Sustainability

Sustainable Development
3M Commercial Graphics embraces the principles of sustainable development. Today, we’re building on more than 70 years of practices that support economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Our vision is simple: We want to help meet the needs of society today while respecting the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Commitment to Sustainability brochure
3M Products with Environmental Advantages brochure

For additional information on how 3M as a whole embraces the principles of sustainable development, our efforts are discussed in depth in the 3M Sustainability Report. An executive summary is available at 3M.com/sustainability. In addition, 3M has created an Environmental Solutions Catalog, showcasing all products with environmental attributes.

Environmental Accomplishments
3M was recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) with Gold Class Distinction in the 2010 Sustainability Index. Gold Class Distinction is granted to DJSI sector leaders scoring 75 percent or better and index members that achieve a score that is within 5 percent of the sector leader's score.

In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy recognized 3M with its eighth straight Sustained Excellence Award for Energy Management – a record for an industrial company. The award is given to recognize companies that demonstrate extraordinary and sustained programs to reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency. 3M Commercial Graphics’ manufacturing facility is ISO 14001 certified.

IS0 14001:2004 Environmental Management System

3M is a partner of National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP), a program designed to recognize facilities that reduce waste of priority chemicals. Learn more about NPEP (EPA site opens in new window).

Pollution Prevention Programs
3M introduced the Pollution Prevention Pays initiative – better known as 3P – in 1975. 3P prevents pollution at the source, in products and manufacturing. To date, 3P has resulted in the elimination of more than 3 billion pounds of pollution and saved us nearly $1.4 billion. 3M Commercial Graphics maintains several 3P programs at our manufacturing facility. These programs are aimed at reducing air emissions, solid wastes, recycling, and energy reduction.

Recycling Response
Carbon Footprint Response

Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP)
3M Commercial Graphics joined the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) in 2012. SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. According to Bob Doughty, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Graphics, “This investment is well-aligned with our long-standing commitment to sustainability and with our reputation for providing the industry with the best and most innovative large format graphic products. SGP helps provide a framework for sustainable innovations to our industry that benefits 3M and our customers.”