3M has announced the market launch of 3M Cooling Film, a new performance film technology designed to help fleet and rail operators manage heat buildup across transportation assets. Available beginning August 17, 2026, 3M Cooling Film is engineered for applications including last-mile vehicles, refrigerated fleets, railcars, locomotives and passenger transportation. The launch gives graphic manufacturers a new way to expand beyond traditional fleet branding and visual identity. By adding functional heat-management solutions to their portfolio, graphic manufacturers can open new conversations with fleet and rail customers around comfort, cargo protection, operating efficiency and sustainability.
As extreme heat events become more frequent and fleet operators face growing pressure to protect people, cargo and equipment, heat management is emerging as a critical operational challenge. The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that heat waves in major U.S. cities have become more frequent, longer and more intense over the last several decades. Vehicle heat buildup can also happen quickly: a peer-reviewed study published in Pediatrics found that vehicle interior temperatures can rise approximately 19°F within 10 minutes and 34°F within 30 minutes under tested conditions.
3M™ Cooling Film is designed to help transportation operators respond with a durable, film-based solution that reflects solar radiation and helps reduce heat load where it matters most – on roof surfaces exposed to direct sun. 3M Cooling Film reflects over 85 percent of solar radiation and can help lower interior vehicle temperatures by up to 10°F / 5.5°C, depending on application and conditions. For refrigerated fleet applications, the film helps reduce heat transfer through the roof, supporting temperature-sensitive cargo and helping lower cooling demand. For rail applications, the film helps reduce heat buildup in railcars and locomotives, supporting passenger and operator comfort while helping reduce demand on HVAC systems. The film is also designed to help fleets get vehicles back on the road quickly. (Source: WTT)