3M will discontinue PFAS by the end of 2025

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

3M said its decision was based on careful consideration and thorough assessment of the changing external environment, including increasing regulation of the chemical and growing demand for alternatives.

3M said it would stop producing all fluorinated polymers, fluorinated liquids and PFAS-based additives by the end of 2025; Will stop using PFAS in all of its products by the end of 2025.

3M estimates its current production of PFAS has annual net sales of about $1.3 billion. 3M expects to incur total pretax charges related to the exit of PFAS production of approximately $1.3 billion to $2.3 billion.

PFAS are crucial in the manufacture of many products important to modern life, including medical, semiconductor, battery, telephone, automobile and aircraft. PFAS are often colloquially known as "permanent chemicals" because they take a long time to be broken down in the natural environment, potentially causing permanent contamination of soil and groundwater.

In November, the U.S. Attorney's Office in California announced a lawsuit against 18 chemical companies, accusing them of concealing the fact that PFAS products were polluting the environment and endangering public health for a long time, and seeking back compensation for pollution cleanup costs.