PFAS appears in countless products used all around us, from firefighting foams, non-stick cookware to water-resistant fabrics, and 3M’s Novec line. However, increasing awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS has led to stricter regulations. In response, companies like 3M are phasing out PFAS-based products, including the Novec line. Therefore, for industries that rely on these substances, understanding the changing landscape and exploring viable alternatives is now critical. This blog will explore the implications of PFAS discontinuation and provide insights for Novec users seeking alternatives.
For more information about 3M discontinuing PFAS, refer to this article: 3M Novec Phase-out: Its Broad Applications and Reasons for Discontinuation
What is 3M PFAS?
PFAS, which stands for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. These molecules are composed of chains of carbon and fluorine atoms, creating an exceptionally strong carbon-fluorine bond that makes them highly resistant to environmental degradation. PFAS are prized for their unique properties, including thermal and chemical stability, water and stain resistance, and surfactant capabilities.
PFAS are ubiquitous in everyday life. They are commonly used in fabric and carpet treatments to prevent stains and water damage. In addition, PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS are employed in the manufacturing of nonstick cookware to create smooth, nonstick surfaces. PFOS is also a key component in firefighting foams used to extinguish flammable liquid fires.
In the context of this article, PFAS are particularly noteworthy for their applications in cleaning and etching processes. Their ability to dissolve and remove contaminants is well recognized, thanks to their high blendability, low surface tension, and high density. These characteristics allow PFAS to penetrate even the most challenging and confined areas on substrates, enhancing cleaning performance by enabling the compounds to move around and attract other chemicals in tight spaces.
The negative impact of PFAS
Despite their widespread use, PFAS have come under scrutiny due to their persistent nature. Once released into the environment, PFAS can remain in soil and water for decades, leading to long-term contamination. This persistence has raised alarms about the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including:
- Contamination of Drinking Water: PFAS have been found in drinking water supplies across the globe, leading to concerns about long-term exposure.
- Health Risks: Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental effects in children.
- Environmental Impact: The durability of PFAS means they accumulate in the environment, posing a risk to wildlife and ecosystems.
3M Discontinuing PFAS Products
In response to these concerns, 3M announced its decision to discontinue the production of PFAS-based products, including its Novec line. 3M’s decision to phase out Novec was also influenced by several factors, including the review of restrictive PFAS regulations by environmental agencies. Additionally, global supply challenges and strong industry demand that surpasses current capacity have also contributed to this decision.
This decision marks a significant shift for industries that have relied on Novec products for critical applications. The discontinuation highlights the growing pressure on companies to phase out PFAS and seek safer alternatives.
Refer to this article for more detail: 3M Novec Phase-out: Its Broad Applications and Reasons for Discontinuation
Is all PFAS products banned?
While PFAS are under increasing scrutiny and proposals for restricted use, it’s important to recognize that not all PFAS compounds are harmful to the environment or human health. Restrictions have primarily targeted specific substances, such as PFOS and PFOA, due to their widespread use and potential for harm. However, many PFAS compounds remain in use, and a complete ban is currently impractical.
As a result, 3M’s PFAS products may face restrictions in certain industries or applications, but not all uses will be impacted. For example, in some European countries, PFAS restrictions are set to take effect in 2026, but certain applications may still be exempt.
However, the regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving, and future bans or restrictions could further limit the availability of PFAS-based products. Industries that rely on PFAS should proactively explore alternatives to mitigate the impact of potential future regulations.
Find the alternatives for 3M Novec? Read the article: 3M Novec replacements – Drop-in and long-term solution
Keep your production running without 3M Novec
In the current situation, there is a very common question: Can the 3M Novec be replaced?
And, the answer is: Yes, there are many solvent that can be an alternatives for 3M PFAS.
If you are using 3M Novec and facing supply chain constraints, the wise solution is to choose a drop-in alternative.
When switching to any new product, it is extremely important to evaluate cleaning performance as well as compatibility and process factors, especially for solvents. Prostech have line of chemically identical replacement that allows you to replace 3M Novec immediately without qualification testing because these formulas are replicated at the molecular level. Contact us for quotation:
During your interim replacement solvent use period, you will have time to research, test, and evaluate the effectiveness of long-term replacement solvents. They could be new chemical formulations that do not contain PFAS. Without further ado, these PFAS-free solvents are already commercially available with comparable cleaning performance even better, while being more cost effective and safer.
Apart from using solvents, there are several other methods for industrial cleaning and degreasing. They are also considered as 3M Novec replacement. Common methods can be mentioned as vapor degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning,…
For a detailed overview of options for 3M Novec replacements, check out our blog: 3M Novec replacements – Drop-in and long-term solution
Download our 3M Novec and Fluorinert replacement guideline to find out how our innovative solutions can help you adapt to the phase-out seamlessly:
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