How Claros Is Turning Toxic Wastewater into a Win

Claros Technologies pioneers PFAS destruction, reshaping U.S. water systems and driving early smart-tech investment

27 Oct 2025

A quiet revolution is stirring in America’s water industry as new smart technologies tackle one of the world’s most stubborn pollutants: PFAS. Minnesota-based Claros Technologies has reached a milestone, destroying over 99.99 percent of these “forever chemicals” in industrial wastewater during a pilot project. It is a rare moment of real progress in a battle that once felt unwinnable.

This is not just a scientific leap; it is a strategic turning point. Across the country, manufacturers and utilities are under pressure to meet tightening environmental standards. For years, the best they could do was capture PFAS, leaving behind costly disposal problems. Claros’ system takes a bolder step; it breaks the chemicals apart entirely, eliminating the long-term risk.

“The pilot shows that full-scale PFAS destruction is not only possible but practical,” said Claros co-founder and CEO Michelle Bellanca. “We are moving from lab innovation to real-world impact.” Her words reflect a shift in mindset: clean water technology is now a competitive advantage, not just a compliance box to check.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s tougher limits on PFAS in drinking water are reshaping the regulatory landscape. Industry analysts say even stricter discharge rules may follow, pushing companies to act early or risk being left behind. Those who adapt now can build credibility, avoid future costs, and help define the next wave of sustainable industry.

Claros is not alone. Startups like Membrion and Revive Environmental are also attracting new rounds of investment, creating a fast-growing ecosystem of smart, AI-powered treatment solutions. Despite challenges in scaling and market competition, collaboration among utilities, manufacturers, and clean-tech firms is intensifying.

As one analyst put it, “This is not just about cleaner water; it is about a smarter industrial mindset.” If current momentum holds, the United States could soon lead a global shift toward intelligent water management, where innovation, policy, and sustainability finally work in harmony.