Finding PFAS on an industrial site is rarely the end of the story. The next questions are often more difficult: Where did it come from? How far has it spread? Is it linked to current or historical activities? And what does this mean for the site and those responsible for it?

These questions can have practical and financial consequences. They may affect further investigation, site development, remediation plans or discussions around environmental liability. But without a clear understanding of the contamination, it can be difficult to know what action is needed and where to start.

From contamination data to informed decisions

Reliable data is essential, but data alone does not provide the full picture. You need to understand what the results mean in the context of your site, its history and the way PFAS can move through the environment.

SGS brings together PFAS analysis, environmental investigation and technical expertise to help you build that picture. We help identify potential contamination pathways, focus investigations where they matter most and provide the evidence needed to support your next decision.

Identify where PFAS is present, investigate potential sources and understand how contamination may affect your site. 

Understand the situation

Build a clearer evidence base to determine what needs further investigation and where risks may require attention.

Manage uncertainty

Plan your next step

Use reliable data and technical insight to support investigation, remediation and environmental liability decisions. 

Managing PFAS responsibility on industrial sites

PFAS can become a concern long after the activity that caused the contamination has stopped. On industrial sites, contamination may be linked to historical operations, legacy pollution or the use of firefighting foams. By the time PFAS is identified, it is not always clear where it came from, how far it has spread or what it means for the site and its future.

This can make it difficult to determine your responsibilities, assess potential liabilities or decide what to investigate first.

SGS helps industrial organizations turn this uncertainty into a clear way forward. We combine PFAS expertise, environmental investigation and analytical data to understand contamination pathways, define the scope of investigations and support remediation decisions.

From initial assessment to remediation, we work with you to build the evidence you need to make informed decisions and manage PFAS risks with confidence.

Why SGS

Understand PFAS risks related firefighting foams

PFAS-containing firefighting foams can create long-term environmental and operational challenges for industrial sites. Download our AFFF PFAS Guide to learn more about contamination pathways, environmental risks associated with firefighting foams, evolving regulatory developments and key considerations when managing the transition away from PFAS-containing products.

Discuss your PFAS project with an expert

Whether you're investigating contamination, defining the analytical scope or managing environmental responsibility, SGS can help you make decisions you can defend.

When PFAS becomes a question of responsibility 

Analyzing the firefighting foam in your systems and mapping your storages.

One of the main challenges many industrial organizations face is transitioning from PFAS-containing firefighting foams to fluorine-free alternatives. Under the EU Reach restrictions, which came into effect on 23 October 2026, many organizations are subject to new requirements. If firefighting foam contains at or above 1 mg/L of PFAS, they must have a management plan in place.

Like most PFAS projects, the transition of AFFF is rarely straightforward. It takes more than simply replacing one foam for the other. It requires multiple analytical steps, such as:

We provide the analytical data needed to support your decision making and can connect clients with specialists who can assist with compliance assessments, transition planning and strategies to support compliance with evolving PFAS requirements.

Testing if your current systems are compatible with fluorine-free foams.

Verifying the concentration of PFAS residue after decontamination activities.