Navigating Rapid Change: 3M's Vision for the Future of Technology
In an era marked by rapid technological evolution, globalization, and economic uncertainty, the pace of change is unprecedented. To better understand which technologies will shape the way we live, work, and interact, 3M recently conducted an extensive study. The result? Six transformative technology categories emerged as pivotal: artificial intelligence and computational technologies, immersive experiences, nanotechnology, energy solutions, environmental advancements, and electronic innovation.

These areas are poised to significantly influence the trajectory of both digital and material science, guiding society from current capabilities toward future breakthroughs. Ben Watson, R&D Strategy Leader at 3M’s Corporate Research Labs, led the “Technologies for the Future” initiative, which reviewed 80 anonymized proposals and identified 30 standout technologies. These were then organized into the six overarching themes.

3M’s innovation pipeline aligns closely with these core areas and aims to drive both present-day developments and what’s on the horizon. "At 3M, our relentless drive for inventive solutions, supported by a strong global collaborative culture, allows us to constantly redefine the boundaries of material science," said John Banovetz, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "Our expertise empowers us to address pressing challenges in mobility, safety, the workforce, and energy, while envisioning a future shaped by transformative technologies."
 
The Future of Mobility: AI, Computational Power, and Nanotech Lead the Way
With over a billion vehicles on the road, transportation continues to inspire innovation. The expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) has become a catalyst for material innovation across the automotive sector, from battery tech to interior components.

Meeting Current Needs
3M is tackling today’s automotive challenges with advancements in battery materials, thermal management, adhesives, and display technologies. For instance, 3M Glass Bubbles reduce the weight of composites; thermal management solutions help control heat in EV batteries; adhesives aid in efficient battery disassembly and recycling; and optical films improve in-car display performance and connectivity.

Artificial intelligence is also speeding up the discovery of new materials like nanocomposites that improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall vehicle performance.

Looking Ahead
“AI will help uncover high-performance materials tailored to extend EV battery life and performance, addressing common range anxiety,” explained Tom Clausen, Global Lab Director of Computer Science at 3M. Additionally, ultra-high refractive index nanocomposites will enhance screen clarity, while next-gen passive cooling materials could reduce the need for heavy and costly climate control systems.
 
Connecting Safety with Innovation: Electronics and Environmental Technology
Safety remains a cornerstone of industrial and community well-being. Increasingly, manufacturers are embracing advanced technologies to mitigate long-standing risks and create safer work environments.

Today’s Innovations
3M has long been a leader in safety, producing essential products like the N95 respirator and offering VR-based safety training tools. Their high-visibility materials also improve roadway safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The Future Outlook
“Artificial intelligence is making factories smarter—enhancing production efficiency, monitoring real-time conditions, and improving worker safety,” said Brian Brooks, Senior Staff Scientist at 3M. Cyber-physical materials—smart substances that react to changes in pressure, heat, or light—will play a major role in this transformation, seamlessly integrating with digital systems to boost both safety and operational performance.

Advanced materials will also be developed for extreme environments, helping ensure the reliability of transportation and energy components while keeping workers safe under harsh conditions, according to Matt Frey, Senior Staff Scientist at 3M.
 
Driving a Cleaner Tomorrow: Energy Technology and the Future Grid
As the global energy demand grows, countries are racing to modernize infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and secure sustainable power sources. Innovative materials and scalable solutions are crucial to achieving these goals.

Current Focus
3M is making significant contributions to energy infrastructure, including advanced materials like ACCR (Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced) cables that allow more electricity to travel over longer distances without building additional towers. Their hydrogen catalysis technology is also helping to produce clean hydrogen fuel, supporting global clean energy targets.

What’s Next
"Imagine buildings that double as energy generators," said Bill Weber, Director of Business Development at 3M Ventures. He predicts wider adoption of solar technologies embedded into construction materials, drastically cutting urban carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Silicon Photonics will support energy-efficient data transmission—reducing the power demands of AI applications and digital infrastructure.
 
Closing the Skills Gap: Immersive Technologies in Workforce Development
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, a shortage of skilled labor could leave over 2 million manufacturing roles unfilled by 2030. Even though many recognize the importance of tech-related skills, there’s still widespread concern that automation could displace jobs.

