3M has announced that it will stop producing and using PFAS within the next three years

3M to Cease Production and Use of PFAS in Three Years; Semiconductor Industry May Be Impacted

3M has announced that it will stop producing and using PFAS within the next three years, a move that may have significant implications for the semiconductor industry.

PFAS, widely used as processing aids in various industries, play a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing due to their unique chemical properties. With 3M's exit from PFAS production, semiconductor companies may face challenges in finding suitable alternatives, potentially affecting supply chains and production processes.

3M CEO Mike Roman stated that the decision was influenced by two factors: increasing regulatory scrutiny of these chemicals and growing market demand for alternatives.

The cooling agents (electronic-grade fluorinated liquids) used in semiconductor manufacturing, which are PFAS products, are widely applied in temperature control for etching equipment, ion implantation devices, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems. Although the semiconductor industry’s consumption of these coolants is relatively low (as coolants can be recycled but gradually leak over time), the continued expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capacity will drive increased demand for these cooling agents.

3M has long held a dominant position in the global semiconductor coolant market. Its announcement to cease the production of all fluoropolymers, fluorinated liquids, and PFAS-based additive products by the end of 2025, as well as to phase out the use of PFAS in all its products by that time, could lead to significant disruptions in the semiconductor manufacturing sector.

PFAS are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they take a long time to break down in the natural environment.

Due to their extremely stable chemical structure and unique properties, including water and oil resistance, PFAS have been favored by manufacturers for decades. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been produced and used in various industries worldwide. These chemicals can be found in everyday products like non-stick cookware, stain removers, waterproofing agents, paints, cleaning products, food packaging, and firefighting foam.

This decision aligns with increasing global regulations and the push for more sustainable practices, but it raises concerns about how the semiconductor industry will adapt to the shift away from PFAS.