Doing the Right Thing For the Wrong Reasons

Per and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) are the 'forever chemicals'. This large 'family' of human-manufactured compounds, persist for extended periods in the environment. They can now be found in virtually all soil and rainwater samples, across the entire planet. PFAS are used in a vast range of manufacturing processes to make products water and/or stain-resistant. They also render other items non-stick. 'Forever chemicals' have been shown, however, to be strongly linked to human disease. They are associated with cancers, heart problems and low birth weights. The US company, 3Ms, will stop manufacturing PFAS in 2025 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/dec/20/3m-pfas-forever-chemicals-deadline). 3Ms has current net annual sales pf circa $1.3bn for PFAS. One might applaud 3Ms, if its decision to cease production in 2025, is a consequence of its better understanding of health issues/ environmental damage. Altruism doesn't, however, come into its decision! It has taken pressure from government (making the company contribute to the costs of environmental clean-ups), financial institutions (being less keen to loan the company money) as well as increased risk of litigation to produce this belated 'change of heart'. Why wait until 2025?