The “Forever Chemicals” Problem is More Complicated Than You Think
PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” are everywhere. They’re in our waterproof jackets, cosmetics, fire-fighting foam, they’re even in life-saving medical devices like heart stents. And while there is public debate, legislation and litigation about the concerns associated with these chemicals, the solution isn’t as simple as a worldwide ban. In a recent episode of Leveraged Storytelling, host Arick Wierson sat down with Michelle Bellanca, CEO and co-founder of Claros Technologies Inc., to discuss a revolutionary approach to tackling the PFAS problem.
A Two-Pronged Solution to the PFAS Problem
Bellanca explains that while substitutes exist for some PFAS applications, they remain irreplaceable in many essential uses, from defense, automobile, electronics, semiconductors to medical technology [03:53]. This is where Claros Technologies comes in with a solution that enables responsible PFAS manufacturing to continue. Recognizing that outright bans may not be realistic, Claros pioneers a two-pronged approach: world-class analytics and total destruction.
As Bellanca puts it, “you can’t successfully destroy what you cannot accurately detect” [05:10]. With over 14,000 different types of PFAS, ClarosLabs™ cutting-edge analytics are crucial to understanding the full scope of PFAS in any given sample [02:10]. Once identified, ClarosTechUV™ proprietary technology is able to achieve total defluorination, permanently destroying all PFAS compounds—long, short, and even ultra-short chain—rather than just breaking them down into smaller, equally harmful pieces [05:53].
Navigating the Regulatory Maze
The conversation also delves into the contrasting regulatory landscapes in the European Union and the United States. While Europe is taking a more aggressive, comprehensive approach, the U.S. is seeing a state-by-state strategy, with Minnesota’s 2025 consumer law (Amara’s Law) being a prime example of a consumer-driven push for change [14:37]. Bellanca and Wierson discuss how targeting PFAS at the industrial source is key to enabling responsible use and addressing the social and environmental concerns with PFAS. [07:20].
From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneurial Force
Bellanca’s journey to co-founding Claros is as compelling as the science itself. After a long and successful career as a senior executive at 3M, she identified a game-changing technology at the University of Minnesota and took the leap to spin it out and scale it into the groundbreaking solution it is today [25:02]. Her story is a testament to the power of recognizing a critical need and having the courage to build a solution from the ground up.
This episode of Leveraged Storytelling is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of environmental science, public health, and technological innovation.
Listen to the full episode here:
- YouTube: Leveraged Storytelling
- Spotify: Leveraged Storytelling
- Apple Podcasts: Leveraged Storytelling
About Claros Technologies
Founded in 2018 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Claros Technologies is a leader in state-of-the-art PFAS testing, analytical services, and next-generation PFAS destruction technologies. Originally incubated at the University of Minnesota, Claros has evolved into a full-service PFAS laboratory and innovation hub, offering cutting-edge solutions that help industries detect, manage, and treat PFAS. Claros’ mission is to deliver science-driven solutions that ensure cleaner air, water, and materials for future generations.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Claros Technologies
Kari Finkler
kari@clarostech.com