When you come across 3M, what comes to your minds?  For me, I think of Post-it Notes, Scotch, and Scotch-Brite.  I bet most of us do because these are just some of the most iconic brands that nearly everyone across the globe grew up with.  I started using post-its in high school and still use it to this day!  These all come from their mother company - 3M, which applies science in collaborative ways to improve our daily lives whether you're a mom, a career person, a student, and just about anything - we use 3M's innovative products.  3M is one of the strongest science advocates in the market.

We encounter 3M products every day, everywhere. In fact, the most recognizable products like the colorful Post-it® Notes we’ve come to rely on as great reminders, the supreme adhesive quality of Scotch® Magic Tape we often use for wrapping gifts, and the iconic yellow and green dishwashing sponges by Scotch-Brite Brand that is a staple at the kitchen sink. These are all so embedded in our daily lives as Filipinos. 

In a recent 3M Virtual Innovation Tour I attended, I was amazed to know how much 3M I've been using in my life and how it's truly embedded in our everyday lives.  I learned that our mobile phones and laptops likely have multiple 3M applications inside it. The tint in our car is also 3M and it's been there for 5 years but still looks new with almost no sign of wear!  Even the road signs are made possible with science and technology from 3M (called retro-reflective, by the way). The vast breadth of 3M’s products and technologies continue to grow and even as we transition to a changed reality due to the pandemic, the innovation company shows no sign of stopping.

There's science behind every 3M products.  While each product was produced to make our lives easier, safer and more convenient, all of 3M products were thoroughly studied to bring magic to our lives and ensure highest efficiency with every use.  For example, when washing dishes, abrasive minerals were embedded in their scouring pads to allow for superior cleaning of our pots and pans.  Their Command™ Hooks have the best adhesives that won’t damage walls yet still holds on strongly.  Seeing and understanding what makes the classic disposable N95 particulate respirator of 3M special was also eye-opening. It is their unique filter media technology that goes into their respirators that allows for greater passage of air, while keeping us safe from the nasty contaminants. This also offered better appreciation on why face masks are for general public and why the N95 respirators are better left for the healthcare workers. 

It was also refreshing to know that a big company like 3M still manages to be active in supporting the country through various charitable activities and also sharing their knowledge in science like their Science at Home program, ultimately staying true to their vision of improving lives. 

We were also given a taste of one Science at Home experiment by the 3M engineers, on chromatography which is definitely doable with kids at home with available materials. 3M is  actively advocating for continuing education with Science at Home, a series of science education modules that parents and kids can do together, to supplement science lessons in school. 

Financial grants have also been provided for Project Damayan of Caritas Manila and Philippine Business for Social Progress. On the other hand, personal protection equipment (PPE) donations have been made to Philippine National Red Cross and several private and public hospitals in the country aimed to support those affected by the pandemic. Earlier in the year during the height of the Taal Volcano eruption, 3M Philippines also provided PPE donations to World Vision Philippines, the Philippine National Red Cross and other first responders. 

To know more about 3M Philippines, its products, and advocacies head over to https://www.3mphilippines.com.ph/ for more information.