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Building Sustainable Brands: 3M Consumer’s Commitment to a Greener Future

Building Sustainable Brands with 3M products

3M, including its Consumer Business team, is actively engaged in promoting sustainability. They integrate sustainability into their manufacturing operations, products, and packaging. Key achievements include maintaining zero waste to landfill status at the Cynthiana, Kentucky plant since Q4 2016 and achieving zero landfill status at the Hutchinson, Minnesota plant in 2020. 3M also focuses on reducing water and energy consumption. Moreover, the team strives to make their packaging more sustainable by minimizing it. This is done by using recyclable materials and incorporating recycled content.

3M prioritizes Sustainability Value Commitments in their products, emphasizing reusability, recyclability, energy/waste/water savings, responsible sourcing, and addressing environmental or social challenges.

We’ll look at 3M’s efforts in sustainability with their consumer products. 

Sustainable Brands: 3M Consumer’s Commitment to Building a Better Future

With a focus on sustainability, 3M has substantially reduced waste, water, energy, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within its own operations. Furthermore, the company collaborates with suppliers to extend these values throughout its supply chain. In the Consumer Business division, 3M is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of its products, manufacturing operations, and packaging.

3M has made significant strides in reducing waste, water, energy, and GHG emissions within its own operations while also collaborating with suppliers to ensure sustainability values extend throughout the supply chain. In the Consumer Business division, 3M is actively engaged in enhancing the sustainability of its products, manufacturing operations, and packaging.

Forging a Sustainable Path: 3M Consumer’s Brand Building with Sustainability

At 3M, the focus is on leveraging technology and expertise to create a future where resources are efficiently utilized and the environment is regenerated. This involves developing solutions that maximize efficiency while minimizing material usage, contributing to a global circular economy. Additionally, 3M is committed to driving innovation to reduce carbon emissions, accelerate climate solutions, and improve its overall environmental impact. Collaboration is a key aspect, as 3M works in partnership with employees, customers, suppliers, governments, and communities worldwide to foster the systemic change necessary for a sustainable future.

Here are some of 3M’s environmental goals that aim to promote innovation:

Sustainable Success: 3M’s Journey towards Environmental Responsibility

Office Products 

Introducing a range of sustainable solutions from 3M, Scotch™ Cushion Lock™ Protective Wrap offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap. It is made from 100% recycled paper and can be easily recycled after use without compromising on protection. For secure packaging, Scotch® Box Lock™ Packaging Tape can stick securely to all types of boxes, including 100% recycled cardboard. Furthermore, it is manufactured with a solvent-free adhesive in a zero-waste-to-landfill facility. The Post-it® Brand keeps up with today’s tastes by developing fresh and vibrant color palettes and maintains a commitment to sustainability. 

Additionally, Scotch® Magic™ Greener Tape is an environmentally conscious version of the classic tape, made from over 65% recycled or plant-based materials. With these sustainable products, 3M is dedicated to providing effective solutions while reducing environmental impact.

Home Improvement Products

3M offers a range of sustainable solutions for air quality and protection. With Filtrete™ Smart Air Purifiers, the fan speed adjusts automatically based on air quality, ensuring higher speeds are used only when necessary, resulting in energy savings. The Particulate Respirator 9513 from 3M utilizes filter media to filter at least 95% of airborne particles, enhancing respiratory protection. 

Regarding painting projects, ScotchBlue™ Original Painter’s Tape #2090 employs solvent-free coatings, contributing to reduced factory emissions. When it comes to air filtration, Filtrete™ Basic and Clean Living Air Filters have gone metal-free, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. With these sustainable offerings, 3M is dedicated to both environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction.

Home Care & Consumer Health Products

Experience the perfect blend of performance and sustainability with 3M’s innovative product range. Scotch-Brite® Greener Clean Sponges offer a greener alternative to paper towels, made from plant-based cellulose fibers, ensuring a superior and eco-friendly cleaning experience. For tackling bathroom buildup, Scotch-Brite® Swift Scrub Bathroom Buildup Remover outperforms eraser pads by removing buildup three times faster, all while using just water or vinegar without the need for harsh chemicals. 

Meanwhile, Nexcare™ Duo Fabric Bandages provide a gentle and pain-free removal experience, coupled with reliable all-day hold, thanks to the solvent-less adhesive used in their manufacturing. As for insulation, 3M’s Thinsulate™ scientists continuously innovate to create warmer, more versatile, and sustainable versions of the product. This ensures exceptional performance without compromising on sustainability. Discover 3M’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions for a more satisfying and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Packaging & Manufacturing Sustainability Stories

The 3M Consumer Business Group is dedicated to improving the sustainability of its packaging by taking significant steps. The initial focus is on eliminating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from their packaging materials. In a remarkable achievement, the 3M Tonawanda facility, the largest sponge-making location globally, successfully reduced its water usage by 25% through innovative changes in their manufacturing processes. 

Similarly, the 3M Hutchinson plant in Minnesota reached a commendable milestone in 2020 by achieving zero landfill status, actively finding outlets for various waste streams. Exciting advancements have also been made in hearing protection and entertainment with the introduction of the next-generation WorkTunes™. This product not only offers enhanced comfort but also incorporates Bluetooth® wireless technology. Furthermore, the packaging for the 3M™ WorkTunes™ Connect + Gel Cushions Hearing Protector is designed to be easily opened and is curbside recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable future. 3M remains committed to making positive environmental changes while delivering innovative and user-friendly products.

Social Sustainability Stories

3M’s Consumer Business Group actively tackles various social and environmental challenges through strategic partnerships and initiatives. Addressing the homeownership gap, 3M collaborates with organizations that promote ownership access for underrepresented groups, while making meaningful product donations to assist in turning houses into homes. Demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability, 3M made a $100,000 investment to launch The Recycling Partnership’s Recycling Inclusion Fund, contributing to improving recycling practices. In a joint effort with GlobalGiving, 3M became a Plastic Bank Ocean Steward, actively combating ocean plastic pollution and supporting vulnerable coastal communities. Additionally, Scotch® Painter’s Tape joined forces with Project Backboard, NBA star Taj Gibson, and artist Steph Costello to revitalize a basketball court, igniting inspiration and fostering community engagement. Through these endeavors, 3M showcases its dedication to positively impacting society and the environment.

3M’s Consumer Business Group actively promotes sustainability across various aspects of their operations. They prioritize sustainable practices in manufacturing, waste management, and energy consumption, aiming for zero landfill status and reductions in water and greenhouse gas emissions. The company also focuses on sustainable packaging, seeking to eliminate materials like PVC and incorporating recyclable and recycled content options. Through their Sustainability Value Commitments, 3M ensures that every new product emphasizes reusability, recyclability, responsible sourcing, and addressing environmental and social challenges.

As ABLE strives for sustainability, aligning with companies like 3M brings them closer to achieving their goals and initiatives for a better future. 3M takes an active role in collaborating with partners and organizations to tackle social and environmental issues. They actively promote homeownership access, support recycling initiatives, combat ocean plastic pollution, and revitalize community spaces. Through their dedication to innovation and collaboration, 3M and ABLE paves the way for a sustainable path and contributes to a brighter future for everyone.

If you want to learn more about 3M’s commitment to sustainability, reach out to ABLE today, and we’ll be more than happy to discuss building sustainable products with you!