3M Company announced it is in the final stages of scale-up for its new 3M(TM) Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF). The new film allows up to 50% more color than current levels in liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. 3M has teamed with Nanosys Inc., to produce the 3M QDEF solution specifically to deliver more color, and to make devices such as smart phones, tablets and televisions, lighter, brighter and more energy efficient. Current LCDs typically are limited to displaying 35% or less of the visible color spectrum. This means the viewing experience on an LCD can be vastly different than what a person sees in the real world. Wide color gamut displays will allow consumers to enjoy more visceral, more immersive and truer-to-life color. Over the years, 3M light management technologies have made LCDs thinner, lighter and more energy efficient. Color performance of LCDs industry-wide has gone largely unchanged until now. 3M research data shows that devices with 3M QDEF-enabled wide color gamut will be noticeably different from other standard LCD devices, prompting the human eye to dwell on the display longer than less-saturated displays. QDEF utilizes the light emitting properties of quantum dots to create an ideal backlight for LCDs, which is one of the most critical factors in the color and efficiency performance of LCDs. A quantum dot, which is 10,000 times narrower than a human hair, can be tuned to emit light at very precise wavelengths. This means display makers can create a highly-optimized backlight that only produces the exact wavelengths of red, green and blue light needed by an LCD for optimal color and energy performance. Trillions of these quantum dots protected by barrier film fit inside an LCD backlight unit. The new film replaces one already found inside LCD backlights, which means the manufacturing process requires no new equipment or process changes for the LCD manufacturer.

The Post-it Brand from 3M Company introduced the Post-it Signature Series, a new collection of premium Post-it Notes, Page Markers and List Pads designed in partnership with 16 artists who have created 21 original collections ranging from classic to contemporary. The Post-it Signature Series combines fashion with function, offering consumers new ways to express themselves and give the gift of style to others. The collection will be unveiled at the National Stationery Show in New York City, May 19-22, 2013. Designers for the Post-it Signature Series range from established artists, illustrators and pattern makers to breakout art students. Each artist has created an exclusive collection that expresses their distinctive design aesthetic, offering a variety of patterns to appeal to every taste and style. Designer Khristian Howell's geometric collections feature patterns with classic shapes and a modern twist of cool blue and green hues, while famed stationery illustrator Bonnie Marcus brings her signature fashion-forward, metropolitan inspired approach to her collection. The line also taps the fresh talent of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Student Morgan Hoff-Golmen incorporates elements from iconic 1950's menswear into her designs, while playful sea creatures and vibrant underwater patterns make up fellow student Madalyn Fusco's aquatic themed collection.

3M Company announced that its shareholders elected Inge G. Thulin as director for a one year term.