We believe we have a responsibility to protect critical habitats and species around the world.
3M’s Commitment to Sustainable Forestry
3M is one of the most acclaimed companies in the world for its commitment to the environment.
For more than 40 years, 3M has been a leader among global companies – having pioneered the concept of sustainability in its manufacturing processes, beginning with its groundbreaking Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) Programme in 1975.
We have also set aggressive environmental goals for our company to address climate change, water stewardship, air emissions and waste reduction while increasing the recyclability and recycled content of our packaging.
As a global company, we believe that we have a responsibility to society, in general, and especially to the communities in which we live and work. This includes protecting endangered species and habitats. We have donated more than $20 million to The Nature Conservancy to safeguard biodiversity and habitat throughout the United States, China, Mexico and Brazil.
Responsible Paper Sourcing
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As part of our overall sustainability efforts, we have had a long-standing commitment to responsible forest management. We source paper products from suppliers who share our values and are equally committed to protecting forest areas.
We have a defined policy for responsible sourcing of paper. It includes doing our part to ensure wood is legally harvested, using many recycled paper products, and protecting ecologically and culturally significant forest areas. We work closely with our suppliers in support of these policies. We expect them to supply us through the use of a chain of custody system, a forest management certification or equivalent.
Like many other major companies, we support and recognise several forest certification programmes. Based on independent research, consultation with experts, and benchmarking, we believe these third party sustainable forest management certifications are credible mechanisms to demonstrate sustainable forestry practices.
‘There are a number of credible forest certification programs’, says Katie Fernholz, a 15-year forester and Executive Director of Dovetail Partners, Inc., a non-profit organisation committed to environmental education. ‘These programs have robust requirements and meeting these requirements demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible paper procurement. 3M’s on-going research of and support for responsible paper sourcing, combined with their global paper sourcing policy and sustainable product innovations, make them a great partner in efforts to protect, manage and enhance the natural environment’.
Sustainable Innovation
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3M continues to advance sustainable product development. Just one example is our Post-it® Greener Notes and Post-it® Recycled Notes, which are made from 100 per cent recycled paper, and the packaging for the Recycled notes is made of 100 per cent recycled cardboard. We also offer Post-it® 100 per cent Recycled Pop-Up Notes, Post-it® Greener Pagemarkers and Post-it® Recycled Easel Pads. All Post-it® Notes are 100 per cent recyclable.See more details in our Sustainable Solutions catalogue.
Certain Post-it® brand and Scotch® brand products now utilise a revolutionary adhesive made primarily from renewable plants, reducing the use of petroleum in the manufacturing process.
All of these things together help preserve our world’s forests, reduce the impact of climate change and improve lives around the world. Working with our vendors, employees, customers and community stakeholders, we will continue to meet the needs of society today, while respecting the needs of future generations.
