Ecolab Demonstrates Strong Growth and Impact in Latest Performance Report
Ecolab Inc., a global leader in sustainability and provider of water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering positive impact through innovation, collaboration, and a high-performing team. The company’s recently released 2024 Growth & Impact Report offers a comprehensive overview of its record-setting financial and sustainability achievements, outlining measurable progress toward its 2030 Positive Impact ambitions.
Chairman and CEO Christophe Beck encapsulated Ecolab’s success by stating, winning formula is to grow fast by growing our impact and growing our team. As companies around the world seek a path to greater profitability and resource efficiency, the team is showing once again how we can achieve simultaneously great performance and positive impact in our own business while helping our customers deliver the same.”
Transformative Impact on Customers
Ecolab’s 2024 accomplishments highlight its significant influence on customer outcomes globally. Through a wide array of sustainable solutions and services, the company has enhanced environmental and health-related metrics:
- Water Stewardship: Ecolab solutions helped customers conserve 226 billion gallons of water, equivalent to the annual drinking water requirements of 781 million people.
- Public Health Protection: More than 1.7 billion individuals were protected from foodborne illnesses and infections through hygiene and sanitation programs.
- Climate Mitigation: The company’s innovative processes and technologies led to the avoidance of 4.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
- Customer Value: Ecolab delivered a cumulative total value of $9.1 billion to its customers through enhanced efficiency, resource conservation, and operational optimization.
Leading by Example: Operational Excellence
Ecolab’s leadership in sustainability extends beyond its work with customers. The company has made significant progress in aligning its operations with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles:
- Water Resilience: As a cofounder of the Water Resilience Coalition (WRC), Ecolab continues to champion collaborative action. In 2024, WRC membership expanded to include 40 corporations with a combined market capitalization of $5 trillion. Ecolab also served as basin champion for California, hosting the second annual California Water Resilience Initiative (CWRI) forum.
- Renewable Energy Progress: Ecolab achieved 100% renewable electricity across its European operations and reached 71% renewable energy use globally, progressing toward its 2030 target of full renewable electricity utilization.
- Electric Fleet Transition: The company accelerated the electrification of its North American sales and service fleet, maintaining momentum toward its goal of a fully electric fleet by 2030.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel Collaboration: Ecolab played a role in developing Minnesota’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) hub, collaborating with Delta Air Lines, Xcel Energy, Bank of America, and the Greater MSP Partnership to scale SAF production and adoption.
- Climate Accountability: Ecolab received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its near-term and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals, aligning with the latest climate science. (Ecolab)
- Water Stewardship Certifications: The company added new Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) certifications, bringing the total number of AWS-certified facilities to 13.
- Circular Economy Initiatives: Ecolab prevented 15.9 million pounds of virgin plastic resin usage and introduced innovative products like the Disinfectant 1 Wipe and ReadyDose™, advancing circular economy principles.
Building Stronger Communities
Beyond its business and operational priorities, Ecolab invested in community well-being and social impact. In 2024, the company donated a total of $21.7 million to communities worldwide through product donations, cash grants, and associate volunteerism.
Fostering a High-Performing, Inclusive Team
A critical driver of performance is its team of over 47,000 associates worldwide. The company’s people-first approach was evident in its record-breaking business outcomes and efforts to build a more inclusive and engaging workplace, focusing on team engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and leadership development.
Global Recognition and Industry Leadership
Ecolab’s efforts received numerous awards and accolades in 2024 for achievements in sustainability, corporate responsibility, and ethical governance, including recognition from Ethisphere, CDP, JUST Capital, Dow Jones, and Fortune.
Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum to 2030
Ecolab’s 2024 Growth & Impact Report not only highlights past accomplishments but also sets the stage for continued progress toward its 2030 Positive Impact goals, focusing on achieving 100% renewable electricity use globally, transitioning all fleet vehicles to electric power, reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in alignment with SBTi-approved targets, delivering cumulative value through innovative customer solutions, and expanding water stewardship efforts and sustainability partnerships worldwide.
Ecolab’s 2024 performance reflects a convergence of business success and environmental responsibility. The company’s ability to drive meaningful change both internally and externally serves as a model for how businesses can thrive while contributing to a healthier planet and stronger communities. With a clear path forward and a purpose-driven culture, Ecolab is poised to make even greater strides in the years ahead.
About Ecolab
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on more than a century of innovation, has annual sales of $16 billion, employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, high tech, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. www.ecolab.com
