Claros Technologies announced on Tuesday it raised $55 million in a series B fund to continue its daunting task of saving the world from “forever chemicals,” commonly known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

The venture-backed, private, Minneapolis-based company founded in 2018 uses a proprietary UV-photochemical process to break the carbon-fluorine bonds that hold PFAS together.

PFAS are chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil, and have been linked to illnesses. They are found in nonstick cookware, food packaging, multi-surface cleaners, and personal care products. Because of PFAS particle size, it is difficult to filter and ends up in water supplies and can be damaging for the environment.

How Claros plans to use its fundraising

The financing allows Claros to accelerate commercialization. Unlike traditional methods of trapping and/or moving the substances, Claros’ technology eliminates the chemicals in water. A Claros spokesperson tells Twin Cities Business the financing will boost its manufacturing capacity to support growing demand from industrial manufacturers and government agencies seeking PFAS destruction. The company said Tuesday that it will also expand its treatment services further across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Last December, Claros and fluorochemical manufacturer Daikin America completed a pilot run of the ClarosTechUV platform at Daikin’s Alabama facility. Daikin is one of six investment firms or foundations which supported the series B fund.

In April, Claros demonstrated ≥99.99% destruction of targeted PFAS compounds in groundwater remediation applications using concentrate derived from approximately one million gallons (3.8 million liters) of groundwater, according to the release.

Building on existing momentum

Michelle Bellanca, chief executive officer and co-founder of Claros Technologies, said in a release, “this financing gives us the resources to accelerate commercial deployments globally, continue advancing our technology, and help customers address one of the world’s most significant environmental challenges.” Bellanca is a former 3M executive.

RELATED: How Claros Is Winning the War Against PFAS

It’s been five years since Claros’ last fundraising round. In 2021, Claros closed a series A fund with $5 million. A company spokesperson says it has a total value of $84 million and employs 50.

Earlier this year, Bellanca joined the Twin Cities Business Show to discuss her journey from 3M to Claros. Watch the full interview here.