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Ecolab

Ecolab Inc. is an multinational corporation headquartered in , that develops and provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services to promote , safety, and efficiency across various industries. Founded in 1923 by Merritt J. Osborn as Economics Laboratory—a specialty chemical manufacturer focused on formulations—the company has evolved into a global leader with operations in more than 170 countries and approximately 48,000 employees worldwide. In 2024, Ecolab reported record revenues of $15.7 billion, driven by its innovative products, technical expertise, and commitment to addressing environmental challenges such as and resource optimization. Ecolab's core business revolves around three primary areas: , , and prevention, delivered through specialized segments that cater to diverse sectors. The Global Institutional & Specialty division offers cleaning, sanitizing, and solutions for , , and environments, including brands like EcoSure for assessments and Kay Chemical for quick-service restaurants. Global Healthcare provides disinfection and products tailored for hospitals, clinics, and emergency services to reduce risks. Meanwhile, , acquired in 2011, focuses on industrial management, process optimization, and services for manufacturing, power generation, and food and beverage processing industries, helping customers save billions of gallons of annually. Additional segments include Pest Elimination for , Textile Care for laundry solutions in and healthcare, and Animal Health for in . Since its inception, Ecolab has marked key milestones in innovation and expansion, including the invention of the first automatic dishmachine detergent dispenser in the , the development of concentrated detergents in the 1970s for energy savings, and the launch of 3D TRASAR technology in the 2000s for . renamed itself Ecolab Inc. in 1986 to reflect its broadened scope beyond laboratory economics, and subsequent acquisitions like have solidified its position in industrial markets. Today, under Chairman and CEO , who has served as CEO since 2021 and as chairman since 2022, Ecolab holds over 11,300 active patents and emphasizes its 2030 Positive Impact goals, such as advancing water positivity and reducing . Recent acquisitions, such as Ovivo's electronics business in August 2025 for $1.8 billion, continue to strengthen its offerings in high-tech water management. Ecolab's sustainability efforts are integral to its operations, with initiatives that protected 1.7 billion people from foodborne illnesses and conserved 226 billion gallons of water in alone, while avoiding 4.6 million metric tons of . The company serves millions of customer locations globally, from restaurants and hotels to centers and pharmaceutical facilities, by integrating technologies, expert services, and eco-friendly chemistries to drive performance and environmental stewardship. As a member of the , Ecolab aligns its strategies with ambitious targets like by 2050, positioning it as a key player in the transition to a more sustainable world.

History

Founding and early years (1923–1950s)

Economics Laboratory was founded in 1923 by Merritt J. Osborn in St. Paul, Minnesota, initially operating from the basement of the Endicott Building with one employee, Ida Koran. Osborn, a former salesman, developed the company's first product, Absorbit, an oil-absorbing compound designed for spot-cleaning carpets in hotels without removal, inspired by a persistent he encountered during his travels. This innovation addressed the need for efficient, on-site cleaning solutions in institutional settings, marking the beginning of the company's focus on specialized hygiene products. In its early years, Economics Laboratory concentrated on institutional cleaning products tailored for restaurants, dairies, and food processors, emphasizing detergents and sanitizers to improve and . The acquisition of Soilax in 1924 introduced a non-sudsing cleaning compound specifically for dishwashers, establishing the company's in warewashing and becoming one of the first detergents for visual concentration monitoring. By 1928, the firm patented its first detergent dispensing system for commercial dishwashers, pioneering a "total systems" approach that integrated product delivery with processes. Sales grew steadily, reaching $500,000 by 1939 and surpassing $1 million in 1942, supported by expansions into laundry and during the 1940s and 1950s. Key innovations in and further solidified the company's reputation in . In 1936, Economics Laboratory introduced MikroKlene, a germicidal rinse additive for dishes and glassware, which gained prominence during when over 30 million packages were supplied to the U.S. Army for sterilizing mess kits. The 1950s saw continued product development, including the consumer-market introduction of Finish, a chlorinated , in 1953. These advancements expanded the company's offerings beyond powders to liquid formulations, enhancing ease of use in institutional and household settings. Initial international efforts began in the mid-1950s, with a Canadian established in 1955 and the formation of the first European , Soilax A.B. in , in 1956 to serve growing demand for hygiene solutions abroad. This marked an early step toward global operations while maintaining a domestic focus on institutional markets.

