3M to Receive Keep America Beautiful, Inc. 2002 Vision for America Award.

Business Editors & Environmental Writers

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2002

National organization to recognize 3M's eco-efficiency,

Environmental, Health and Safety Management System

Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) has announced that 3M will be the 2002 recipient of its annual Vision for America Award. KAB is recognizing 3M's dedication to continuously improve products and manufacturing processes while minimizing impact on the environment and developing strategies for sustainable development.

Accepting the award for 3M on October 16 at a black-tie award dinner in New York City will be 3M Chairman and Chief Executive Officer W. James McNerney, Jr.

"3M is fostering and furthering the understanding of environmental progress," said KAB President G. Raymond Empson. "Their history and vision of sustainability and innovation has mirrored the sense of responsibility for the environment KAB works to impress upon citizens. 3M's farsighted accomplishments are truly worthy of KAB's highest honor."

In 1975, as the environmental movement was dawning in America, 3M adopted the 3M Environmental Policy, believed to be the first global environmental policy with measurable results from a major manufacturing company. That same year, 3M introduced the voluntary Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) Program. By 2001, 3P had prevented the creation of 821,000 tons of pollutants and saved $857 million. More than 4,820 3P projects have been initiated by 3M employees worldwide.

The company's deep commitment continues today. 3M's process of moving toward long-term sustainable development is called eco-efficiency, first defined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The strategy to achieve this goal is advanced by 3M's Environmental, Health and Safety Management System. This includes continuously improving compliance assurance systems to meet and exceed government and 3M standards.

3M's Environmental, Health and Safety Management System also involves emphasis on Life Cycle Management, a systematic process applied to ensure appropriate consideration of environmental, health and safety issues during the development of the hundreds of new 3M products each year.

Environmental, health and safety aspects of a product's life cycle from development and manufacturing through customer use and final disposal are assessed and considered during product development. Finally, the Environmental, Health and Safety Management System strategy involves moving as close to zero as possible for environmental releases, injuries and illnesses.

3M's efforts to reduce its generation of solid waste have yielded impressive results. The company has achieved a 24 percent reduction in solid waste sent to landfills worldwide since 1990, and resource recovery activities in the U.S. have recovered and used or sold more than $61 million worth of equipment, paper, plastics, solvents, metals and other byproducts.

A high priority too is reducing volatile organic air emissions in manufacturing processes. Substantial reductions have been accomplished through the development of solventless technologies, pollution prevention programs and pollution control equipment. Since 1990, there has been an 88 percent reduction in volatile organic air emissions.

Further reductions have come through focus on greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and some fluorochemicals. Progress is being made through process changes and pollution control equipment. Manufacturing emissions of greenhouse gases were reduced by one-third since 1995, and further reduction plans are under way.

"3M's environmental commitment proves that companies that contribute to sustainability by creating environmentally responsible products and processes also enjoy competitive long-term business benefits," said Empson.

Since 1986, Keep America Beautiful's Vision for America Award has been presented annually to distinguished leaders of honored corporations, whose personal and corporate commitment have significantly enhanced civic, environmental and social stewardship throughout the United States.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose network of more than 500 city/county, statewide and international affiliates educates individuals about litter prevention and ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and properly manage waste materials. Through partnerships and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and government, KAB's programs motivate millions of volunteers annually to clean up, beautify and improve their neighborhoods, creating safer and more livable community environments.