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Advancing the Development of Diverse PFAS Destruction Technologies with a View Toward
Implementation in Real-World Wastewater Treatment Operations
OSAKA, Japan, November 6 – Daikin Industries, Ltd. announces that ClarosTechUVTM, a PFAS destruction technology of U.S.-based Claros Technologies, has been named one of TIME magazine's "Best Inventions of 2026." Daikin America, Inc. (DAI), Daikin's U.S. subsidiary in the chemicals business, is conducting joint demonstrations of the technology with Claros and advancing its deployment. For more than 25 years, TIME's annual Best Inventions list has recognized innovative technologies and products that have made an impact around the world. In 2026, TIME selected 300 inventions and 100 special mentions from nominations by its editors and correspondents, as well as public submissions, evaluating them on criteria including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. Daikin believes that the selection of this technology reflects growing interest in efforts toward the practical application of PFAS destruction technologies.
ClarosTechUVTM is a technology that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy PFAS. It can be integrated into existing wastewater treatment facilities and continuously treat industrial wastewater on-site. During a commercial optimization run at DAI's manufacturing facility in Decatur, Alabama, ClarosTechUV™ treated more than 170,000 gallons (approximately 640,000 liters) of industrial process water and achieved a destruction rate of 99.99% for the targeted PFAS species.
PFAS decomposition and destruction technologies were also included in the World Economic Forum's "Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2026" as technologies with the potential to impact society and industry in the future. In addition to evaluatingthe practical application of the UV-based technology through its collaboration with Claros, Daikin is also conducting research and development on PFAS destruction technologies using different methods, including ultrasound, plasma, and electron beam. Daikin will continue evaluating these technologies with a view toward establishing solutions suited to different wastewater characteristics and treatment conditions, and applying them in actual wastewater treatment operations.
In addition to research and development of PFAS destruction technologies, Daikin is advancing various initiatives globally, including improving manufacturing processes, recycling, and strengthening emissions management. Daikin will continue pursuing the development and practical application of innovative technologies.
https://www.daikinchemicals.com/sustainability/pfas/pfas.html
https://www.daikinchemicals.com/sustainability/pfas.html
https://time.com/collection/best-inventions/2026/clarostechuv-pfas-destruction-system/
The World Economic Forum (WEF) publishes an annual report highlighting 10 innovative technologies with the potential to significantly impact society and industry over the next three to five years.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/emerging-technologies/the-top-10-emerging-technologies-of-2026/
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