How 3M Is Helping
3M is addressing these concerns through programs that cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals. Initiatives like the Manufacturing and Academic Partnerships (MAP), SkillsUSA, and WorldSkills connect industry with education to prepare workers for high-tech roles.

What the Future Holds
Immersive technologies such as Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) offer potential game-changing ways to train workers, allowing users to explore realistic 3D environments recreated from basic visual data. Kevin Gotrik from 3M’s Corporate Research Lab believes such tools could significantly enhance hands-on training.

Additionally, materials readable by AR and VR devices could further blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds, increasing both safety and efficiency on the job.
 
Beyond the Forecast: Embracing the Unexpected
While 3M’s strategic roadmap focuses on six foundational technology domains, the company remains open to unexpected breakthroughs—whether in quantum computing, synthetic biology, or entirely new material classes.

Jayshree Seth, 3M’s Chief Science Advocate, reminds us that the future will likely include surprises. These “wildcards” have the power to reshape our understanding of what’s possible. By fostering collaboration and imagination, 3M aims to shape a future where innovation uplifts industries, communities, and the planet.

According to Florian Combe, the new product development and graphics manager at Crown Bevcan EMEA, beverage cans stand out as the most ecologically sound packaging format available in the market. In our conversation with Combe, we delve into the present trends and obstacles faced by the beverage industry while examining the environmentally friendly aspects of metal cans.
 
Combe emphasizes the significance of aluminum's infinite recyclability, which positions the beverage can as a crucial element in the circular economy and the top choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
 
“The beverage can is also lightweight, easy to enjoy on the go and comes in a diverse range of sizes, offering great convenience and preferred portioning for consumers. Additionally, material usage continues to reduce in the beverage can, yielding significant supply chain advantages,” said Combe.
 
According to Combe, beverage cans are indeed recognized for their environmental sustainability, convenience, and portability. However, he points out that there are various other aspects to take into account when assessing different packaging choices.
 
“Launching a beverage brand is not just a marketing assignment,” he asserted.

“To be successful, a product launch should involve the production, commercial, design and operation departments, as well as key suppliers, from the outset.”
 
Cracks in aluminum armor
According to Combe, while "risk-free," maintaining production speed and efficiency while achieving high-quality print standards to meet tight supply schedules is a key challenge for production. produces soft drink cans, according to Combe.  
 
“Our industry is based on remarkably high production speeds – among the fastest in the world. We manufacture cans up to 3,000 a minute while keeping tight tolerances – the wall of a beverage can, for example, is thinner than a human hair.”
 
“Beverage cans are printed once formed into a cylinder, and before the necking process reduces the top diameter for the can to be seamed. This requires a specific printing technique that allows manufacturers to print the cans at high speed while maintaining exceptional detail and color management across a curved surface,” he continues.
 
“This technique is called dry offset printing and is specific in the packaging industry to two-piece beverage cans.”
 
He went on to add durable and tamper-proof beverage cans offer superior protection to uphold stringent food safety and quality standards. It's also "completely safe" to drink from a beverage can, with a special lacquer finish that prevents any contact between the liquid product and the aluminum.
 
In addition, the lightweight, stackable design of the beverage cans makes transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly, minimizing the risk of product loss and helping to reduce overall carbon footprint.  
 
Special beverage cans
Crown is seeing growing interest in decorative can design innovations that improve consumer engagement. Brand owners can achieve this by leveraging a variety of decorating techniques or even creating interactive experiences.  
 
“At Crown, we offer a variety of decorative finishes that enhance the beverage can’s design and appeal and enable it to stand out on crowded shelves. These innovative techniques range from special varnishes – adding a matte finish to the can to achieve a premium look, for example, or offering a sensory experience to the consumer with tactile effects – to unique inks visibly reacting to changes in surrounding light and temperatures,” said Combe.
 
“The latter offers the possibility to create interactive designs that, when placed in the sun or on ice, can transform to reveal new colors, graphic elements or messages in the design. These innovations enhance the product experience and foster optimal consumer engagement with the brand.”
 
