Climate
Reducing emissions
For our operations and for our customers, we develop innovative technologies and products that help reduce emissions and contribute to resilient business growth. Through an assessment of our current footprint, facility optimization, product portfolios, and key levers and technological advances, we’ve identified the “math, path, and plan” for reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on our way toward carbon neutrality in 3M operations.
Our actions include:
- More efficient infrastructure across our facilities, including our manufacturing and processing technologies and equipment
- Use of renewable electricity globally
- Managing our product portfolio, including conducting research and development for carbon footprint reduction
- Working across our supply chain to reduce emissions
In 2024, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated 3M’s new near-term targets and classified our scope 1 and 2 target as in line with a 1.5 ºC trajectory.
Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 52.6% by 2030 from a 2019 base year
Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2021 base year
3M innovation in climate technology
We relentlessly innovate and adapt our technologies to help solve the problems of today and tomorrow — often in direct collaboration with our customers. Whether it’s technology, manufacturing, global capabilities, or our brand, we’re committed to connecting our fundamental strengths to create value for our customers.
Helping reshape the future of aviation
We’re collaborating with aerospace innovator JetZero on development of its Z4, the first commercial all-wing body airplane, expected to enter the market in the early 2030s. The low-drag lightweight all-wing Z4 is up to 50% more fuel-efficient than today’s commercial jets.
Fueling the hydrogen economy
Our innovation drives advances in clean energy, from clean hydrogen production to safer, more efficient hydrogen fuel cells.
Managing air quality
3M aims to improve air quality globally while delivering on our customers’ needs and expectations for high-performing products. The manufacture of some of these products inherently releases permitted and allowable volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including through the use of solvent-based materials.
We track and report emissions based on raw material usage, engineering estimates, published emission factors, continuous emission monitoring systems, and stack test data. For many 3M manufacturing processes, various constituents such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and particulate matter (PM) are emitted as products of combustion. These constituents, which are listed on many environmental permits for specific site operations, are tracked and reported externally where required by federal, state, or local regulations for individual sites. 3M internally tracks fuel usage and calculates the combustion emission rates using accepted emission factors. Even where not required, we voluntarily track VOC usage and significant source emissions to identify opportunities for reduction.
3M’s VOC emissions are primarily attributed to coating lines. Reactors and mixing are also sources of VOC emissions. Of our sites reporting VOC emissions, the majority were below 100 metrics tons per year.
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Implementing and maintaining pollution control
3M has made significant progress in reducing air emissions at the source, including by reformulating to reduce emissions and by improving process efficiencies. We also install and maintain air emission control equipment as required by federal, state, and local regulations. We evaluate equipment options, select the most appropriate technology based on site-specific considerations, and commit to properly operating it. Technologies used at various facilities include thermal oxidization, solvent recovery, carbon adsorption, biofiltration, electrostatic precipitators, baghouses, scrubbers, and cyclones.
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Ozone-depleting substances
3M has established requirements for how our operations manage their refrigeration appliances containing ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons in the context of applicable international protocols, local regulations, and current and future economic impacts.
Approach to disclosures and policy
3M endorses voluntary approaches to GHG emissions management. Any mandatory GHG emission reductions should be developed through international negotiations.
3M supports the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations for helping businesses disclose climate-related financial information. In addition, we continue to advance the speed and accuracy of our reporting for topics like GHG emissions to help gather timely feedback and inform our decision-making. Our climate risk process includes disclosures recommended by TCFD. See these disclosures in our 2026 Global Impact Report.
