New Dyneon Emulsifier Eliminates APFO from Production of Fluoropolymers
Technology meets increasing market demands for sustainable technologies and processes
OAKDALE, Minn. - November 6, 2008 - Dyneon, a 3M company, is leading the industry with the introduction of its new emulsifier, Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier, which eliminates the use of ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO), a salt derived from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), completely from its production of fluoropolymers. With the development of its new emulsifier technology, Dyneon is on track to be the first to achieve the goal of eliminating the use of PFOA, seven years ahead of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program goal.
PFOA, in particular, its ammonium salt, APFO, has played a historical role as a polymerization aid in the manufacture of certain fluoropolymers. In 2006, the EPA invited Dyneon and seven other companies to participate in a voluntary program to try to eliminate global emissions of PFOA by 2015. In many respects, the program extends the environmental, health and safety measures that 3M and Dyneon have implemented for a number of years. In fact, 3M announced its phase-out of the production of APFO in 2000.
Dyneon's stewardship strategy includes sophisticated systems to minimize the release of APFO into the environment and recapture and reuse APFO in its processes. Dyneon has offered to license this APFO containment technology to other companies in the industry. In 2006, Dyneon became the first manufacturer to introduce reduced APFO dispersions. With the introduction of Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier, the company is now the first to take the final step in eliminating APFO entirely from manufacturing processes. Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier is suitable for recovery, recycle and reuse using Dyneon's existing advanced containment technology.
The elimination of the use of APFO from Dyneon's manufacturing processes and the transition to a fluoropolymer product portfolio made using Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier is complete for Dyneon's aqueous dispersions and underway for non-dispersion products. Dyneon experience indicates essentially no differences between Dyneon products made using APFO and products made using Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier.
Dyneon's new technology is consistent with the company's longstanding tradition of responsible chemical management and demonstrates the company's support of environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing processes. To promote the future growth of its customers and markets, Dyneon believes it is important to minimize the environmental impact of its products and the processes used to make those products.
"We believe that sustainable technology is one of today's leading business issues," said Netha Johnson, president and general manager of Dyneon. "We are building the foundation for a new generation of products made using a new, environmentally responsible technology, affirming our reputation for innovation and differentiation."
Dyneon's products made using Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier will help customers stay competitive in their field and meet the increasing market demands for environmentally responsible products and processes, while maintaining the properties customers demand of fluoropolymer products, notably, chemical and thermal resistance.
For more information about Dyneon and Dyneon(TM) ADONA(TM) Emulsifier, please visit www.dyneon.com and www.dyneon.com/ADONA or call (651) 733-5353. For more information about the EPA's 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program, please visit http://epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pubs/pfoastewardship.htm.
About Dyneon
Dyneon, a 3M company, is one of the world's leading fluoropolymer suppliers with operations or representation in more than 50 countries. Headquartered in Oakdale, Minn., Dyneon and its affiliates employ more than 800 people worldwide who are dedicated to customer service, technical and sales support, marketing, research, application development, and production.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
