Top 30 3M Competitors & Alternatives in 2024

3M is a multinational conglomerate that produces a wide range of products, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental and orthodontic products, electronic materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, and optical films. In this article, we discuss the top 3M Competitors and Alternatives.

Established in 1902, 3M has become a global leader in innovation across various industries. The company is widely recognized for its commitment to research and development, consistently introducing groundbreaking solutions to customer needs.

One of 3M’s key strengths lies in its vast portfolio of products, which spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, electronics, and industrial. From adhesive tapes and abrasives to healthcare products and digital signage, 3M’s offerings are trusted by consumers, professionals, and industries worldwide. The company’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement has solidified its position as a leading provider of innovative solutions.

• Product Type: Adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental and orthodontic products, electronic materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, and optical films
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: June 13, 1902
• Founders: Henry S. Bryan, Hermon W. Cable, John Dwan
• Headquarters: Maplewood, Minnesota, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Michael F. Roman

The top 3M competitors are

1. Honeywell International

• Product Type: Aerospace, Building Technologies, Performance materials and technologies, Safety and productivity solutions
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: 1906
• Founders: Mark C. Honeywell
• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Darius Adamczyk

Honeywell International is a globally recognized conglomerate company that produces consumer products, engineering services, and aerospace systems. Despite many similar companies being active in a wide array of industries, Honeywell prides itself on being able to introduce innovative solutions that meet the varying needs of their clients. Their strengths lie in their diversity, versatility, and continually evolving technological advances.

2. DuPont

• Product Type: Chemicals, Plastics, Agriculture, Performance Materials
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: 1802
• Founders: Éleuthère Irénée du Pont
• Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Edward D. Breen

DuPont is a classic and esteemed corporation known for its broad spectrum of science-based products, services, and solutions. Catering to many industries like food, energy, construction, and electronics, DuPont is admired for its consistent contributions to creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable living spaces.

3. Saint-Gobain

• Product Type: Building materials, High-performance materials, Glass
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: 1665
• Founders: Jean-Baptiste Colbert
• Headquarters: Courbevoie, France
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Benoit Bazin

Saint-Gobain is a robust material sciences company with expertise in its various products, including ceramics, plastics, abrasives, and Glass. Found in residential and commercial buildings worldwide, their products are made with a keen regard for sustainability and building comfort.

4. Danaher

• Product Type: Life sciences, Diagnostics, Dental, Environmental and applied solutions
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: 1969
• Founders: Steven M. Rales, Mitchell P. Rales
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Rainer M. Blair

Danaher is a highly influential global science and technology innovator that provides professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services. The brand’s solutions are designed to improve every aspect of life, from health and well-being to environmental sustainability and security.

5. Johnson & Johnson

• Product Type: Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer goods
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: 1886
• Founders: Robert Wood Johnson I, James Wood Johnson, Edward Mead Johnson
• Headquarters: New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Alex Gorsky

Johnson & Johnson is a household name that represents high-quality healthcare products. Their commitment to innovation, wellness, and Safety has made them a trusted brand in the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health industries. Spanning multiple continents, they remain loyal to their goal of bettering health through reliable products.

6. General Electric

• Product Type: Aviation, Healthcare, Power, Renewable energy
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded Date: 1892
• Founders: Thomas Edison, Charles A. Coffin, Elihu Thomson, Edwin J. Houston
• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: H. Lawrence Culp Jr.

General Electric is an iconic conglomerate that offers a broad range of services across several sectors, including aviation, healthcare, power, and renewable energy. With a vast global presence, General Electric ensures the success of its clients by providing technology, solutions, and services of top-tier quality and efficiency.

7. Avery Dennison

• Product Type: Labeling and packaging materials
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1935
• Founders: R. Stanton Avery
• Headquarters: Glendale, California, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Mitchell R. Butier

Avery Dennison is a dynamic materials science and manufacturing company best known for producing adhesive technologies, display graphics, and packaging materials. They commit to making products more engaging, brands more compelling, inventories more productive, information more valuable, and their surroundings more understandable.

8. Becton Dickinson

• Product Type: Medical technology
• Industry: Healthcare
• Founded Date: 1897
• Founders: Maxwell W. Becton, Fairleigh S. Dickinson
• Headquarters: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Thomas E. Polen Jr.

Becton Dickinson, known as B.D., is a distinguished name for medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products. Reliably serving healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry, and the general public, their products help improve patient diagnosis and treatment.

