New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Treasury Wine Estates Shares Plunge on Earnings Warning Amid U.S. and China Weakness 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
FedEx Beats Q2 Earnings Expectations, Raises Full-Year Outlook Despite Stock Dip 
noyb Files GDPR Complaints Against TikTok, Grindr, and AppsFlyer Over Alleged Illegal Data Tracking. 
Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
Citi Appoints Ryan Ellis as Head of Markets Sales for Australia and New Zealand 
MetaX IPO Soars as China’s AI Chip Stocks Ignite Investor Frenzy 
Republicans Raise National Security Concerns Over Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Trump Administration Reviews Nvidia H200 Chip Sales to China, Marking Major Shift in U.S. AI Export Policy 
Harris Associates Open to Revised Paramount Skydance Bid for Warner Bros Discovery 
Toyota to Sell U.S.-Made Camry, Highlander, and Tundra in Japan From 2026 to Ease Trade Tensions 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Union-Aligned Investors Question Amazon, Walmart and Alphabet on Trump Immigration Policies 
3M announced on Tuesday, Dec. 20, that it will end the manufacturing of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) which are also called “forever chemicals.” These manufactured chemicals are often used as ingredients in almost everything - from mobile phones to semiconductors.
This is present in most everyday products, although PFAS has been linked to many illnesses, including heart problems, cancer, and even low birthweights. The company is aiming to make a full exit from producing this chemical by the end of 2025.
As explained by Reuters, PFAS are called forever chemicals since they are types of substances that do not break down easily. They are almost impossible to destroy due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds.
In recent years, researchers found a dangerous level of this substance in drinking water, food, and soils across the country. Now, 3M made the decision to stop the production of PFAS amid the increasing legal pressures over damages resulting from the use of PFAS.
In fact, 3M was among the companies that were sued by the attorney general of California to recover clean-up costs. DuPont de Nemours Inc. is another major firm to be included in the legal suit.
As damages from PFAS continue to be more visible to everyone, the pressure on companies to give up the chemicals has grown in recent years. Many investors have already sent out letters to urge companies to discontinue the use of the forever chemicals.
"This is a moment that demands the kind of innovation 3M is known for and while PFAS can be safely made and used, we also see an opportunity to lead in a rapidly evolving external regulatory and business landscape to make the greatest impact for those we serve," Mike Roman, 3M’s chairman and chief chief executive officer, said in a press release.
The 3M chief added, “This action is another example of how we are positioning 3M for continued sustainable growth by optimizing our portfolio, innovating for our customers, and delivering long-term value for our shareholders."
