Discover how 3M is leveraging science and innovation to drive sustainability across various sectors, including product production, energy usage, waste management, water conservation, and emission reduction.
3M isn’t just reducing its environmental footprint, it’s reimagining how industries function through sustainability-led science. With a legacy of environmental action dating back to the 1970s, 3M’s global impact today is guided by three strategic pillars:
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Their bold goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050 and the elimination of 125 million pounds of virgin plastic, are supported by product innovations that deliver real performance and real results.
Eliminating Waste Before It Starts
3M’s commitment to circular economy practices began in 1975 with the launch of its Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) Program. This initiative focuses on preventing pollution at the source, long before waste enters landfills or supply chains. The program has already prevented 2.89 million tonnes of pollution and saved over $2 billion through material efficiency, hazardous material reduction, and improved production methods.
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As of 2024, 66 of 3M’s manufacturing sites have reached zero landfill status, accounting for 45.2% of all sites globally, surpassing their original 2025 target. A 15.6% drop in manufacturing waste since 2015 further demonstrates their proactive approach to resource management. |
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Cutting Carbon Emissions and Accelerating Clean Energy
Carbon neutrality is not just a distant aspiration for 3M. Since 2019, the company has cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48.6%, and by over 81% since 2002. With goals to reduce operational emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040, 3M is also helping customers reduce their own carbon output. Nearly 100 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions have already been avoided through sustainable product design and cleaner energy solutions, with a target of 250 million metric tonnes by 2025.
Renewable energy is another key focus. In 2024, 56.9% of 3M’s total electricity came from renewable sources, with a goal of 100% by 2050. To further reduce emissions across the value chain, the company redesigned its logistics network, cutting transport distances by over 6,400 km.
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3M™ PELTOR™ Solar Power Solutions Harnessing the power of light, the 3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ Alert XPV Earmuff Headset charges via integrated PowerFoyle™ solar film, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and reducing electronic waste. With up to 70 hours of runtime from ambient light charging, it supports 3M’s broader sustainability goals around energy efficiency and waste reduction. Engineered for demanding work environments, it combines Class 5 hearing protection with Bluetooth® connectivity to two external devices, a noise-cancelling boom microphone for clear communication, and push-to-listen functionality for improved situational awareness. |
Water Stewardship That Works
3M is on track to achieve its 2025 water reduction target after reducing water usage by over 19%. As a member of the Water Resilience Coalition, the company is not only installing advanced treatment technologies at its highest-use facilities but also collaborating with water-stressed communities on recycling and conservation programs.
Plastic Waste: Tackled at Scale
In 2024 alone, 3M reduced its plastic use by more than 76 million pounds, aiming to eliminate 125 million pounds of virgin fossil-based plastic by 2025. A key part of this progress comes from rethinking packaging, such as the Scotch® Performance Paper Box Sealing Tape 570, which uses an industrial-strength paper backing made from responsibly sourced materials and is recycle-compatible when left on the box. This innovation helps cut plastic waste while ensuring packaging remains secure and functional.
These packaging advances are part of a broader effort to address plastic waste worldwide. Through its partnership with Plastic Bank, 3M has helped prevent more than 800,000 pounds of plastic (equivalent to 18 million bottles) from entering the ocean. The collected material is repurposed into new products and packaging, creating a circular system that keeps waste out of the environment and supports economic opportunities in local communities.
Cut Faster, Last Longer, Waste Less
Sustainability is embedded in every new 3M product via the company’s Sustainability Value Commitment (SVC). Since 2020, 100% of new 3M products have been designed to meet one or more sustainability criteria, including waste reduction, energy savings, water conservation, and responsible sourcing. This commitment extends beyond manufacturing processes to the design and performance of 3M’s grinding products, where advanced materials technology is paired with environmental responsibility to deliver exceptional results while minimising waste, lowering energy use, and reducing operator fatigue.
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A Global Model for Local Impact
Around the world, 3M’s facilities are showcasing what environmental leadership looks like in action. The UK’s Aycliffe site now runs on 100% renewable energy and holds ISO 14001 accreditation. In Sweden, the Värnamo plant has adopted closed-loop manufacturing and reduced energy use by nearly 14%. In Germany, its Hilden site is powered entirely by RE100-certified renewable sources.
Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox at 3M, it’s part of the product DNA. Every innovation is engineered to protect not only people and productivity, but also the planet.
Explore 3M's full line up of sustainable solutions, or download our Sustainability Brochure below to see how innovation meets responsibility.