As the world recognizes the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, 3M is celebrating its own significant milestone: 35 years of Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) – the company’s renowned environmental initiative that has now prevented more than 3 billion pounds of pollution.
The 3P program is an employee-based effort that encourages and recognizes innovative projects that eliminate pollution through product design and manufacturing practices while also reducing costs. Since the program’s inception in 1975, 3M employees worldwide have completed more than 8,000 3P projects.
“It’s the ongoing commitment to 3P and the leadership of our employees that allow us to continue now and into the future to achieve significant advances in pollution prevention,” said Jean Sweeney, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety for 3M.
“3P introduced a new approach to pollution prevention by focusing on preventing pollution at the source – in products and manufacturing processes – rather than removing it after it has been created.” said Sweeney. “3P was the brainchild of Dr. Joe Ling, 3M’s first environmental vice president. Under Dr. Ling’s leadership, 3P became a model for pollution prevention around the world while continuing to deliver significant cost savings to 3M.”
As of the end of the first quarter of 2010, 3M has prevented more than 3 billion pounds of pollution, which translates into nearly $1.4 billion in savings to 3M.
Looking ahead, 3M also sees 3P and its environmental programs as an opportunity for growth. “We call it 3P thinking – using what we know about reducing environmental impacts and offering that expertise to our customers through technology and products,” Sweeney said.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com.
Media Contact:Bill Nelson, 3M(651) 733-6516
