3M to invest $1b in environmental initiatives

11 March 2021: 3M will invest approximately $1 billion over the next 20 years to accelerate new environmental goals: achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, reduce water use by 25% at its facilities, and return higher quality water to the environment after use in manufacturing operations.

“As we grow 3M, we will lead in environmental stewardship, social equity and justice and corporate governance. We are taking action now to bend the curve on carbon emissions and water use and improve water quality. Our investments will make us more effective and efficient and drive growth.” said 3M Chairman and CEO, Mike Roman.

The investments further accelerate 3M’s continuous improvement of its manufacturing operations and ability to deliver on its environmental goals. 3M expects to further reduce carbon emissions, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and 100% carbon neutrality in its operations by 2050.

As it is in carbon emissions, 3M is taking immediate steps to drive reductions in water use in the coming months and over the longer-term: a 10 per cent reduction in water use by 2022, a 20% reduction by 2025, and a 25% reduction by 2030.

Through its efforts, 3M expects to reduce its overall water usage by 2.5 billion gallons (about 9.5 billion liters) per year. The new commitments build upon the company’s existing 2025 goal of engaging with all of the water-stressed/scarce communities where it manufactures on community-wide approaches to water management.