Spuma Startup Launches Biodegradable, Food-Grade Foam to Trap and Destroy PFAS

By Marco Arezio

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) represent one of the most complex environmental challenges of our time. Extremely persistent, they accumulate in soil, plants, animals, and ultimately in our own bodies, with toxic effects still under investigation but already linked to hormonal disruption, cancer, and immune dysfunction.

Since their introduction in the 1940s, PFAS have become ubiquitous: in non-stick coatings, waterproof fabrics, food containers. But once released into the environment, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. This is where a revolutionary solution comes in: a biological, biodegradable, and food-grade foam developed through French research, capable not only of separating PFAS but also of sustainably destroying them.

The Rouen Fire and the Birth of a Bio-Inspired Idea

The triggering event was dramatic. In 2019, a massive fire at a petrochemical plant in Rouen (Normandy) contaminated over 10,000 cubic meters of water used to extinguish the flames. The urgent need to store and treat this toxic water led Valgo, a company specializing in industrial site remediation, to launch an internal scientific investigation on how to effectively remove PFAS.

From this traumatic event emerged an interdisciplinary research path, combining scientific studies, experimental trials, and academic research, culminating in 2023 with the creation of Spuma—a startup named after the very technology it develops: foam fractionation.

The Biomimetic Principle: Mimicking the Human Body to Trap Pollutants

At the core of Spuma's technology lies a remarkable observation: PFAS exhibit a strong affinity with albumin, a protein in human blood that transports them to organs like the liver. This behavior was replicated on a molecular level by developing a food-grade biological additive that imitates these properties and selectively captures PFAS molecules.

Once added to contaminated water, this additive behaves like a smart surfactant: it promotes the formation of microbubbles that rise to the surface, carrying trapped PFAS with them. These are then collected in a concentrated foam layer.

Beyond Separation: Destroying PFAS Without Additional Pollution

What truly sets Spuma apart is not only its ability to separate PFAS, but also the next phase: destruction.

According to the startup, the process achieves over 99% removal efficiency for PFOA (C8), PFOS (C8), PFHpS (C7), and PFHxS (C6)—among the most widespread and hazardous PFAS compounds. The result is an environmentally friendly solution that can be applied in numerous contexts: from contaminated groundwater to landfill leachate, from industrial discharges to municipal wastewater, and even in drinking water treatment systems.

Business Model: Licensing, Services, and the Patent Box Advantage

In an increasingly regulated European context—with Brussels preparing new restrictions on PFAS—Spuma offers more than just technology. It delivers a complete package of services, including patented technology licensing, technical consultancy, laboratory testing, field assessments, and support for remediation efforts. All of this is made even more attractive through the Patent Box regime, which grants tax benefits for income derived from patented innovation.

From Incubator to European Network: The Role of Super Sapiens Europe

Spuma’s potential has also been recognized on a continental level. The startup is one of nine ventures selected by Super Sapiens Europe, a deep-tech initiative promoted by Scientifica Venture Capital in partnership with the French-Italian Institute for Economic Relations.

The goal is to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem in science-intensive sectors by fostering collaboration between research, business, and investors. With an initial investment of €2 million from Valgo, Spuma is preparing to close a new funding round by July 2025, aiming to enter the market by year’s end.

A Foam for the Future: Between Ecotechnology and Resilience

Spuma’s story is a virtuous example of how a critical event can spark a sustainable and tangible innovation. The initiative combines material science, biochemistry, environmental engineering, and circular economy models to address one of the most urgent crises of our time. In doing so, it builds a bridge between two major European nations—France and Italy—with the conviction that only through cooperation can we tackle global challenges.

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