He explained that the variable printing technology allows up to 24 different design variations to be printed in a single run and helps create a range of collectible boxes and captures consumer attention through uncompromising visual effects. uniformity.
 
Additionally, it draws attention to innovations in smart packaging – such as unique laser-engraved codes – that enable interaction with consumers through augmented reality (AR).  
 
“AR allows brands to deliver a wide range of content and experiences and is ideal for competitions, promotions, and games. These fun, engaging applications are winning consumer hearts and minds across the industry.”
 
Communicate, personalize and interact
Modern decor finishes and interactive options allow brands to create localized campaigns specifically for specific markets and demographics. Working with a supplier who can advise on different options can help brand owners deliver impactful and highly personalized products to consumers.  
 
“Digital print  is the latest technology currently being developed in the industry, which aims to overcome traditional printing limitations. It allows greater design freedom by enabling CMYK [cyan, magenta, yellow, and key] prints, recreating the full-color gamut for photorealistic images,” said Combe. 
 
“It also allows shorter runs, fitting for seasonal or limited-edition offerings and can accurately translate unique, intricate designs onto the aluminum substrate.” 
 
While new technology offers opportunities for smaller markets, traditional printing methods offer efficiency and added value because they are compatible with higher production speeds.

With increasing competition in the retail environment, brands need packaging that captures the consumer's attention at the point of sale. 
 
“Beverage cans have a large, printable surface area that serves as a 360-degree billboard for brands on shelves, which is typically not feasible with other packaging formats.” 
 
“In addition, high-definition printing enables brands to depict intricate designs and strong, bold colors directly onto the aluminum can, boosting consumer interaction with the package while communicating a unique identity,” said Combe.

Dailycsr.com – 14 January 2019 – The “International Labour Organization” reported that over three hundred forty million “occupational accidents” are recorded annually on a global scale. However, in comparison to the “other industries”, the construction sector’s statistic figures seem to show a “disproportionately high rate” of such accidents.
 
There is an industry wide effort in the “engineering, procurement, and construction” sectors, wherein Bechtel also plays an active part, to seek new ways of overcoming these onsite “health and safety challenges”. Similarly, in the attempt of educating the construction workers and making them situational aware, more and more businesses are investing in the technology of extended reality.
 
Explaining the concept of extended reality, Marvin Johnson wrote:
“Extended Reality (XR) is the industry catch-all technical term referring to all superimposed real-world and immersive virtual environments”.
He also added the term included the realm of Virtual Reality, in short VR, Assisted Reality, in short AR, and Mixed Reality, in short MR.
 
At Bechtel, the improvement of workers’ safety conditions which adds up to reduce the “overall rate of work-related accidents” take a front seat of priorities. With the help of XR technologies, the company is able to address these challenges besides “significantly improving project efficiency and exploring new ways to design and build structures”.
 
Giving some example, Bechtel talked about its “VR Training for Crane Operators” initiative, whereby adding:
“Bechtel is collaborating with Industrial Training International to increase quality and reduce the cost of craft training through immersive virtual experiences and the use of videogame-like controls. Combining VR and input from industry experts, the training module provides in-depth real-life scenarios. The new system is expected to improve the screening and selection process for crane operators, supporting our zero accidents philosophy while simultaneously protecting equipment and saving money”.
 
Among other such initiatives, there are “AR-Assisted Lockout Tagout Procedure”, and “Immersive Jobsite Walkthrough Experience”, as mentioned by Bechtel.
 
However, adopting to these technologies present some practical hurdles, as they depend on “wearables, like glasses or gloves, or mobile devices to deliver information to the user”, while the construction sites come with “noise pollution, extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and other environmental concerns” which do not create viable environment for these technology driven solutions.
 
Besides environmental issues, incorporating these technologies into the existing form create practical complexities, while Johnson cautions:
“situational awareness is critical in a busy construction site. If XR systems distract users from what is occurring in their surroundings, the technology solution could pose more risk than the problem it’s attempting to address”.
 
Therefore Bechtel is heavily relying on learning from every pilot projects with the objective of learning and sharing the knowledge with “technology providers” so as to “drive the industry forward in adoption and shape the hardware requirements to realize the jobsite of the future”.
 
 
References:
3blmedia.com