Birchtech shows used carbon works like virgin carbon

Executive Summary

• Birchtech Corp. successfully demonstrated its thermal carbon rejuvenation process for spent granular activated carbon (GAC), showing performance comparable to virgin carbon in removing PFAS at municipal water utility design centers.
• The thermal treatment destroys PFAS contaminants, enabling local reuse of spent carbon, which eliminates landfill disposal needs, reduces transportation costs, and lowers total life cycle expenses for utilities.
• CEO Richard MacPherson confirmed the technical and commercial viability of a regional reactivation model, positioning it as a differentiated, cost-effective alternative to virgin carbon replacement that aligns with utility sustainability and infrastructure resilience goals.

Key Details

• Process: Thermal rejuvenation/reactivation of spent granular activated carbon (GAC) to eliminate PFAS contaminants.
• Validation Scope: Demonstrations conducted with regulated municipal water utilities at Birchtech Design Centers.
• Performance Metrics: Met expected treatment standards and performed comparably to virgin activated carbon for PFAS removal.
• Feedstock: Spent GAC sourced directly from active utility systems.
• Environmental & Operational Benefits: Destroys PFAS, eliminates landfill disposal requirements, reduces reliance on virgin raw materials, lowers total life cycle costs, and shortens transportation distances.
• Deployment Strategy: Regional reactivation model aligns with utility priorities for emissions reduction, localized supply chains, capital discipline, rate stability, and infrastructure resilience.
• Commercial Outlook: Supports technical and commercial viability as a lower-cost alternative to virgin carbon replacement, with anticipated broader commercialization opportunities.

Notable Quotes

• "Our engagement with municipal utilities confirms that carbon rejuvenation can meet established performance expectations comparable to virgin activated carbon," said Richard MacPherson, chief executive officer of Birchtech. "These demonstrations validate that spent GAC can be cost-effectively reactivated close to where it is used, reducing transportation, disposal and supply chain complexity for utilities. We believe this regional approach aligns well with utility priorities around cost discipline, sustainability and long-term infrastructure resilience."