3M Health Care. Sustainably Improving Lives.

Sustainability in Health Care

In the Health Care Business, 3M is working to make our manufacturing processes and internal operations more sustainable, reduce the amount of packaging we use, and create products that can help our customers solve their sustainability challenges.

You may be surprised to learn that hospitals face many sustainability challenges. For example, in the United States:
- Hospitals generate 5.9 million tons of waste each year (source=Practice Greenhealth website)
- The median hospital water consumption is 315 gallons of water per bed per day for those hospitals using the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool. This makes hospitals one of the most water intensive facilities.
- Hospitals use many chemicals of concern
- Hospitals also use a significant amount of energy

Dental and orthodontic practices also have opportunities to operate more sustainably. For example, digital technologies can generate many sustainability benefits:
- Electronic records can reduce the amount of paper used
- Digital imaging/x-rays can reduce the use of lead foils and fixing chemicals
- Digital technologies can mitigate the need for impressions
Proper disposal of mercury-containing silver fillings is a second sustainability opportunity for dentists. Finally, recycling, LED operatory lighting, use of green cleaning chemicals, and use of ENERGY STAR rated equipment can also contribute. Clearly, there are many ways to “be green” in oral care.

Digital Scanning Reduces Waste

3M™ True Definition Scanner takes digital impressions of patient’s teeth which can help reduce waste by eliminating the need for elastomeric materials.

Digital Scanning Reduces Waste
Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Braces

Through advanced design and materials, 3M developed ceramic orthodontic braces that no longer require metal. This change reduces metal used and metal waste during production. Clarity ADVANCED braces look great during treatment, increasing overall patient satisfaction.

Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Braces
APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive

3M has combined its expertise in fiber technology and adhesive science to create advanced APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive for orthodontic bonding. Now there is no excess adhesive to remove when braces are bonded to teeth, reducing waste and saving time for everyone.

APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive

- Digital Scanning Reduces Waste
  
  3M™ True Definition Scanner takes digital impressions of patient’s teeth which can help reduce waste by eliminating the need for elastomeric materials.
- Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Braces
  
  Through advanced design and materials, 3M developed ceramic orthodontic braces that no longer require metal. This change reduces metal used and metal waste during production. Clarity ADVANCED braces look great during treatment, increasing overall patient satisfaction.
- APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive
  
  3M has combined its expertise in fiber technology and adhesive science to create advanced APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive for orthodontic bonding. Now there is no excess adhesive to remove when braces are bonded to teeth, reducing waste and saving time for everyone.

- Digital Scanning Reduces Waste
  
  3M™ True Definition Scanner takes digital impressions of patient’s teeth which can help reduce waste by eliminating the need for elastomeric materials.
- Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Braces
  
  Through advanced design and materials, 3M developed ceramic orthodontic braces that no longer require metal. This change reduces metal used and metal waste during production. Clarity ADVANCED braces look great during treatment, increasing overall patient satisfaction.
- APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive
  
  3M has combined its expertise in fiber technology and adhesive science to create advanced APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive for orthodontic bonding. Now there is no excess adhesive to remove when braces are bonded to teeth, reducing waste and saving time for everyone.

See with Accuracy. 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System

The 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System provides the most reliable data on the market so you prevent wasting time, money, and production with unnecessary recleaning.

See with Accuracy. 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System

- See with Accuracy. 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System
  
  The 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System provides the most reliable data on the market so you prevent wasting time, money, and production with unnecessary recleaning.

- See with Accuracy. 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System
  
  The 3M™ Clean-Trace™ Hygiene Monitoring System provides the most reliable data on the market so you prevent wasting time, money, and production with unnecessary recleaning.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

Our scientists from 3M Drug Delivery System’s Loughborough, UK site work with local area schools to engage young people in STEM through the Young Innovator’s Challenge.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
3M Official Sponsor of Smiles Change Lives®

Smiles Change Lives® is a nationwide nonprofit that provides access to life-changing orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families. Since 1997, more than 6,000 children have been given new smiles, renewed hope and restored self-esteem.

3M Official Sponsor of Smiles Change Lives®

- Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
  
  Our scientists from 3M Drug Delivery System’s Loughborough, UK site work with local area schools to engage young people in STEM through the Young Innovator’s Challenge.
- 3M Official Sponsor of Smiles Change Lives®
  
  Smiles Change Lives® is a nationwide nonprofit that provides access to life-changing orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families. Since 1997, more than 6,000 children have been given new smiles, renewed hope and restored self-esteem.