A few last posts we provided some information about two leaders of producing vinyl graphics and other installation products which we, professional vinyl installers in Toronto, Ontario and nationwide, are using in our projects. We think that even top level comparison of these companies may help vinyl graphics installer to select right products from Avery Dennison or/and 3M judging by some differences between them in terms of their focus areas, product offerings, and market presence.
Vinyl Graphics Industry Focus and Product Offerings
Avery Dennison primarily focuses on labeling and packaging solutions, graphics and signage, apparel and footwear materials, and RFID technology. They serve industries such as retail, apparel, automotive, healthcare, and logistics. A key strength of Avery Dennison lies in its comprehensive support services, which include technical assistance, color matching, warranty programs, and training. These services are invaluable to us as Avery customers, helping us optimize the use of their vinyl products, ensuring proper application, and enhancing the longevity of installations. Avery’s focus on customer support, particularly within the graphics and signage industry, enables us to streamline our processes and deliver high-quality results, making them a trusted partner for signage and wrap materials.
3M, on the other hand, operates across a much broader spectrum of industries, including healthcare, transportation, electronics, industrial, safety and security, and consumer goods. 3M’s product range extends from adhesive tapes and abrasives to healthcare software and electronic components. In the signage and graphics sector, 3M is known for its innovative adhesive technologies and durable vinyl materials, which cater specifically to industries requiring high-performance, long-lasting solutions. While 3M serves a wider array of industries, their focus on innovation in adhesives and materials positions them as a leader in high-demand applications such as automotive wraps, architectural finishes, and safety graphics.
The key difference in focus between Avery Dennison and 3M lies in their industry reach. Avery Dennison has a more specialized focus on labeling, packaging, and graphics solutions with a strong emphasis on customer support and training, while 3M’s wider reach includes cutting-edge technologies across a broad range of industries, where their innovation in adhesives and materials consistently drives their leadership in the market. Their products range from consumer goods like Post-it Notes to industrial-grade abrasives and automotive adhesives.
Market Presence
Avery Dennison is a significant player in the industries it serves, it may not have the same level of brand recognition or market presence as 3M, particularly outside of its core areas such as labeling and packaging.
3M is a global conglomerate with a highly recognizable brand and a strong presence in multiple markets worldwide. It operates in over 70 countries and has a wide-reaching distribution network. It maintains a strong presence in the vinyl manufacturing industry, especially through its Graphics and Signage Division. The company offers a wide range of high-performance vinyl products tailored for various applications, including vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, building and wall graphics, window graphics, and illuminated signs. These products are designed to meet the needs of vinyl graphic manufacturers and installers, helping brands stand out across multiple surfaces and environments
Innovation and Research
Both companies are known for their commitment to innovation and research. They invest heavily in R&D to develop new products, improve existing ones, and address emerging market needs. However, the specific focus areas of their research efforts may differ based on their respective industries and product lines. 3M is focusing on developing vinyl materials that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This includes creating products that reduce emissions and improve recyclability. For instance, 3M’s emphasis on sustainability is evident in their broader initiatives to support a low-carbon economy, which involves creating materials that are both effective and less harmful to the environment. One of the key areas of 3M’s innovation has been in the development of advanced adhesive technologies and films. 3M innovations make new materials more resistant to environmental factors like UV light, temperature variations, and physical wear and tear. These enhancements are crucial for applications in demanding environments, such as outdoor signage which is the major vinyl that we are using in our installations.
Customer Base
Avery Dennison’s customer base includes retailers, apparel brands, manufacturers, logistics companies, and various businesses that require labeling, packaging, and branding solutions. Vehicle wrapping films and paint protection films widely used in car customization and fleet branding. For our clients, that needed general signage or promotional graphics, we use Avery Dennison’s digitally printable films and cut vinyl films. Also we installed vinyl at large vehicle fleets by using Avery Dennison’s graphics solutions for branding and protective purposes.
3M serves a diverse customer base across industries such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, and consumer goods. Their customers range from individual consumers to large corporations and government agencies.
We are professional vinyl graphics installers in the Greater Toronto Area and nationwide and, while both Avery Dennison and 3M are leaders in their respective fields, we carefully select particular products from each depending on customer requirements, the type of installation, available materials, and much more. For example, when working on high-performance vehicle wraps or outdoor signage projects that require extra durability and advanced adhesive technology, we often opt for 3M products due to their reputation for innovation in these areas. Their vinyl films are known for excellent conformability to complex curves and surfaces, making them ideal for challenging applications like vehicle graphics and architectural wraps.
Conversely, when a project requires premium color accuracy, superior print quality, or more specialized finishes, Avery Dennison products may be our go-to choice. Avery’s extensive color-matching services, variety of textured finishes, and easy-apply adhesives provide a level of flexibility and aesthetic precision that is perfect for high-end retail graphics, corporate branding, or intricate wall murals. Additionally, their strong customer support and training programs help ensure we maximize the potential of their materials during installation, especially on large-scale projects.
By leveraging the strengths of both Avery Dennison and 3M, we ensure that our customers receive the best possible outcome tailored to their specific needs, whether it’s for short-term promotional graphics, long-term durability, or specialized finishes. This flexibility in material selection allows us to deliver top-notch results across a wide range of applications, from fleet graphics to storefront displays and everything in between.
