3M Completes Phase-Out of PFAS Chemical Manufacturing
3M announced it has completed its plan to stop manufacturing PFAS chemicals, a process initially slated for the end of 2025. The Minnesota-based company, which began producing these 'forever chemicals' in the 1950s, faced widespread contamination issues, including a $900 million settlement with Minnesota in 2018. Despite investing $1 billion in water treatment for historical PFAS, 3M continues to face lawsuits globally as settlement funds dwindle, raising concerns about future clean-up costs.
3M, a Minnesota-based company, has announced the completion of its plan to cease the manufacturing of PFAS chemicals, initially projected by the end of 2025. This marks a significant milestone following decades of controversy surrounding these 'forever chemicals.' Production of PFAS by 3M began in the 1950s, leading to blockbuster products like Scotchgard. However, these chemicals subsequently leaked into groundwater supplies, causing widespread contamination of water and human blood globally.The company first stopped producing some types of forever chemicals in 2000 but continued others. This eventually led to a major lawsuit from the State of Minnesota for environmental damages, culminating in a nearly $900 million settlement in 2018. Despite this substantial payment, current concerns are rising as the settlement money is depleting, and 3M has begun questioning certain remediation projects. This creates anxiety in local communities regarding who will bear the financial burden for future clean-up of PFAS-contaminated public water supplies.In response, 3M stated its ongoing commitment to address previously manufactured PFAS, citing a $1 billion global investment in advanced water treatment technologies at its largest water-using sites to treat historical PFAS. Nevertheless, the company remains embroiled in numerous lawsuits worldwide, including in Minnesota, related to PFAS contamination. A FOX 9 documentary further revealed that 3M allegedly withheld early research into PFAS contamination, highlighting the complex and lasting impact of these chemicals.
