Home » Resource Database Case Study 3M Incurs $10.5 Billion Liability for Polluting Waterways with ‘Forever Chemicals’ Authoring Organisation BloombergNEF Publish Date 2024 Geography United States of America Download Case Study (3M Incurs $10.5 Billion Liability for Polluting Waterways with ‘Forever Chemicals’)(This link will take you to an external website) About this Case StudyThe case study examines financial and reputational impacts on 3M arising from soil and groundwater contamination with PFAS chemicals. It details the company’s history of producing such chemicals, the impacts on nature and the resulting legal actions. The case study also explores the broader implications for the chemical industry and regulatory landscape. Key outcomesLawsuits on 3M brought by USA water authorities resulted in over USD 10 billion in legal liabilities, demonstrating the severe financial risks of nature impacts through chemical contamination. The nature impacts of the chemical sector are much larger. Chemical companies’ operations are deemed highly material for seven out of 11 impact drivers, covering water, greenhouse emissions, pollutants and waste. The growing regulatory and public scrutiny of 'forever chemicals' indicates a shift towards stricter environmental standards in the chemical industry.Download Case Study (3M Incurs $10.5 Billion Liability for Polluting Waterways with ‘Forever Chemicals’)(This link will take you to an external website) Related resources An Overview of Nature-Related Risks and Potential Policy Actions for Ministries of Finance: Bending The Curve of Nature Loss The Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (June 2022) This report covers the key findings and policy recommendations on nature-related risk for Ministries of Finance. The findings include: The materialization of... Deforestation Allegations Trigger Share Selloff of Swedish Oils and Fats Firm AAK BloombergNEF | 2024Location: Indonesia, SwedenCase Study The case study examines the market and reputational risks associated with unsustainable sourcing practices in the palm oil industry. It describes the experience of AAK, which faced a 5.5% fall in its share price within 24 hours of allegations about sourcing from protected areas in Indonesia. Bernard Matthews’ Balance Sheet and Reputation Struck by Bird Flu BloombergNEF | 2024Location: United KingdomCase Study The case study explores the physical risks associated with disease outbreaks in the poultry industry. It details the avian influenza outbreak at Bernard Matthews' facilities, the company's response and the subsequent financial and reputational damage. Freeport’s Share Price and Divestment Deal Spoiled by Tighter Tailings Rules BloombergNEF | 2024Location: Indonesia, United States of AmericaCase Study The case study on mining company Freeport-McMoRan examines the transition risks of tighter tailings disposal regulations in Indonesia and the market reaction to the company's response. Tailings disposal in waterways near Freeport’s mine had caused water pollution and forest degradation. Phool Cleans Up with Upcycled Incense and Bio-leather BloombergNEF | October 2024Location: IndiaCase Study This case study examines the financial opportunity created by Phool in addressing local water and waste impacts. The Indian company upcycles floral waste from temples into incense, compost and bio-leather, preventing pesticide pollution into water bodies and promoting circular economy practices. Related publications Additional sector guidance – Chemicals Related webinars TNFD reporting in action – Insights from Corporates June 13, 2024 (Updated: December 16, 2024) In this webinar, organisations that have recently published a TNFD report shared unique TNFD reporting insights. Whereas climate has become an established part of organisations’ sustainability reporting, nature reports... Getting Started with the TNFD Recommendations: A practical pathway towards nature-related corporate reporting November 21, 2023 (Updated: January 25, 2024) This webinar highlights how organisations can get started with the TNFD Recommendations. It features the Taskforce members who led the development of the TNFD’s Getting Started guidance and a key pilot tester – and digs into the...