9. Medtronic

• Product Type: Medical technology
• Industry: Healthcare
• Founded Date: 1949
• Founders: Earl Bakken, Palmer Hermundslie
• Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Geoffrey S. Martha

Medtronic is a trailblazer in the sphere of medical technology, delivering patient-focused solutions all over the globe. Their devices and therapies are designed to treat a wide range of medical conditions, helping healthcare professionals achieve better patient outcomes.

10. Boston Scientific

• Product Type: Medical technology
• Industry: Healthcare
• Founded Date: 1979
• Founders: John Abele, Peter Nicholas
• Headquarters: Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Michael F. Mahoney

Boston Scientific is dedicated to transforming patient lives through innovative medical solutions focusing on improving health. A key player in the medical devices field, their product range includes devices for ailments related to cardiovascular, digestive, neurological, urological, and pulmonary conditions, among others. They approach each project with the same aim: improving patient care and saving lives.

11. Carlisle Companies

• Product Type: Diversified manufacturing
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1917
• Founders: Charles S. Moomy
• Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Chris Koch

Carlisle Companies is a diversified manufacturing company that produces various innovative products and solutions for multiple industries, such as construction materials, interconnect technologies, and fluid technologies. Their commitment to delivering quality and value has helped them emerge as a trusted name in the market, catering to clients from diverse sectors.

12. Kimberly-Clark Corporation

• Product Type: Personal care products
• Industry: Consumer goods
• Founded Date: 1872
• Founders: John A. Kimberly, Havilah Babcock, Charles B. Clark, Franklyn C. Shattuck
• Headquarters: Irving, Texas, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Michael D. Hsu

Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a well-known producer of personal care, consumer tissue, and professional products. Their extensive range of products includes popular brands like Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, catering to people’s everyday needs worldwide. The company’s focus on social responsibility and sustainability makes them stand out in the industry.

13. Procter & Gamble Co.

• Product Type: Consumer goods
• Industry: Consumer goods
• Founded Date: 1837
• Founders: William Procter, James Gamble
• Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: David S. Taylor

Procter & Gamble Co., commonly known as P&G, is a multinational consumer goods corporation with a strong reputation for product quality and innovation. Their vast offerings comprise beauty and grooming products, health care items, and household care essentials, with familiar brand names like Tide, Gillette, and Pampers.

14. BASF SE

• Product Type: Chemicals
• Industry: Chemicals
• Founded Date: 1865
• Founders: Friedrich Engelhorn
• Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Martin Brudermüller

BASF SE is a prominent global chemical company providing various products and solutions across multiple industries like agriculture, construction, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. The brand’s solutions are developed with a strong focus on responsible production and environmental consciousness, making them a reliable choice for consumers.

15. Dow Inc.

• Product Type: Chemicals
• Industry: Chemicals
• Founded Date: 1897
• Founders: Herbert Henry Dow
• Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Jim Fitterling

Dow Inc. is a leading materials science company that aims to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to customers in various industries, including packaging, infrastructure, and consumer care. Their drive for growth and dedication to addressing global challenges has positioned them as a significant player in the market.

16. Eaton

• Product Type: Electrical equipment
• Industry: Electrical equipment
• Founded Date: 1911
• Founders: Joseph O. Eaton, Viggo V. Torbensen
• Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Craig Arnold

Eaton is a distinguished power management company that offers energy-efficient solutions to help customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power. They cater to industries like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, focusing on improving the quality and sustainability of power management systems worldwide.

17. Siemens

• Product Type: Industrial machinery
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1847
• Founders: Werner von Siemens, Johann Georg Halske
• Headquarters: Munich, Germany
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Roland Busch

Siemens is a global powerhouse in electrical engineering and electronics, providing diverse products and services in the energy, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors. Known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Siemens is a trusted brand at the forefront of technological advancements.

18. Emerson Electric

• Product Type: Electrical equipment
• Industry: Electrical equipment
• Founded Date: 1890
• Founders: John Wesley Emerson
• Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Lal Karsanbhai

Emerson Electric is a well-established technology and engineering company that provides innovative solutions for customers from various industries, such as oil and gas, food and beverage, and commercial and residential operations. Their reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable, and energy-efficient products has made them a go-to brand for many clients.

19. Parker Hannifin

• Product Type: Motion and control technologies
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1917
• Founders: Arthur L. Parker
• Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Thomas L. Williams

Parker Hannifin is a global leader in motion and control technologies, offering precision-engineered solutions for the various industrial and aerospace markets. The brand is committed to making the world safer, cleaner, and more energy-efficient through its products, ensuring a dependable experience for its clients.

