Who we are.
At Cornelsen Group, we have the expertise to remove the world's most hazardous compounds, including PFAS and other organic and inorganic pollutants, from water and soil.
Leading technology and innovation set new standards for a healthier world
Thanks to our comprehensive expertise and innovative technologies, we are your preferred partner for all requirements in PFAS purification, industrial water treatment and contaminated site remediation.
The Cornelsen Group was founded over two decades ago and continuously invests in research & development to be at the forefront of technological innovation in its three business areas: PFAS purification, industrial water treatment and site remediation. At Cornelsen Group, we not only innovate, but also set new industry standards for a healthier world. Our commitment to excellence is exemplified by our patented PerfluorAd technology: the only solution available that removes PFAS contamination on a large scale.
As pioneers of innovative technology solutions for industrial and ecological challenges, we are the reliable partner of leading companies in the chemical & pharmaceutical, oil & gas, consulting & environmental technology sectors as well as for utility companies and public institutions.
Our commitment, innovation and holistic approach enable us to fulfil the complete needs of our customers and bring us closer to our vision of a world where the environment is clean, safe and liveable for all.
Dr Martin Cornelsen, CEO
Martin founded the Cornelsen Group in 2001 and has been CEO ever since. He was responsible for the expansion of the company and founded the subsidiary near Bristol (UK) in 2004. Before founding the Cornelsen Group, Martin worked for over a decade at Preussag AG Holding, where he headed several departments, including special plants for drinking water, process & treatment technology and plant engineering in the environmental technology sector.
Martin has extensive experience and in-depth expertise in the field of environmental process engineering, specialising in water treatment, groundwater remediation and remediation of contaminated sites, and holds several patents. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, he developed our patented PerfluorAd technology for PFAS treatment.
Martin also lectures on PFAS and water treatment and is a member of several academic and scientific institutions.
Martin has a degree in engineering (specialising in water management), a Master of Science in operational safety management (specialising in plant safety & environmental protection) and a PhD in engineering (subject: PFAS cleaning).
Matthew Ingram, Managing Director Cornelsen Ltd (UK)
Matthew is Managing Director of Cornelsen Ltd and has been part of the Cornelsen Group for over ten years. He started his career as a Project Manager at Cornelsen Ltd and then spent seven years in Malawi (Africa) where he worked as Engineering Director and Regional Development Engineer for a multinational food and agribusiness company. Matthew returned to Cornelsen Ltd in 2015 and has been managing our UK site ever since.
Matthew's area of expertise includes the design and construction of process and manufacturing machinery systems, including electrical systems and steam generation, transmission and distribution systems.
He is a member of the Institute of Agricultural Engineers and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Matthew is a registered Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council UK.
Helena Hinrichsen, Managing Director Cornelsen Sweden AB (SE)
Helena is an environmental engineer and a recognised expert in the remediation of PFAS-contaminated soil and water. Her career began in Sweden, where she specialised early on in innovative technologies for sustainable environmental remediation. Since 2016, as co-founder of an environmental technology company, she has been driving the development and application of modern processes - including PFAS stabilisation of soils and the introduction of foam fractionation (SAFF) to remove PFAS from water.
In the course of her career, Helena has managed numerous projects throughout Europe and made a decisive contribution to the spread of advanced, filter-free treatment methods. She brings not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the challenges of complex sites - from contaminated construction sites and sensitive water protection areas to large-scale EU-funded projects.
Today, she is part of our team and contributes her many years of experience to the planning, implementation and further development of effective PFAS remediation solutions. Helena Hinrichsen is recognised throughout Europe as one of the leading experts in the field of PFAS remediation and sustainable environmental technology.
Victor Steffansson, Managing Director Cornelsen Sweden AB (SE)
Victor is an environmental scientist and a recognised expert in soil and water remediation with over 15 years of professional experience. His career began in Sweden, where he specialised early on in geotechnics and the remediation of contaminated areas. Since 2013, he has been driving the development of sustainable and economical water treatment solutions - with a particular focus on the design of complex treatment chains for optimal cleaning results.
In the course of his career, Victor has taken on management positions at various companies and made a decisive contribution to the further development of innovative treatment processes. He not only brings in-depth technical expertise, but also extensive commercial expertise - from project management of contaminated sites to technical management and strategic business development. His motto: "The more complex the challenge, the more interesting the solution."
Today, he contributes his many years of experience to the development and implementation of the most effective, sustainable and economical water treatment solutions. Victor Steffansson is recognised in the industry as an expert in customised remediation concepts and innovative treatment processes.
Pamela Lynch, President of Cornelsen Inc. (US)
Pamela brings over 20 years of experience in environmental technology, advanced manufacturing and sustainability. Her career has included key positions at leading cleantech companies where she commercialised and advanced innovative PFAS treatment technologies.
Since September 2025, Pamela has led the launch of PerfluorAd® in the United States - a revolutionary Cornelsen Group technology that outperforms traditional PFAS treatment methods through higher efficiency, lower operating costs and improved environmental performance.
