Circularity
Advancing the circular economy
We’re committed to designing circularity into 3M products and packaging while also enhancing the circularity of water and waste in our own operations. We see the circular economy as an opportunity to use resources more efficiently and drive product innovation, contributing to a sustainable future and resilient business growth.
Reusable, renewable, and recycled materials
We continue to develop products and packaging that are reusable, recyclable, or made with more renewable or recycled material. To facilitate recycling, we strive to use only one material when possible. To help keep materials in play, we design products for durability and create products that can refurbish structural surfaces, delaying the need for replacement.
3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes can contribute to LEED credits by maintaining existing walls, doors, frames, and built-ins with its innovative architectural finishes that keep them in use longer.
Packaging
3M’s packaging sustainability design principles prioritize product protection, efficient and minimal packaging, and circularity. Our packaging engineers combine their knowledge with use of design tools to help improve the sustainability outcomes of packaging materials.
For example:
- Reducing materials and air space
- Designing for reusability and recyclability
- Increasing recycled content
- Transitioning to renewable materials
In 2024, integration of our design principles led to results such as:
- In North America, we redesigned the manufacturing process for our 3M™ Hookit™ abrasive roll manufacturing to eliminate the paperboard core, leading to a reduction of 22.7 metric tons of paperboard packaging.
- Also in North America, we converted the packaging of our 3M Reusable Respirator product line from plastic blister packs and clamshells to small paperboard cartons. This eliminated over 105 metric tons of plastic while improving package recyclability. The new paperboard carton is made from 100% recycled fibers with 35% post-consumer recycled content and is 100% certified by the Recycled Paperboard Alliance (RPA).
- In Asia-Pacific, we changed the plastic blisters in Scotch™ Brand Surface Protectors and Scotch™ Foam Tapes from PVC to PET, resulting in 10 metric tons of plastic becoming recyclable rather than destined for the landfill.
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Pollution program
An industry first, 3M’s Pollution Prevention Program, developed in 1975, is based on the belief that preventing pollution is more environmentally effective than treatment. In the last 49 years, the program has prevented nearly 2.99 million short tons of pollution, based on aggregated data from the first year of each project.
Water
At 3M, we strive to use technology and expertise to promote a future of “water circularity” — a future where water stress is reduced, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated. Through collaboration and application of 3M technology, we’re working to improve the availability and quality of water associated with our operations. We recognize that reducing water consumption and improving water quality in our operations are important elements of our environmental stewardship at a local level.
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Engaging in our communities
Engaging globally serves communities locally, and 3M is focused on both spaces. Through our role as a leadership committee member of the Water Resilience Coalition, we are committed to accelerating solutions to global water challenges and working with others to do so. In the areas where we live and operate, 3M is continuing to connect with local stakeholders as part of our commitment to community engagement and resiliency. We’re sharing knowledge, listening to community leaders, and finding opportunities to collaborate on solutions.
