38
Accepted in Part
The Government must commit, within six months, to funding the research and development of non-incineration...
Recommendation
The Government must commit, within six months, to funding the research and development of non-incineration PFAS destruction technologies through UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 125) 48
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the role of R&D in non-incineration destruction and notes UKRI is already supporting projects. While 2026/27 funding is agreed, they commit to exploring further opportunities with UKRI to allocate funding for innovative PFAS destruction technologies from 2027/28, missing the requested six-month timeline for commitment.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Further research and development into alternative destruction technologies plays a key role in supporting incineration capacity in the UK. Developing effective non-incineration methods is needed to build a sustainable long-term approach to managing PFAS waste and reducing the risk of further environmental contamination. UKRI is already supporting a range of projects aimed at addressing this challenge, including research into innovative technologies such as ultrasound treatment and catalytic degradation, which have the potential to break down PFAS compounds without relying on conventional high-temperature incineration. While funding allocations for PFAS-related research in 2026/27 have already been agreed, we are committed to exploring further opportunities with UKRI for targeted investment in innovative PFAS destruction technologies, with the aim of allocating funding for such projects to be granted from 2027/28. Our intention is to support the development, testing and demonstration of promising non-incineration technologies, helping to accelerate their path from research to real-world application.
Source
Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
Report
9th Report - Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
23 Apr 2026
HC 852
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
23 Apr 2026