Expansion and public transition (1950s–1986)

During the 1950s, Economics Laboratory marked a pivotal shift toward broader by becoming a publicly traded company. In 1957, it launched its , issuing 100,000 shares at $15 each on the over-the-counter market, which provided essential capital for expansion while company associates retained control of at least 25% of the . This transition enabled sustained growth, with increasing over 15% annually for the subsequent two decades. To strengthen its domestic footprint in the 1960s, Economics Laboratory acquired several regional firms that enhanced its distribution networks and product capabilities. In 1961, the company purchased Klenzade Products, Inc., a Beloit, Wisconsin-based firm specializing in technology for and sanitation. This acquisition expanded access to specialized detergents for institutional and industrial clients. Three years later, in 1964, it acquired Magnus Chemical Company, Inc., a leader in chemical solutions for , , pulp and paper, and sectors, further bolstering national distribution through regional expertise. These strategic buys diversified offerings beyond early products like Absorbit, tying into the company's evolving focus on comprehensive cleaning solutions. Parallel to domestic growth, the Institutional Division—formed in to provide hygiene and cleaning products for , , and emerging healthcare applications—drove international outreach. By the mid-1950s, it began exporting to and , laying groundwork for global operations. Early European entry occurred in 1956 with the establishment of Soilax AB, a wholly owned subsidiary in , , marking the company's first overseas foothold. This was followed by the opening of a European satellite headquarters in , , in 1970, as international sales surpassed $30 million across 40 countries, supported by targeted joint ventures and partnerships in the region during the 1970s and early 1980s. By 1986, reflecting its widened scope in and institutional cleaning, Economics Laboratory rebranded to Ecolab Inc., unifying its identity under a name emphasizing ecological laboratory innovations. This change coincided with a listing under the ticker ECL, solidifying its position as a major public entity.

Growth and diversification (1986–2000)

Following the 1986 rebranding to Ecolab Inc. and its public listing on the New York Stock Exchange, the company integrated its earlier acquisition of Apollo Technologies—purchased in 1980 for $71.3 million—to bolster its industrial chemicals portfolio, formally establishing the Industrial group focused on manufacturing chemicals and pollution-control equipment for heavy industry applications. This integration supported diversification into broader industrial sanitation services, complementing Ecolab's core institutional offerings and contributing to steady revenue growth in non-consumer segments during the late 1980s. In 1987, Ecolab established its Pest Elimination division, building on prior acquisitions like Lystads in 1984, to pioneer services for commercial and industrial clients, generating $30 million in initial sales and expanding to national coverage through subsequent regional buyouts. Concurrently, the company grew its Food & Beverage division—renamed from Klenzade in 1995—by developing specialized sanitation protocols and acquiring complementary firms like Kay Chemical in 1994, enhancing cleaning solutions for quick-service restaurants and processing plants to capture greater market share in hygiene-critical sectors. These efforts underscored Ecolab's shift toward service-oriented diversification, with the division achieving solid profitability gains by the mid-1990s through innovative product formulations and on-site training programs. To accelerate international expansion, Ecolab formed a 50-50 with KGaA in 1991, creating Henkel-Ecolab to combine institutional cleaning and sanitizing operations across and 19 other countries in and , leveraging shared R&D and generating over $750 million in annual revenues from the outset. This partnership strengthened Ecolab's foothold in premium hygiene markets outside . Key domestic and regional acquisitions further diversified the portfolio: in 1996, Ecolab purchased Huntington Laboratories for its disinfectants and janitorial products tailored to healthcare and education sectors, integrating them into the Janitorial division to expand infection prevention offerings. In 1997, the company acquired Gibson Chemical Industries of , a leader in institutional and food , completing the deal in early 1998 to solidify presence with annual sales contributions from its cleaning lines. These moves propelled overall sales past $2 billion by 1999, marking a decade of strategic global scaling.

Modern developments and acquisitions (2000–present)

In the early 2000s, Ecolab continued its expansion through strategic acquisitions to bolster its institutional and industrial offerings, building on prior deals such as the full acquisition of Henkel-Ecolab in for approximately $430 million, which strengthened its European presence. The company focused on integrating technologies for , , and water management amid growing global demand for sustainable solutions. A pivotal moment came in 2011 when Ecolab acquired Nalco Holding Company for $8.3 billion, including $5.6 billion in equity value and the assumption of $2.7 billion in debt, creating the world's largest services provider and establishing the segment. This merger combined Ecolab's expertise in and cleaning with Nalco's advanced and process technologies, enabling comprehensive solutions for industries like , , and , and positioning the company to address escalating challenges. Subsequent acquisitions further diversified Ecolab's portfolio. In 2021, the company purchased Purolite, a leading provider of resins, for $3.7 billion in cash, enhancing its capabilities in separation and purification technologies for life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and critical industrial applications such as vaccine production and . This deal expanded Ecolab's Life Sciences segment, supporting high-growth areas like manufacturing with specialized resin-based solutions that improve efficiency and . The accelerated Ecolab's focus on infection prevention, with the company rapidly scaling its and disinfection services to meet global demand in healthcare, , and facilities. Ecolab deployed a broad portfolio of EPA-registered products proven effective against , including no-rinse sanitizers that eliminate the virus in as little as 15 seconds, and provided on-site training and readiness assessments to help customers implement safety protocols. These efforts supported over 1 billion people through enhanced cleaning and hand programs, reinforcing Ecolab's role in crisis response. By 2023, Ecolab advanced its commitments, reporting that its solutions helped customers conserve 226 billion gallons of and avoid 3.8 million metric tons of , aligning with broader financing strategies tied to environmental performance metrics. In 2024, the company expanded its management offerings through a with to pilot an AI-powered conservation solution across 35 U.S. facilities, targeting up to 15% use reduction and preventing the of 126 million gallons annually by optimizing cooling systems. Entering 2025, Ecolab deepened its integration of in operational hygiene via a with 4T2 Sensors to launch Ecolab CIP IQ, a digital platform for real-time monitoring and optimization of processes in food and beverage production, enhancing and in high-stakes environments. These innovations reflect Ecolab's adaptation to AI-driven demands in data-intensive sectors, prioritizing resource stewardship amid rising global computational needs.

