3M Won't Buy Paper Sources From Threatened Forests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Post-it notes maker 3M Co. says it will refuse to buy any materials from suppliers that come from threatened forests as part of an agreement with a longtime environmental critic.

The policy changes announced Thursday would require suppliers of Twin Cities-based 3M to report original sources of materials. It would also make loggers get permission from indigenous groups prior to logging on traditional lands.

California-based ForestEthics had criticized 3M's paper-sourcing practices. Protests against the company included flying an airplane with a banner over downtown Minneapolis's Target Field during last year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

ForestEthics and 3M began meeting months ago about potential changes, and ForestEthics officials commended the company's moves at a joint news conference.

3M says it doesn't think the changes will affect product prices.

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