Exit fees of up to $2.3 billion! 3M to discontinue PFAS production by the end of 2025

On December 20, the US industrial group 3M announced that it will withdraw from the production of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and strive to stop using PFAS in its product portfolio by the end of 2025.

3M stated that the decision was based on careful consideration and a thorough assessment of the changing external environment, including the increasing regulation of this chemical substance and the growing market demand for alternative options.

3M said that by the end of 2025, it will stop producing all fluoropolymers, fluorine-containing liquids and PFAS-based additive products; it will stop using PFAS in all its products by the end of 2025.

3M estimates annual net sales of approximately $1.3 billion for the PFAS it currently manufactures.In the process of exiting PFAS production, 3M expects to incur a total pre-tax cost of approximately US$1.3 billion to US$2.3 billion.

PFAS are critical in the manufacture of many products important to modern life, including medical care, semiconductors, batteries, telephones, automobiles and aircraft.PFAS are often colloquially referred to as "permanent chemicals" because they take a long time to decompose in the natural environment, potentially causing permanent contamination of soil and groundwater.

In November this year, the United States California State Prosecutor's Office announced the prosecution of 18 chemical companies, accusing them of concealing the fact that PFAS products pollute the environment and endanger public health for a long time, and demanded to pay back the cost of cleaning up the pollution.