Following the voluntary discontinuation of manufacture by 3M of products based on perfluorooctane-sulfonyl fluoride technology, 3M developed a more sustainable technology for many of these products based on perfluorobutane-sulfonyl fluoride (PBSF). PBSF, and related substances, can break down to the corresponding salt of the sulfonic acid, perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). Extensive toxicological testing shows PFBS has a low potential for toxicity. In addition, PFBS has a relatively short half life in mammals and humans. This data indicates that PFBS is not likely to accumulate substantially in the body following repeated environmental exposures.

Based on this data, 3M decided to focus on developing products for oil and water repellent protective coatings using perfluorobutane sulfonyl fluoride (PBSF) as the starting material. Developing fluorochemical coatings for textile, leather, carpet and hard surfaces was not new to 3M, however, the challenge was to deliver best in class products using PBSF. PBSF has half the fluorine as perfluorooctane-sulfonyl fluoride (POSF). It is well known that C4F9-fluorochemical groups in PBSF based polymers do not organize as well as C8F17-fluorochemical groups in POSF-based polymers. New propriety materials have been developed that overcome these drawbacks and as a result new sustainable products are now in commerce.