. Therefore, the pollution must be investigated in a broader context. That research is now with the province.'
What remains is the image of an entrepreneur trying to stay ahead in a challenging sector. Without grand words. With investments. With transparent methods. And with the conviction that true sustainability mainly requires companies to take responsibility.
