Suppliers
Supplier expectations
We participate in a complex global supply chain, purchasing raw materials, products, and services from companies all over the world. Our suppliers have their own suppliers. Through our policies, processes, and programs, we work with suppliers to minimize negative effects on workers, the community, the environment, and natural resources.
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Commitments aligned with our values
3M’s Modern Slavery Statement (PDF, 295 KB) communicates our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to using policies, systems, and controls to prevent human rights issues in our organization and in our supply chains.
Our commitment is also demonstrated in our membership in the United Nations Global Compact, in 3M’s Code of Conduct, and in cooperative efforts to abolish human rights atrocities, especially human trafficking, forced labor, modern slavery, and related crimes. For example, 3M Brazil is a signatory to the National Pact to Eradicate Slave Labor and is an associate of InPACTO — the National Pact Institute for the Eradication of Slave Labor — a nonprofit organization that aims to eradicate slave and child labor and promote dignified work in the supply chains of Brazil.
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3M Supplier Responsibility Code
Our Supplier Responsibility Code (SRC) establishes our expectations for suppliers anywhere in the world and for any supplied material or service. The SRC is based on our corporate values for sustainable and responsible operations and aligns with the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. The SRC is also consistent with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct.
Our supplier vetting process includes reviewing SRC expectations and reinforcing that we expect suppliers’ programs and practices, as well as those of their subcontractors, to follow SRC standards. The SRC is a contract provision included in all 3M purchase order terms and conditions. We may disqualify new or existing suppliers that have not demonstrated conformance with the SRC and do not commit to continual improvement toward meeting SRC requirements.
SRC training is available online to help new employees or others understand 3M’s SRC expectations, processes, and supporting tools. The training covers our supplier expectations regarding labor and human rights, EHS (environment, health, and safety), ethics, and management systems requirements.
3M also offers online training to select suppliers through the RBA e-Learning Academy, as well as to any supplier that requests it. In addition, 3M's Business Partners website provides training materials for suppliers to expand their knowledge on topics such as Ethical Business Conduct, Acknowledgment of 3M Code of Conduct, and Human Trafficking Prevention.
