Markets Served: Adhesives and sealants, Pipe coatings

3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation. 3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and produces more than 55,000 products, including: adhesives, abrasives, laminates and passive fire protection. 3M has operations in more than 65 countries including 29 international companies with manufacturing operations and 35 companies with laboratories. 3M products are available for purchase through distributors and retailers in more than 200 countries, and online directly from the company.

3M and the Minnesota Vikings have just announced a 10-year agreement naming 3M the Official Science Partner of the team. The stadium builders and architects used more than 50 3M products, including graphic films and architectural finishes, throughout the stadium.

One of the cool science-based 3M products – Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE) – is extruded to a clear, lightweight film used on the roof panels. It lends the stadium the best of both worlds – protecting players and fans from the elements while letting in sunlight for an open-air feel. It has only a fraction of the weight of glass, is flexible, and has non-stick properties that encourage the snow to slide right off, especially helpful in Minnesota.

The stadium’s 248,000 square-foot roof is covered by 75 three-layer ETFE film cushions, making it the first – and largest – stadium in the U.S. to use a ETFE roof. The film is designed with a geometric print pattern which scatters the sunlight and prevents a greenhouse effect in summer, but protects fans from frigid temperatures in the winter. It is also only approximately five percent of the weight of glass.

Markets Served: Adhesives and sealants, Pipe coatings

M recently published its 2015 Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s sustainability progress and new goals for the next 10 years.

The report highlights 3M’s new 2025 sustainability goals focused on addressing significant global sustainability challenges involving raw materials, water, energy and climate, health and safety, as well as education and development. The goals reflect 3M’s expanding sustainability strategy by placing a greater focus on supporting the environmental goals of its customers and the communities in which it operates.

“Our 2025 goals reflect 3M’s commitment to improving our business, our planet and every life,” said Gayle Schueller, 3M vice president, Global Sustainability. “We believe we can make even more progress toward reducing these global barriers as we continue to collaborate with our customers, our communities and others.”

In addition to introducing the new 2025 goals, the report highlights 3M’s progress toward achieving its 2015 sustainability goals. This year’s report, available at 3M.com/SustainabilityReport, features interactive content and is available on multiple platforms. 3M has published a sustainability report in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework since 2002.

2015 Sustainability Report Highlights:

• Ethisphere Institute names 3M as a “World’s Most Ethical Company” for a second consecutive year.
• Selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 15th consecutive year.
• Donated more than $80 million in cash and products in 2014.

Markets Served: Adhesives and sealants, Pipe coatings

3M reached an innovation milestone  with the issuance of 52 patents, moving the company’s total number of patents past the 100,000 mark.

“We celebrate this important milestone, and honor all of the scientists whose inventions have contributed to the success of 3M and the products it brings to companies, homes, and people,” said Fred Palensky, 3M executive vice president and chief technology officer. “Our unwavering commitment to research and development allows us to deliver technology, products and innovation to our customers worldwide.”

One of the 3M inventors on the patents that were issued is Audrey Sherman, who works in 3M’s Electronics & Energy Business Lab. She currently holds 50 patents. Her recent patent is for a material with versatility, including the potential to improve cosmetics, insulation wrapping and electronics.

Each year, about 3,000 patents are issued to 3M worldwide, more than 500 of which are granted in the U.S. These patents have applications in a wide range of industries as diverse as the company itself – ranging from health care adhesives and sterilization products to consumer electronics to reflective traffic signs. 3M’s first patent was granted in 1924. The following year, former 3M chairman of the board William McKnight earned 3M’s second patent, which was issued for a handle for sandpaper.

“Patents are critical to protecting our innovation and significant investments in R&D,” said Palensky. 3M invests nearly six percent of sales annually in R&D including funding for multiple technology platforms that will be introduced to the market in the coming years.