20. Schneider Electric

• Product Type: Electrical equipment
• Industry: Electrical equipment
• Founded Date: 1836
• Founders: Adolphe Schneider, Joseph-Eugène Schneider
• Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Jean-Pascal Tricoire

Schneider Electric is an energy management and automation solutions expert offering comprehensive products and services for homes, businesses, and industries. Their focus on sustainability and efficiency ensures they deliver responsible and reliable solutions that clients worldwide trust.

21. ABB

• Product Type: Electrical equipment
• Industry: Electrical equipment
• Founded Date: 1988
• Founders: ASEA, Brown, Boveri & Cie
• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Björn Rosengren

ABB is a leading global technology company actively involved in electrification products, robotics, heavy electrical equipment, and automation technology. Their services cater to industries like transport, infrastructure, and utilities, ensuring a more productive and sustainable future.

22. Hologic

• Product Type: Medical technology
• Industry: Healthcare
• Founded Date: 1985
• Founders: S. David Ellenbogen, Jay A. Stein
• Headquarters: Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Stephen P. MacMillan

Hologic is a medical technology company known for developing, manufacturing, and supplying diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products. Their workforce is dedicated to enhancing women’s health and well-being through early detection and treatment.

23. Baxter International

• Product Type: Medical equipment and pharmaceuticals
• Industry: Healthcare
• Founded Date: 1931
• Founders: Donald Baxter
• Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: José (Joe) E. Almeida

Baxter International is a renowned healthcare company that provides a broad portfolio of essential healthcare products. Famous for their offerings, such as renal and hospital products, they excel at delivering critical therapies for life-threatening conditions.

24. Ecolab Inc.

• Product Type: Cleaning and sanitizing products and services
• Industry: Hospitality, healthcare, food and beverage, and more
• Founded Date: 1923
• Founders: Merritt J. Osborn
• Headquarters: St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Christophe Beck

Ecolab Inc. is a trusted water, hygiene, and energy technology provider. Their services cater to various clientele, including food, energy, healthcare, industrial, and hospitality. Their commitment to sustainability and hygiene makes them popular among customers worldwide.

25. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

• Product Type: Adhesives, laundry and home care products, beauty care products
• Industry: Chemicals
• Founded Date: 1876
• Founders: Fritz Henkel
• Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Carsten Knobel

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is a global company that operates across three business sectors: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry and Home Care. Providing well-known brands like Persil, Schwarzkopf, and Loctite, they continually meet customer needs across numerous markets.

26. Stryker Corporation

• Product Type: Medical devices and equipment
• Industry: Healthcare
• Founded Date: 1941
• Founders: Homer Stryker
• Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Kevin A. Lobo

Stryker Corporation is a leading medical technologies firm that manufactures and offers diverse, innovative medical devices and equipment. Known for their wide-ranging offerings, such as orthopedic implants and navigation systems, they are dedicated to improving healthcare for caregivers and patients.

27. Illinois Tool Works Inc.

• Product Type: Industrial equipment and consumables
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1912
• Founders: Byron L. Smith
• Headquarters: Glenview, Illinois, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: E. Scott Santi

Illinois Tool Works Inc., commonly known as ITW, is a global industrial company known for its high-performance professional products and equipment. Catering to diverse sectors like automotive OEM, construction products, and food equipment, they deliver trusted, innovative solutions.

28. Corning

• Product Type: Specialty glass and ceramics
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1851
• Founders: Amory Houghton Sr.
• Headquarters: Corning, New York, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Wendell P. Weeks

Corning is a premier name in materials science, specializing in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics. Their products and services feature extensively in high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications, and life sciences.

29. Owens Corning

• Product Type: Building materials and composites
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Founded Date: 1938
• Founders: Corning Glass Works
• Headquarters: Toledo, Ohio, United States
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Brian Chambers

Owens Corning is a leading insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials company. Their high-performing products are widely used in building and construction industries across countries, owing to the company’s dedication to energy efficiency and durability.

30. Autoliv

• Product Type: Automotive safety systems
• Industry: Automotive
• Founded Date: 1997
• Founders: Robert W. Bosch GmbH and Investor AB
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Current CEO: Mikael Bratt

Autoliv is a multinational automotive safety supplier, delivering a wide range of active and passive safety products. Their offerings include everything from airbags and seatbelts to brake control systems, making them an essential part of the contemporary automotive industry.

These were all the competitors of 3M. If you know any other competitors, please do write in the comments below.

Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Competitors