We all want products that, in some way improve our lives. From ones that address big, important issues like protecting our safety and health, though to others that solve comparatively minor irritants, such as protective films for our notebooks or smartphones without unsightly air bubbles.

And, whether we are acting on a personal or professional basis, we all want to buy products from companies we can trust.

These are simple truths – but they are recognised well at 3M. We know that the way we do business is as important as the business we do. And that is deeply ingrained in both our people and our operations. We believe that doing things the right way is the only way. It is the 3M way.

Ethical standards are woven into the company’s core. They are defined in our Code of Conduct and in our Leadership Behaviours, standards against which all employees are assessed.

But it takes more than policies and processes to build an ethical reputation. 3M’s culture is held as an example for businesses around the world, reflected by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical practices in business, which has listed 3M as a World’s Most Ethical Company for a third year in a row.

Ethisphere recognises companies that align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust part of their corporate DNA, and in so doing shape future industry standards by introducing tomorrow’s best practices today. It assesses companies around the world in five categories: ethics and compliance programme, citizenship and corporate responsibility, culture of ethics, governance, and leadership, innovation and reputation.

“3M’s 100-plus years demonstrate a sustainable business advantage that is supported by their values and commitment to ethics and innovation,” says Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich. “They clearly understand their role in the broader global business community and recognise the value of operating with integrity. Congratulations to everyone at 3M for being recognised as a 2016 World's Most Ethical Company.”

Honesty. Integrity. The heartbeat of 3M.

The full list of the 2016 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found here

You can learn more about 3M’s Code of Conduct here