3M, a global manufacturer of packaging solutions such as packing tape, Post-it notes, and waterproof coatings, has announced that it will stop producing and using so-called “forever chemicals.” These are common materials that have been linked to environmental hazards and health problems such as cancer. 3M’s decision to stop making and using “forever chemicals” comes after the company released a statement announcing the decision.
3M is following in the footsteps of other firms, such as Gore-Tex, which have committed to removing PFCs that are harmful to the environment from the entire life cycle of their consumer fabric goods. Many of 3M’s solutions include substances for coatings, such as waterproofing clothing, chemicals known as PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which do not degrade under normal environmental conditions, and have been found in dangerous concentrations in soil, water, food, and even the human body. PFAS have also been found in many of 3M’s other products, such as adhesives and sealants. In the food business, where potentially toxic chemicals were employed to manufacture non-stick pans, activists have been advocating for years for alternative methods to be utilised.
According to the BBC, 3M will stop using the chemicals entirely by the end of 2025 but will continue to honour contracts until then. It will necessitate the recalibration or re-formulation of thousands of industrial and daily products using different kinds of materials.
According to a statement released by the company, “With these two measures, 3M is committing to innovate toward a world less dependent upon PFAS.” 3M has stated that it has already eliminated the usage of two PFAS chemicals in the early 2000s. According to the BBC, the company’s revenue from ‘forever chemicals’ earns roughly 1.3 billion dollars in sales annually, which is less than 5 percent of the company’s overall revenue.
3M is positioning itself to become a leader in the development of ecologically friendly packaging solutions by aligning itself with the sentiments of both consumers and environmentalists.
Reference:
“Packaging Giant 3m to Stop Using ‘Forever Chemicals.’” FashionUnited, 27 Dec. 2022, https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/packaging-giant-3m-to-stop-using-forever-chemicals/2022122766985.
