1. United Kingdom
  2. Coronavirus
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Helping the world respond to COVID-19

3M is addressing the COVID-19 pandemic from all angles and across all relevant stakeholders

During this global crisis, the safety of our employees and the public, including healthcare workers and first-responders, must be paramount. We are grateful for the work our people are doing to support the public health response and are taking actions to protect their well-being, including remote work when possible and robust safety protocols in our facilities.

Since January 3M has doubled production of N95/FFP2 respirators to 1.1 billion per year at its global manufacturing facilities, including in the U.S., Asia and Europe. 3M will double its capacity again to 2 billion per year within the next 12 months.

In this crisis 3M is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for N95/FFP2 respirators, and demand will outpace supply for the foreseeable future. As we urgently work to expand our own production, we are also working with governments and others to prioritise, triage and redirect supplies to serve the most critical needs and areas. 3M is also partnering with other companies on a range of innovative solutions to protect healthcare workers and first responders.

  • Increasing output of respirators
    Increasing output of respirators
    • Doubled: Since the outbreak began, we have doubled global production of respirators.
    • 24/7: Manufacturing lines are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    • 2 billion: Taken actions to enable 3M to double respirator capacity once again, to 2 billion globally, within 12 months.
  • Getting product to those who need it most
    Getting product to those who need it most
    • Frontlines: Most respirators in the United Kingdom are now designated primarily for health professionals on the frontline of response, the rest are deployed in other critical industries, including energy, food and pharmaceutical.
    • Critical needs: In regions and countries around the world, 3M is working with governments, distributors and others to prioritise supplies for the most critical customer and public health needs.
    • Collaborating: Working with governments to break down trade barriers and direct respirators to areas of the world most in need.
  • Combatting price-gouging, fraud and counterfeiting
    Combatting price-gouging, fraud and counterfeiting
    • Same prices: 3M has not and will not increase prices for respirators in this crisis.
    • Pursuing third parties: 3M is working with law enforcement agencies around the world to aggressively pursue third parties that seek to take advantage of this crisis.
    • Reporting fraud: If customers have concerns about fraudulent activity, they can report their concerns at 3M’s website.
  • Protecting employees and maintaining business continuity
    Protecting employees and maintaining business continuity
    • Support: We have implemented measures to protect our employees and continue to monitor workplaces around the world to ensure our people have the support they need.
    • Sustaining operations: 3M has been able to sustain operations in different circumstances around the world by working differently, partnering with local experts and governments, and collaborating globally.
    • Open communication: We are committed to serving our customers; we will maintain frequent and open communication in this dynamic environment.

WARNING: Fraud and Counterfeit Activity

WARNING: Fraud and Counterfeit Activity

If you have concerns about potentially fraudulent activity, price gouging, or counterfeit 3M products, you can report your concerns here:

  • 3M recommends purchasing our products from a 3M authorised distributor or dealer only. This offers the greatest assurance that you will receive authentic 3M product.

    If you need help identifying 3M authorised distributors and dealers in your area, please contact 3M Help Centre.


Learn about critical 3M products and
access helpful resources

  • Proper selection and use are key to utilising respirators to help reduce exposure to airborne contaminants. Find Technical Bulletins, How to Videos, Fit Testing Resources and more information to help you protect your employees and yourself.

  • Every day, health care workers on the front lines put themselves at risk to ensure others are cared for. 3M Medical offers resources and information to help protect providers and patients, especially during this challenging time.