3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
Bringing
Bright Ideas
to Life
Put our reflective expertise, research and
development capabilities and our comprehensive
support in both product design and merchandising
to work for you.
Today’s active consumers
demand apparel that does more
To stand out in the marketplace,
your activewear, everyday
fashions, accessories and
footwear need to offer extra
versatility and performance.
Building in reflectivity adds
value and interest to all types of
apparel–helping wearers to be
seen at dawn, dusk, or night,
in all weather conditions, and
opening up exciting fashion
design options for you.
Product Design & Development
FACT
Each year nearly 5,000 pedestrians
(1 every 109 minutes) are hit by
cars and killed; 71,000 pedestrians
(1 every 7 minutes) are hit by
cars and injured. Not surprisingly,
65% of pedestrian fatalities occur
between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.*
Numbers like these reinforce the
impact of high-visibility apparel in
enhancing the safety of wearers
and in adding legitimate value
to your brand.
*Source: 2005 SGMA—Sports Participation Topline Report, U.S. Activities
Participation; and National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA)
TRENDING
Adding reflectivity to apparel,
accessories and footwear
isn’t just about safety. There
is a growing trend in today’s
apparel industry to creatively use
reflective components in new and
unexpected ways: adding impact
to everything from kids’ clothing,
to backpacks and accessories,
to jeans and fashion wear.
Product Design & Development
Streamline product design and development
Designing with reflective components
can seem technically challenging. But
it doesn’t have to be. When you specify
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, our
experts become your experts. You gain
access to our industry-leading design lab,
technical and testing resources, marketing
programs, and renowned global support
system. These are world-class services
3M provides to all customers at no cost.
Learn more about these resources
in the following sections.
• Product Design & Development
• The Science Inside
• Technical Services
• Marketing/Merchandising
• Why 3M
Let your
creativity
shine!
The effects you can
achieve with reflective
components are
practically limitless.
When you work with
3M, you’re aligned with
a leader at the forefront
of industry trends and
innovation. Share your
ideas with us – we’ll
help you bring them to
life with the right 3M™
Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material product for
your application.
Global design and technical support
3M partners with a network of highly skilled converters that take our roll goods and
transform 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material in new and creative ways in response
to your design concepts. We also have design labs to assist with product development
through your manufacturing process from nearly any site in the world. So wherever
you’re manufacturing around the globe, you’ll benefit from experienced, on-the-ground
technical support.
Converting Examples
Typical Scotchlite reflective material product conversions and customizations include1: piping,
graphic transfers, badges, webbing and drawstrings, zipper pulls & trim and wrist bands.
Piping
Webbing
Zip pull
Graphic transfers
Global Support
3M Design Labs are Located Worldwide:
3M U.S.
3M Germany
3M China
3M Taiwan
3M Lab Services Support Locations:
3M Australia
3M Canada
3M Brazil
and beyond
3M Regional Converting Partners:
North America
Asia
South America
and beyond
Europe
Contact your sales representative to see a book of converted samples.
1
Bringing your concept to life
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Concept
Prototype
Test &
Finalize
Manufacturing
Marketing
Your 3M Rep is the hub of product development:
3M Rep
Converter
Partner
Converter
Partner
Converter
Partner
3M Tech
Services
3M Tech
Services
Manufacturer
The Science Inside
Your
Company
3M
Marketing
STEP 1 – Concept
STEP 4 – Manufacturing
• 3 M Rep and 3M Technical Services
review initial concept, shows examples
of what converters can do, discusses
options for location and placement of
reflective components.
• Upon satisfactory test results, customer’s
factory specifies Scotchlite reflective material
in their order to the converter; converter
produces components and ships to factory
along with hang tags and woven labels
• Preliminary design specifications and
appropriate 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material product are determined
• 3M Technical Services provide on-site general
manufacturing consultation, training, ongoing
troubleshooting support as needed, process
set-up and quality control recommendation
• A qualified converter is engaged
STEP 2 – Prototype
STEP 5 – Marketing
• Converter works directly with customer to
develop prototype and cost and determine if
design modifications are needed
• Marketing assets can help you bring
your product to life at the retail point of
sale including:
• 3M Rep stays engaged and facilitates any
issues; brings in 3M Design Lab Technical
Services as necessary to ensure optimal design
- Videos
STEP 3 – Test & Finalize
- Technical illustrations
•C
onverter produces reflective
component samples
- Animated technical illustrations
• 3M Rep continues to facilitate, bringing in
Technical Services to assist customer in
product recommendation, product positioning,
durability and brightness testing and other
applicable performance measurements
- Hang tag graphics
- Logos
- Promotional copy
- Comparison photography
- Commercial graphics, virtual mannequins
• We’ll also ensure that your products carry
the Scotchlite reflective material hang tag
Put your apparel at the forefront of technology
3M is a pioneer in developing the science behind retroreflection and has been advancing
the technology in new and groundbreaking ways for over 70 years. With more than 35
different products, including many high performance options, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material offers one of the largest and most diverse portfolios in the industry. It is a
trusted name in reflective material technology.
