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ARTICLE · 03 MARCH 2025

PFAS Out, Libel In: Testing The Boundaries Of Defamation And Tortious Interference

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A manufacturer of PFAS free turf has filed a defamation suit to prevent an environmental group from harming its business after the group issued blanket statements about the presence of PFAS.

United StatesLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Jay Bhimani
Jay Bhimani
Douglas E. Fleming III
Douglas E. Fleming III
Emily Van Tuyl
Emily Van Tuyl

A manufacturer of PFAS free turf has filed a defamation suit to prevent an environmental group from harming its business after the group issued blanket statements about the presence of PFAS in turf that ignored innovations in the industry. If successful, this case may allow companies with innovative products to pursue recourse against misleading statements.

In a recent complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Southern Division, plaintiff Polyloom Corporation of America d/b/a TenCate Grass North America, Inc. ("Polyloom") alleges that defendant Grassroots Environmental Education ("GEE") and others engaged in defamation and tortious interference with Polyloom's business relations by asserting that PFAS can be found in "most artificial turf fields" and poses health risks. Compl., Polyloom Corp. America v. Grassroots Envtl. Educ., inc. et. al., No. 25 cv 00014 (E.D. Tenn. Jan. 20, 2025). Polyloom makes and sells artificial turf

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