3M combats climate change with new tech-savy platform

Multinational company 3M has launched its new 3M Forward platform that applies technological and innovative solutions at a large scale to navigate global shifts for societal progress.

3M Forward will feature insights from 3M scientists, engineers and experts who are pioneering innovation in their fields and sharing how their solutions are building a brighter future.

"The global megatrends highlighted within 3M Forward are disruptive in nature, but at 3M, we see disruption as a catalyst for new advances in science and positive societal impact," said Ryan Rogers, director of business building at 3M Ventures.

He further added that science has the potential to solve the toughest global challenges, and 3M's diverse global portfolio and vast expertise make it optimally positioned to deliver innovative solutions at scale. 

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The new initiative also demonstrates how the application of materials science can aid society amidst three key issues which are climate change and resource scarcity, shifting demographics and social change as well as the convergence of physical and digital worlds.

In response to mitigating the impact of climate change and resource scarcity, 3M Hong Kong worked in tandem with Kai Shing management services to apply the 3M Sun Control Film on the glass facade of V City Shopping Centre in Tuen Mun last year. 

"In addition to decarbonizing and saving energy and preserving natural lighting, 3M Sun Control Film can also reduce the discomfort caused by sunlight in shopping malls and prevent furniture and equipment from fading or deteriorating due to direct sunlight,”, said Dr Enzo Lau, the general manager of the technical department at Kai Shing.

Moreover, to tackle shifts in demographics and social changes, 3M is introducing automated technologies like the 3M Finesse-it robotic paint repair system, which efficiently identifies and eliminates defects on automotive production lines.

3M has also recently partnered with Microsoft to launch the post-it app for Teams. The app will provide the technology necessary to replicate in-person collaboration, providing more freedom and flexibility.

Lastly, to promote the integration between physical and digital worlds, John Banovetz, 3M's executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility said, "We are advancing digital automation on the factory floor to streamline supply and labour chains, boosting the power and performance of consumer electronics and optimizing the production of critical semiconductors.”

These initiatives also complement 3M’s various sustainability commitments as stated in a release to the press. 

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