Recent developments
PFAS-driven capacity expansion
Regulatory pressure on PFAS and micropollutants drove capacity plans, as Kemira announced an activated carbon reactivation plant in Spain (EUR 20 million, targeted end-2029 start-up, pending permits). The site will serve drinking water and wastewater markets in Iberia by regenerating granular and pelletized carbons.
Consolidation and strategy
Kemira strengthened its European footprint with the acquisition of SIDRA Wasserchemie (EUR ~75 million; coagulants in DACH/Benelux, pending approval). Despite softer demand, the Kemira 2025 financial results showed revenue down 5% and operative EBITDA down 10%; guidance for 2026 is EUR 2.6–3.0bn revenue and EUR 470–570m EBITDA, alongside ongoing service acquisitions and reactivation/coagulant expansions.
Refinery water upgrades
Downstream operators advanced compliance investments. OMV Petrom modernized waste‑water systems at the Petrobrazi refinery (EUR 20 million), adding gas capture, chemical treatment, activated carbon filtration, and thermal oxidation. The refinery program aligns with broader modernization and a planned sustainable fuels unit integrating green hydrogen.
Efficiency and reuse
On the user side, Moeve reduced fresh water use by 21% in Spanish industrial parks since 2019, driven by reuse capacity in San Roque and effluent treatment upgrades in La Rábida. New targets aim for 25% reduction by 2028 and expansion to Brazil, Canada, and China.