With a proven track record of scaling organisations, driving operational excellence and building high-performing teams, Pamela has repeatedly turned complex challenges into sustainable success stories. A sought-after speaker and recognised expert, she is passionate about promoting innovative solutions that achieve measurable impact in global PFAS remediation and holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering that complements her technical expertise in implementing sustainable environmental progress.
Dr Alexander Stefan, Director of Operations & Technology, Cornelsen Umwelttechnologie GmbH
Alexander is a chemical engineer with many years of experience in the petrochemical industry. After working in process development and engineering, he took on responsibility for plant safety, process engineering and continuous improvement processes in the production of speciality chemicals.
At Cornelsen, he is responsible for operations and technology at the Essen site. He is particularly fascinated by the fact that technology and environmental responsibility are directly intertwined here - and have a joint impact.
"Our aim is to create a genuine and practicable solution to a complex and increasingly pressing environmental problem - and to continuously develop it further."
A special moment in his work for him is the first commissioning of a system: "That's when you realise what theory and planning are worth - and the race against time begins. When everything works as planned in the end, it's always a great feeling."
His aim is to further develop the Essen site so that Cornelsen can meet the requirements of a growing market, both organisationally and technically.
Thorsten Bothe - Global Marketing Director
Responsible for the international brand communication of the Cornelsen Group and central contact for press and media enquiries, editorial co-operations and strategic communication topics.
- E-mail: Bothe@cornelsen.group
- Phone: +49 (0) 201 / 520 37 -10
- Mobile: +49 (0) 162 / 34 19 598
Proud of our past, motivated by our future
Foundation of the Cornelsen Group in Essen (Germany).
Foundation of the first subsidiary in Nailsea (United Kingdom).
Partial remediation of PFAS-contaminated arable land in Brilon-Scharfenberg by Cornelsen
Move to the new company headquarters in Essen (Germany).
Start of the first research initiative for the treatment of PFAS-contaminated water.
Start of development work on PerfluorAd® technology as part of ZIM (Central Innovation Programme for SMEs), funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology
First PFAS user seminar "Perfluorinated surfactants in electroplating and extinguishing technology"
First pilot plant for PerfluorAd® technology.
Second PFAS user seminar "Per- and polyfluorinated chemicals in water"
Cornelsen Ltd. relocates its headquarters to Nailsea near Bristol (United Kingdom).
Commissioning of the first large-scale plant with PerfluorAd technology.
Funding measure until December 2019: SME-innovative in the application area of sustainable water management in the technology field "Resource efficiency and climate protection", funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Fraunhofer patent granted for a biosorbent based on porous cellulose-containing materials for PFAS separation (1st development stage of PerfluorAd®)
Granting of international community patents for PerfluorAd® technology (2nd development stage of PerfluorAd®)
Licence agreement with the US company TRS Group for PerfluorAd® technology.
Publication of the results of PFAS research in the dissertation by Dr Martin Cornelsen
Funding programme until May 2027: Perfluor.Dat® is part of the Green.Economy.IN.NRW innovation competition and is funded by the state of NRW and the EU
Distribution agreement with the German company Separ Chemie for PerfluorAd®.
Licence agreement with the US company Melrose Environmental for PerfluorAd® technology.
Licence agreement with US company Melrose Environmental for PerfluorAd® technology
First international Fraunhofer PFAS workshops with Fraunhofer USA and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) from Japan
Registration of the Fraunhofer utility model for PerfluorAd®+ (3rd development stage of PerfluorAd®)
Foundation of Cornelsen Sweden AB in Gustavsberg (Sweden).
Foundation of Cornelsen Inc. in Newark, Delaware (USA).
Initial measures for the market launch of PerfluorAd®+
Groundwater Technology B.V. becomes part of the Cornelsen Group
Why choose us as your partner?
Market-leading innovations
The Cornelsen Group has been investing in research and development for over two decades to push the boundaries of technological innovation and ensure that our customers benefit from the latest advances.
Comprehensive expertise in PFAS cleaning
As a pioneer in PFAS cleaning technology, the Cornelsen Group is setting new standards with its patented PerfluorAd technology to effectively remove PFAS contamination.
Comprehensive solutions for water and soil
The Cornelsen Group offers holistic solutions, including industrial water treatment, filtration systems and remediation of contaminated sites, thus solving various process and environmental challenges from a single source.
Compliance with regulatory standards
Our technology solutions are designed to exceed legal standards. In this way, we ensure that our customers always comply with the latest environmental regulations, minimise legal risks and promote sustainability at the same time.
Customised solutions for different industries
We recognise that different sectors have specific requirements. That's why the Cornelsen Group offers customised solutions for various industries, including chemicals & pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, utilities, consulting & environmental technology and public institutions.
Long-term track record
With numerous successful projects and satisfied customers, the Cornelsen Group has earned a reputation for delivering reliable and effective solutions that achieve measurable results.
Sustainability-orientated approach
With the aim of making the world a better place, our solutions not only eliminate contamination problems, but also promote sustainability and resource conservation, in line with the values of environmentally conscious companies.
Watch video
PFAS decontamination rethought - patented, safe, sustainable
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