Environmental Clean Technologies expanded its PFAS destruction technology to water treatment, completed a powerful pilot system, and initiated a US OTCQB listing process.
- Licence expanded to treat PFAS in granular activated carbon
- Pilot REM system delivers 18x lab prototype power
- Submission to US EPA supports regulatory acceptance
- OTCQB listing process underway for US market access
- Independent review launched for COLDry commercialisation
Broadening PFAS Remediation Beyond Soil
Environmental Clean Technologies Limited (ASX:ECT) has extended its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) licence with Rice University to include PFAS-contaminated granular activated carbon (GAC), a common water treatment adsorbent. This move significantly broadens ECT's addressable market from soil remediation into water treatment, tackling a critical environmental challenge posed by PFAS-laden waste streams.
GAC saturated with PFAS typically requires off-site incineration, which carries environmental and logistical drawbacks. ECT's FJH technology offers an alternative by converting over 99.9% of PFAS in GAC into stable inorganic fluorides within seconds at extremely high temperatures, with promising energy and emissions benefits compared to traditional methods.
Pilot System Marks Step Toward Commercial Deployment
The company has completed construction of a pilot-scale Rapid Electrothermal Mineralisation (REM) system that delivers 22kW of power, an 18-fold increase over its laboratory prototype. Operating at 170 kHz and 2,200 volts without conductive additives, the pilot system is also 50% smaller and 75% lighter than the lab version, enhancing its suitability for field deployment.
Laboratory tests confirm the pilot system's effectiveness across both soil and GAC contamination pathways. Subject to validation, ECT is targeting its first in-field pilot demonstration in the second half of 2026, aiming to transition swiftly into commercial licensing and OEM partnerships.
Engagement with US Regulators Supports Technology Validation
In June, ECT submitted detailed performance data on REM technology to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to its Interim Guidance on PFAS destruction. The submission demonstrated REM's ability to achieve over 99% PFAS destruction with full fluorine mass balance, converting fluorine into non-toxic mineral forms without generating volatile organic fluorides.
This regulatory engagement is a critical milestone, positioning REM as a leading candidate technology that aligns with the EPA’s stringent evaluation framework for safe and verifiable PFAS destruction. The data included testing on real-world PFAS waste streams supplied by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
US Market Access via OTCQB Listing
Recognising the United States as a key commercial market, ECT has commenced the process to list its shares on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker "ECTHF". This listing will facilitate direct trading in US dollars during American market hours and enhance ECT's profile among US investors, regulators, and potential partners.
Viriathus Capital LLC has been appointed as the US corporate adviser to manage the listing process, which is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Commercialisation Review of COLDry Technology
Alongside its PFAS remediation efforts, ECT has engaged RSM Corporate Australia to conduct an independent review of commercialisation pathways for its proprietary COLDry low-temperature lignite processing technology. This review aims to assess strategic options, capital requirements, and risks to guide board decisions on the technology’s future development.
While discussions with strategic partners like Zero Quest Pty Ltd continue, no binding agreements have yet been reached. The review reflects ECT’s broader strategy to diversify its technology portfolio and pursue scalable, value-added environmental solutions.
Corporate and Financial Position
ECT held an Extraordinary General Meeting on 17 July 2026, approving key resolutions including a selective buy-back of shares and the appointment of a new director, Jefferson Harcourt. The company reported net operating cash outflows of $883,000 for the quarter, with a closing cash balance of $1.69 million.
There were no material updates on the sale of part of ECT’s Yallourn property, a transaction that remains subject to agreed terms and conditions.
Bottom Line?
ECT’s pilot system and regulatory submission set the stage for commercial PFAS remediation, with US market entry poised to accelerate momentum.
Questions in the middle?
- Will ECT’s pilot demonstrations validate REM’s performance at scale in real-world conditions?
- How quickly can ECT convert its OTCQB listing into tangible US market partnerships?
- What commercial pathways will emerge from the COLDry technology review?