Discontinuation of 3M™ Products and Replacement Solution

The fluorinated fluids market is undergoing a major transformation following 3M’s announcement to exit the production of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by the end of 2025. As part of this strategic decision, 3M™ will discontinue its entire portfolio of Novec™ and Fluorinert™ fluids, products that have been widely used across numerous high-tech and industrial applications for decades. View the official announcement here.

This announcement has created significant concern for manufacturers and engineers who rely on these fluids for critical processes, particularly in industries requiring high purity, thermal stability, and chemical inertness. Applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicle (EV) production, high-voltage charging systems, and advanced data center cooling are among those most affected by this change.

In response to this market shift, Syensqo Galden® PFPE fluids have emerged as a reliable and high-performance alternative to 3M Novec™ and Fluorinert™ products. Galden® fluids offer comparable-and in many cases superior-performance characteristics, including excellent thermal stability, low vapor pressure, chemical inertness, and long service life.

In addition to Galden® PFPE fluids, selected products Chemours such as the Opteon™ and Vertrel™ product lines can also serve as effective alternatives to 3M™ Novec™ fluids. These solutions are designed to meet similar performance requirements, including low environmental impact, excellent cleaning efficiency, chemical stability, and safety in demanding industrial applications. Depending on the specific process and regulatory requirements, Chemours Opteon™ and Vertrel™ fluids offer flexible replacement options to help ensure continuity and compliance following the phase-out of 3M™ Novec™ products.

To support customers during this transition, the detailed product reference chart below will help identify the most suitable replacement solution for each corresponding 3M™ fluid, ensuring continuity of performance, safety, and operational efficiency.