3M, parent company of Top 40 supplier 3M/Promotional Markets (asi/91240), just launched a packaging innovation that it says will “help redefine how the world packs, ships and sells goods across all industries.”

3M has launched a new padded mailer material that’s curbside recyclable.

The company has released a padded, paper-based curbside-recyclable mailer material that businesses can also use to automate their packaging process. The material is capable of producing packages up to three times faster than manual packing when paired with qualified automated packaging machines.

“3M Science continues to advance and create products that are sustainable and meet stringent performance requirements,” said John Banovetz, chief technology officer. “3M is well positioned to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, and this includes creating more sustainable and better-performing materials to help reduce the impact on our planet.”

According to 3M, the new mailer is made with a single layer of kraft paper that’s lightweight, durable and resists moisture penetration. Its proprietary padding technology helps to protect against drops, bursts, vibration and other potential risks during shipping. It’s specially designed to be used with qualified automated packaging machines and is heat-sealable with potential dwell times under one second to help facilitate efficient operations. 3M notes that the material is compatible with a range of printing technologies and comes in an array of sizes to meet packaging requirements for a variety of goods.

This is not 3M’s first foray into more-sustainable packaging materials. In 2022, it launched Scotch Cushion Lock Protective Wrap, a 100% recycled and curbside-recyclable material that can be used in place of bubble wrap.

Developing lower-impact products like these has been an ongoing priority for 3M, which just released its 2024 impact report. In her intro letter, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Gayle Schueller noted that every new product 3M produces is required to have a “Sustainability Value Commitment.”

“These solutions help us reduce not only our direct footprint, but our customers’ as well,” she said.

Highlights from the report include a 43.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 and a 19.1% reduction in water usage. Plus, 3M said it has reduced its virgin fossil-based plastic use by 69.8 million pounds since 2021.

3M/Promotional Markets ranked 19^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the top suppliers in the industry, with 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $98.2 million.

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