The Misconceptions Behind 3M Novec Solvent “Replacements" and what you really need to be considering

I feel the need to address where our industry is failing our customers.   I was flipping though some past issues Product Finishing Magazine and scrolling through LinkedIn, I saw ad after ad promoting a range of drop-in replacements for 3M's Novec solvents.   They all talk about 3M’s Exit of Novec in 2025 and that customers need to find a alternative now.  It seems like everyone's jumping on the bandwagon, eager to fill the gap left by 3M.

First off for full disclosure, I used to be a 3Mer.   I loved my time at 3M, we had a great team, and a great product, but sadly we all had to move on as they exit the product line.    So here is a fact that most people don’t know. The majority of Novec cleaning customers had already found replacements.  Well before 3M ever announced their PFAS exit, 3M has a major issue of product shortages in 2021 that was much larger than was talked about.  Many of 3M's Novec cleaning customers had to find alternative solutions back then and guess what, the options were cheaper and worked just as well, and these customers never returned.  The bottom line is the market to replace 3M simply isn't as large as these advertising companies think it is.

Now, here is where the industry is really failing our customers. Instead of focusing on finding a replacement for 3M, maybe we should be asking a different question altogether.  What is the future of these type of solvents? 

Let’s think of it this way, why does a massive company like 3M just pickup and leave a cash cow product like Novec?  This is just my personal speculation but when you look at the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding making PFAS chemicals plus the EPA's pending review of T-DCE-based solvents, well, it paints a pretty gloomy picture for this category of solvents.   It may be 5 or 10 years out, but the pressure on style solvent is far from over.  

Now I don’t believe that PFAS based chemistry will disappear, it’s too critical to major industries like semiconductor and defense applications. There will continue to be similar products made, likely all made overseas but their uses will become tightly regulated to limited,  critical applications.   I don’t see cleaning being a critical application that will special carveouts in the regulations.   Additionally as more manufactures of these solvents also exit under the legal pressures of making, PFAS the cost of making these materials will increase dramatically and increasing reliant on foreign production.   

Maybe instead of trying to replace a PFAS solvent with other PFAS solvent, it's time to start exploring new approaches to cleaning that prioritize safety, sustainability, and reliability. 

Let's talk about some of the alterative options available.

First you have your conventional approaches, like vacuum degreasing using modified alcohol or hydrocarbon based solvents.  It's a tried and tested method, no doubt about it.  Companies like Firbimatic has been making degreasing for 30 years, and companies like Kyzen have advanced the chemistry to a point it addresses all the historical challenges.   This is your safest solvent alternative.

Then there's good old water-based cleaning.   With the right detergent and quality ultrasonics removing the oil is easier than ever.   This becomes even more true when you add in some vacuum-assisted processing like the equipment provided by Jayco Cleaning Technology.   The use of vacuum in the cleaning cycle overcomes the surface tension challenge of water, and then vacuum drying essentially gets water to act like a solvent when it comes to drying.  

Then there are newer options like vapor blasting. This method uses a mix of water, abrasive media, and air to clean surfaces.  With both manual and automated systems like the ones made by Vixen Vapor Blasting you have an effective, relatively eco-friendly solution that could open up a whole new world of possibilities by combing degreasing and surface finishing at the same time. 

So, to all those companies who once used 3M or any of the other solvents on the market, maybe it's time to rethink your strategy.  There are plenty of alternative options on the table, let’s talk about some long term solutions, not just another 3M style solvent.