Chemical and consumer products manufacturer 3M will phase out production of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals,” by the end of 2025.
The company announced the move on Dec. 20 in response to regulatory restrictions on the substances and consumer demand. Known for its use in Teflon, a coating used in a variety of products including nonstick cookware, PFAS are man-made chemicals produced since the 1940s that don’t degrade in nature.
3M’s decision comes amid new regulations around the world restricting PFAS, including the European Union’s proposal to ban forever chemicals by 2025 and The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plans to limit PFAS detection levels in drinking water. The company also indicated that customer and investor demand to eliminate PFAS-based products or find alternatives have impacted business results in recent years.
"While PFAS can be safely made and used, we also see an opportunity to lead in a rapidly evolving external regulatory and business landscape to make the greatest impact for those we serve," said 3M Chairman and CEO Mike Roman in a company news release.
Bloomberg News describes the announcement as “a historic break with an entire class of chemicals” created as part of World War II-era atomic bomb research. PFAS reportedly date back more than 70 years and were used in a variety of products including 3M’s Scotchguard as well as numerous products from other companies including firefighting foam and stain-resistant textiles. The liability now posed by the chemicals could range from $3 million to $30 billion, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates.
3M reportedly will continue to remediate PFAS and address litigation by defending itself in court or through negotiated resolutions.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Roman says that between regulatory trends and growing customer unease with the chemicals, 3M did not see “a viable business in the future.”