The Science Inside
Our portfolio includes two technology platforms: beaded and prismatic.
Glass bead
technology
Prism
technology
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material works by returning light rays back to the original
source, a result of the retroreflective properties of thousands of microscopic glass beads
or prisms incorporated into the material. Contact your 3M Rep or 3M Technical Services
Rep, they can assist you in determining the technology needed for your product.
Shedding light on reflective technology
Scotchlite reflective material uses a technology known
as retroreflection. This technology helps the eye perceive
objects in low-light conditions when illuminated by a light
source such as vehicle or equipment headlights.
Retroreflection vs Scattered
Retroreflection – When reflective material is present,
light bounces directly back to the source, it creates
much higher visibility.
Scattered light – When reflective material is not present,
light is diffused at all angles, visibility is reduced.
The science of being seen
Designing well-enhanced visibility apparel
requires the following:
Highlighting the human form
and points of motion
360º of Visibility
Technical Services
A sufficient amount of high
brightness reflective material
Adding fluorescent materials to enhance
visibility during daytime, dawn and dusk hours
Technical Services
The 3M-owned Test Track facility
is an exclusive resource to 3M
customers, assisting you in
developing the best possible product.
At 500 ft
At 250 ft
At 100 ft
Test track example: This test was designed to show the difference in visibility between white clothing and clothing
with reflective gear at various distances. View the video at www.3M.com/brands/Scotchlite/NoWhiteAtNight
Build better garments
3M’s testing facilities and technical service resources are among the best in the world, and
they are available to our customers free of charge to help maximize activewear performance.
3M Test Track (Cottage Grove, MN)
Test and compare the visibility of your
designs in a real-world setting.
• Long sight distances for dawn/dusk
and nighttime viewings and nighttime
conspicuity demonstrations
• One of the largest facilities of its kind
in the world
• Interstate, urban and rural driving
environments
• 3.5 miles of paved roadway
• Site has been used to support Global
Standards Organization activities
• Wide range of vehicle viewing options
3M Design Lab and Technical Services
Measure the performance of your reflective wear before committing to production.
Our team of experts will assist you in:
• Product Choice–Match the right 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material product to your
application. Our experienced sales and technical service representatives will consult with
you to help select the best solution for your design requirements and assist with technical
issues and questions.
•D
esign Modifications–Gain expert feedback to help you maximize visibility,
comfort and performance.
• Design Comparisons–If you have multiple design options, we have tools to help you
compare the effectiveness of one versus the other in terms of both visibility and durability.
•R
egulatory Compliance–Take advantage of our full range of in-house test facilities and
systems to help ensure occupational garments meet standards of ANSI 107, EN-471, CSA-Z96
or almost any high visibility requirement worldwide. A number of Scotchlite reflective material
products are certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and 3M is committed to RSL assessments.
Technical services are ongoing and include:
• On-site manufacturing consultation
• Training on new applications and quality processes and/or equipment for
production scale-up
• Ongoing technical and troubleshooting services/factory visits as needed
Retroreflectometer measures
the brightness of the
reflective material.
Colorimeter for combined
performance of materials
and fabrics
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material –
360° Enhanced Visibility Program
Take your fashion and outerwear concepts
up a notch by designing for all-around
visibility. Our 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material – 360° Enhanced Visibility
program specifies the amount of reflective
material that is needed–along with proper
placement–to help the wearer be seen
in nighttime or low-light conditions from
nearly every angle. We’ll work with you
to ensure your apparel meets Scotchlite
reflective material – 360° enhanced
visibility design requirements and help
you promote the added value with 360°
hang tags and marketing support as it
relates to research and technology of the
360° Enhanced Visibility Program.
The power of partnership
Manufacturing is complete:
you’ve brought your
bright idea to life. Now
tell consumers about the
reflective components that
make your product unique.
3M supports you with a wide
range of resources to help
promote and demonstrate
the features that make your
product special.
First, start with the symbol
of quality and added value.
3M ™ Scotchlite ™
Reflective Material
offers two different
performance levels
based on quantity
and placement of
material as well as
set standards.
Marketing/Merchandising
Using the 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material hang
tag and woven label tells consumers they can expect
more from your apparel, accessories and footwear. It
aligns you with a brand that is recognized all over the
world as the leading retroreflective material, trusted
for quality and advanced performance.
Then, use our 3M marketing resources
to help you tell the story.
3M provides a wide range of resources to help you increase consumer understanding of
your apparel’s unique benefits. Enhanced co-branded stories resonate with consumers
and help drive retail purchases. Highlighted 3M programs include:
Online, POS and Print Assets—Integrate 3M-supplied resources such as videos, hang
tag graphics, logos, animations, promotional verbiage and/or other assets into your
marketing to communicate your apparel’s ability to stand out and do more.
