The company said it will discontinue the use of chemicals forever and will “exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025.” Currently, 3M makes about $1.3 billion in annual sales from the PFAS it makes. The chemicals have been included in many of their most iconic products over the years, including Scotchgard fabric protectant. In the 1960s the company also worked to develop fire fighting foam using PFAS.
“PFAS are essential in the manufacture of many important products for modern life, including medical technologies, semiconductors, batteries, telephones, automobiles and aircraft,” the company explains in its press release from today, despite his commitment to leave chemicals forever.
What are PFASs used for?
PFAS have long been used in manufacturing due to their chemical resistance, a useful characteristic when looking for water and stain resistance or when developing a fire-fighting foam. Temperatures above 700 degrees Celsius are needed to break down the chemicals, and even then, these compounds have been known to persist in the air after incineration.
