News

Rikei Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Satoru Isaka; hereinafter “Rikei”) announced the launch of sales of the “Ion Exchange Resin for PFAS Adsorption,” developed by Muromachi Chemicals Inc. (Headquarters: Omuta, Fukuoka; President: Junichi Aoki; hereinafter “Muromachi Chemicals”).The product is targeted at corporations and municipalities where high concentrations of PFAS may be detected in water sources.

Overview

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in applications such as cookware, textiles, and firefighting foams because of their strong water- and oil-repellent properties and heat resistance.　Because these chemicals do not readily break down in the environment and can persist for long periods, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”　Their accumulation in the human body through drinking water and other exposure pathways has raised concerns about potential health risks, including certain cancers, developmental effects, weakened immune function, and environmental impacts.

Key Features

• Superior Adsorption Performance

• Effectively adsorbs and removes a wide range of PFAS, from long-chain PFAS^*1—including regulated substances such as PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS—to short-chain PFAS^*2.

• Employs both physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms, minimizing the risk of desorption once PFAS have been captured.

• Cost Advantages

It offers 5–10 times higher adsorption capacity per unit volume than activated carbon, enabling lower material usage, longer service life, and reduced operating costs.

Notes

(*1)Long-chain PFAS: Due to their low hydrophilicity, they are less affected by rain, rivers, and groundwater and can persist for long periods without significant degradation.
(*2)Short-chain PFAS: Due to their high hydrophilicity, they are easily transported and dispersed by rain, rivers, and groundwater.

Market Background

In recent years, regulations governing the manufacture and use of PFAS have been tightened worldwide. In Japan, water contamination has been reported in areas near U.S. military bases and industrial zones, attracting significant public attention, including coverage by major television investigative programs.

In 2025, regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water were established, marking a major step toward strengthening countermeasures. Beginning in April 2026, water utilities in Japan will be required to conduct regular water quality testing and to take corrective action if PFAS concentrations exceed regulatory limits.

However, more than 10,000 PFAS compounds are known to exist, many of which remain unregulated. As a result, more comprehensive investigations and stronger regulatory frameworks are expected in the coming years.

Future Outlook

Rikei will provide optimal customized solutions for companies and municipalities where high concentrations of PFAS may be detected, tailoring proposals to the specific treatment targets, conditions, and operational requirements.

About Muromachi Chemicals Inc.

Muromachi Chemicals Inc. is a long-established manufacturer founded in Fukuoka, Japan, engaged in a wide range of businesses centered on pharmaceuticals and chemical products. The company was originally founded in 1917 and continues to grow by leveraging its strong quality management systems based on Pharmaceutical GMP standards and ISO 9001.

About Rikei Corporation

Since its establishment in 1957 as a solution vendor in the IT and electronics industries, Rikei Corporation has provided a variety of solutions ranging from systems to networks, VR/AR contents, electronic materials and electronic devices.
Rikei proposes solutions that utilize cutting-edge technologies and advanced products from Japan and overseas, and contributes to business development such as improving efficiency of operations and profits of customers.

*Product and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.