Here are some examples of how you might incorporate 3M-supplied assets:
In-store displays
Signage
Marketing/Merchandising
Virtual mannequin
Web
Back to School
No White at Night
Videos
Imagery
Retroreflection vs Scattered
Retroreflection – When reflective material is
present, light bounces directly back to the source,
it creates much higher visibility.
Copy points
Jacket trimmed with
3M™ Scotchlite™
Reflective Material
Scattered light – When reflective material
is not present, light is diffused at all angles,
visibility is reduced.
Technical illustrations and animations
Retroreflection vs Scattered
Retroreflection – When reflective material is
present, light bounces directly back to the source,
it creates much higher visibility.
Hang tags
Scattered light – When reflective material is not present,
light is diffused at all angles, visibility is reduced.
Catalog
Waterproof Rainboots
trimmed with 3M™
Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material
abor autem quae a
Ugiatemo luptibeatem
net is undiam dis
iusantibus, quid quiscil
luptis et velenime
Lightweight Rain
Jacket trimmed with
3M™ Scotchlite™
Reflective Material
abor autem quae a
Ugiatemo luptibeatem
net is undiam dis
iusantibus, quid quiscil
luptis et velenime
Umbrella trimmed
with 3M™ Scotchlite™
Reflective Material
abor autem quae a
Ugiatemo luptibeatem
net is undiam dis
iusantibus, quid quiscil
luptis et velenime
Copy Points
Waterproof Rainboots
trimmed with
3M™ Scotchlite™
Reflective Material
Hang tags
Backpack trimmed
with 3M™ Scotchlite™
Reflective Material
abor autem quae a
Ugiatemo luptibeatem
net is undiam dis
iusantibus, quid quiscil
luptis et velenime
Look for kid’s clothing
and accessories with
Front
Hang tags
Be active.
Be seen.
Featuring
THE SCIENCE
Back
OF BEING
SEEN
BRAND NAME
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material helps you stay
out longer.
Scattered
Retroreflection
Scotchlite reflective material uses a technology
known as retroreflection. This technology helps the
eye perceive objects in low-light conditions when
illuminated by a light source such as vehicle or
equipment headlights.
$
0000
Comparison imagery
Helping you show the performance of garments with and without reflective material.
Don’t forget: Co-op Advertising Dollars are
available to help your business grow
Why 3M
GAME Funds—Obtain co-op funding for marketing activities
that promote your product’s use of 3M™ Scotchlite™
Reflective Material. Funds are earned annually based on prior
year’s usage of Scotchlite reflective material. Contact your
3M Representative for more information on establishing or
activating a GAME account.
Why
3M?
• Proven innovation and expertise
•G
lobal, on-the-ground sales support and
unsurpassed technical expertise
• Global R&D capabilities
• Broad diversity of products and
technology platforms for design flexibility
• Quality you can trust
•W
orldwide supply and converting
networks
• In-depth marketing and brand support
Four things you can do
To achieve better apparel and footwear design and
function using 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material:
1
Contact your 3M Representative
to discuss your design ideas and
get technical feedback.
2
3
Why 3M
4
Schedule a visit to
the 3M test track
or arrange for a
local demonstration
to see for yourself
how reflectivity
can enhance your
apparel, accessories
and footwear.
Utilize 3M design
lab capabilities
to test and
advance product
development.
Take advantage
of 3M marketing
support to promote
the added value
that Scotchlite
reflective material
brings to your
products.
Remember, only authentic 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
gives your fashions and accessories the leading combination
of enhanced visibility, comfort and performance—backed with
comprehensive support from concept through point of sale!
Everyone
likes a
bright idea
Photo by Dick Krueger
For more information on Scotchlite™ Reflective™ Material products,
contact your local 3M Sales Representative or call customer service
at 800-328-7098 and we’ll get started!
Important Notice
WARRANTY, LIMITED REMEDY AND DISCLAIMER: 3M warrants that 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective
Material that is stored, maintained and used in accordance with 3M’s written instructions will meet
the applicable 3M product specifications. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. If any
Scotchlite reflective material does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy
is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or
damage arising from the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential,
regardless of the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract or strict liability.
PRODUCT USE: Because of the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of Scotchlite
reflective material, user is solely responsible for evaluating the product and determining whether it
is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s method of application. User is solely responsible
for determining the proper amount and placement of the product. While reflective products enhance
visibility, no reflective product can ensure visibility or safety under all possible conditions. 3M may
change the product, specification and availability of the product as improvements are made; therefore,
user should contact 3M for latest information before specifying the product.
3
Occupational Health and
Environmental Safety Division
3M Performance Safety Materials
3M Center, Building 0235-02-F-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
800-328-7098 Technical Service
Scotchlite.com
3M Canada
P.O. Box 5757
London, Ontario N6A 4T1
800-267-4414 Technical Service
800-364-35773M HELPS
3M.ca/Scotchlite
3M and Scotchlite are
trademarks of 3M, used
under license in Canada.
Please recycle. Printed in U.S.A.
© 3M 2012. All rights reserved.
75-0501-0817-6