Corporate Responsibility
Working for a sustainable future
We are committed to contributing to sustainable development through social responsibility, environmental protection and economic progress.
Our corporate social responsibility programme is focused on areas where our contribution can make a real difference to improving quality of life within communities close to our sites. Our four main areas of focus are:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Educational support for STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths)
- Improving Health & Wellbeing
- Promoting Health & Safety
Collectively they support two of 3M’s worldwide corporate goals - respecting our social and physical environment, and being a company that employees are proud to be a part of.
Our programmes:
We have delivered a highly respected Community Awards programme for the past 16 years in conjunction with our local Loughborough newspaper. The programme recognises and rewards charities, schools and non-profit making groups who are working to enhance quality of life for local people or improve the social and physical environment within the community close to our Loughborough headquarters.
3M4Good Employee Volunteering
3M4Good Employee Volunteering entitles all 3M employees to take the equivalent of one paid working day to participate in an organised volunteering project. The programme provided meaningful support through practical projects local to 3M sites and where employees live. Projects are selected for their potential to make a difference on an important issue or concern enabling 3M to combine financial resources with employee time, expertise and commitment to achieve objectives important to the health of the community.
Pollution Prevention Pays Programme
In 1975, 3M was a global pioneer amongst manufacturing industries when it launched the 3P (Pollution Prevention Pays) programme. The programme, which aims to prevent pollution at source rather than cleaning it up later, forms the basis by which 3M’s corporate five year stretch environmental goals of 20% improvement in energy efficiency, 20% reduction in waste and 25% reduction in volatile air emissions are achieved.
In 2009, 3M UK plc was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of its UK operations, including the healthcare sites at Loughborough, Clitheroe and Bridgend.
Recycling Schemes
Through the recycling of mobile phones, paper, cardboard, aluminium and plastics from its manufacturing facilities, 3M supports its community by donating the proceeds to local charities including the East Midlands Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
STEM Ambassador Programme
As an employer of over 200 research & development scientists and engineers at its UK sites, 3M Health Care has a vested interest in encouraging the scientists and technologists of tomorrow. We are an active supporter of the government funded organisation, STEMNET, which creates opportunities to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Our employee volunteering initiatives include the national STEM Ambassador programme working with schools and colleges in close proximity to our sites. 3M scientists and engineers are sharing their expertise and enthusiasm to encourage young people's awareness of STEM subjects and related careers. This may be through running technology challenges, assisting at science clubs, supporting careers events and hosting visits to 3M's facilities.
3M Health Care is a member of the East Midlands STEM Partnership is the voice of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education in the region. Through its members – STEM partners, educators and businesses – the Partnership provides the stimulation, skills and support for STEM professionals of the future.
Overseas Humanitarian Aid
We are an active supporter of overseas humanitarian aid and disaster response programmes, donating medical products and supplies through International Health Partners, Mercy Ships UK and Project HOPE. With regret, we are unable to provide product donations to individual healthcare practitioners on overseas aid programmes.
For more information about 3M’s approach to Corporate Responsibility visit our 3M UK website.
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