In October 2025, the European Commission further tightened the existing PFAS regulations for firefighting foam, requiring organizations to clean, modify and convert their installations to PFAS-free alternatives. This affects not only companies in the industrial sector, but also those in food production, logistics and warehousing. Mourik offers a KIWA-certified approach in which all steps – from analysis to final delivery – seamlessly connect, enabling companies to minimize unnecessary costs and downtime.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” hardly break down and accumulate in soil, water, and in the bodies of humans and animals. Many fire extinguishing systems still contain PFAS-based foam, while European regulations require thorough cleaning and technical modifications. Mourik has developed a method that both removes contamination and prepares extinguishing systems for PFAS-free alternatives.
“Our approach starts with a careful analysis so we know exactly to what extent and where PFAS contamination is present in the fire extinguishing systems,” says Michiel Hondema, Business Partner Sustainability at Mourik Industry. “This prevents insufficient or excessive cleaning. And when necessary, we coordinate technical work directly with suppliers and installers, significantly reducing downtime for companies.”
Focus on SEVESO organisations
Mourik primarily focuses on companies with large firefighting systems that fall under the Major Accidents (BRZO) regulations. These include industrial sites that work with large quantities of (flammable) hazardous substances, such as in the production of gasoline, hydrogen or ammonia. In addition, Mourik supports companies that work with smaller quantities of hazardous substances and fall under the Additional Risk Inventory and Evaluation (ARIE) regulations.
“This certification demonstrates that Mourik meets the highest quality and environmental standards for the safe removal of PFAS firefighting foam,” says Peter Voshol, Business Development Manager at Kiwa. “It is an important step in helping companies convert their extinguishing systems to PFAS-free alternatives in a timely and reliable manner, in full alignment with regulatory requirements.”
PFAS removal in four steps
Mourik carries out PFAS removal in four concrete steps: from an analysis of the degree of contamination (ISO 17025) to cleaning with a biological agent that binds and removes PFAS. The waste is destroyed according to the strictest regulations to prevent environmental contamination and reputational damage. Finally, the client receives a clear report for internal accountability and for the competent authorities.
“The success lies in an approach that gets everything right in one go,” says Hondema. “We start with the facts, align the cleaning plan with the technical modifications carried out by the installers, and ensure that the waste is processed safely. This allows companies to maintain control over costs, safety, and lead time.”
“The success lies in an approach that gets everything right in one go."
Interest in this approach is growing rapidly. More and more companies are seeking clarity about what needs to be done to make their fire extinguishing systems PFAS-free on time, and Mourik is seeing an increasing demand for reliable guidance and execution.
“The accelerated phase-out of PFAS-containing firefighting foam by suppliers requires a professional and careful approach,” says Jeroen Maan, Managing Director of Mourik Industry. “In many cases, the transition to PFAS-free alternatives requires technical modifications to ensure the performance and safety of fire extinguishing systems. If you wait too long, you risk installers not having enough capacity to adapt your system in time. The result can be systems that no longer meet legal requirements, with all the associated consequences.
With our approach, companies are assured of reliable and legally compliant fire protection. This certification demonstrates that our process meets the applicable standards.”
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THE NETHERLANDS