Corporate Profile

Leadership and governance

Ecolab's leadership is headed by Chairman and Christophe Beck, who assumed the CEO role on January 1, 2021, and became Chairman in May 2022. Beck joined Ecolab in 2007 after 16 years at , where he held senior executive positions managing regional and global businesses, bringing expertise in operations and strategy to the company. Under his leadership, Ecolab has emphasized sustainable solutions in , , and infection prevention, aligning with the company's global operations across more than 170 countries. Key executives include President and Chief Operating Officer Darrell Brown, appointed in September 2022, who oversees global operations focused on , , and initiatives. Brown has contributed to advancing Ecolab's efforts, including partnerships like the 2022 collaboration with to develop Climate Intelligence, a tool aimed at reducing and enhancing production efficiency for industrial customers. Chief Financial Officer Scott D. Kirkland, in his role since January 2022, manages the company's financial strategy, supporting investments in digital tools and sustainable growth, such as IoT-enabled water management solutions that promote . The consists of 13 members as of 2025, with all except CEO classified as independent, including experts in (ESG) matters and industry sectors like consumer goods and . Recent appointments include independent directors Julie P. Whalen (August 2025), Marion K. Gross (May 2025), and (February 2025). Notable independent directors include David W. MacLennan, Lead Director and former CEO of , who brings deep experience in and global operations, and Shari L. Ballard, a and compliance specialist with prior roles at . The board features significant diversity, with representation from underrepresented groups, reflecting Ecolab's commitment to inclusive decision-making. Ecolab's governance practices prioritize ethical standards, transparency, and accountability, guided by principles that ensure compliance with NYSE and regulations. The company maintains robust policies on director independence, board evaluations, and risk oversight, including dedicated committees for audit, compensation, and . In recognition of these efforts, Ecolab was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 19th consecutive year in 2025, highlighting its sustained focus on integrity in business practices.

Global operations and headquarters

Ecolab's global headquarters is located at 1 Ecolab Place in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving as the central hub for strategic decision-making, research, and administrative functions. As of , the company employs approximately 48,000 associates worldwide, supporting operations in more than 170 countries and serving nearly three million customer locations across over 40 industries. To manage its international presence, Ecolab has established regional headquarters for key areas. The Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regional headquarters was set up in 2008 in the Greater Zurich Area, , to oversee strategic leadership and operations in those regions. In 2016, the company opened its Latin America regional headquarters in , enhancing coordination for South and Central American markets. Following the 2011 acquisition of Nalco, Ecolab expanded its Asia-Pacific operations, establishing a regional headquarters in at Nexus @ one-north to drive growth and innovation in the region. Ecolab maintains over 150 and (R&D) facilities globally to support production and . Key plants in , such as the facility in , focus on chemical production for hygiene and solutions. In addition, centers like those in contribute to R&D efforts tailored to needs, complementing the company's 1,100 global R&D scientists. Post-2020, Ecolab has emphasized resilient global logistics in its to ensure reliable distribution of products amid disruptions, including expansions in capacity such as a seven-fold increase in to meet heightened demand. This focus on adaptive strategies supports uninterrupted service to customers worldwide.

Business Operations

Key business segments

Ecolab operates through five primary business segments: , Global Institutional & Specialty, Global Healthcare & Life Sciences, Global Pest Elimination, and Other, which collectively deliver integrated solutions for , , and prevention across diverse industries. These segments enable the company to address customer needs in and , with comprising approximately 50% of 2024 net sales, Global Institutional & Specialty around 34%, Global Healthcare & Life Sciences about 9%, Global Pest Elimination roughly 7%, and Other 0%. The Global Institutional & Specialty segment focuses on providing cleaning, sanitizing, and hygiene solutions tailored to , , , , , , and commercial laundries. It plays a strategic role in enhancing , operational efficiency, and cost optimization for on-premise operations, particularly in quick-service restaurants and smaller-scale facilities, driving growth even in challenging markets through pricing strategies and new customer acquisitions. Global Industrial encompasses water treatment, process chemicals, and energy services, primarily through the division acquired in 2011, targeting , power generation, , , , food and beverage processing, and industries. This segment now includes the former Textile Care operations integrated into its Water solutions. Its strategic emphasis is on optimizing resource use, reducing environmental impact, and improving asset reliability via customized solutions like pollution control and , supported by innovations in high-tech applications such as . The Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segment concentrates on prevention and solutions for hospitals, clinics, , and production. It strategically supports healthcare facilities in reducing healthcare-associated s through compliance programs and aids life sciences in maintaining sterile environments, with demand surging during the and subsequent refocus on core hospital services alongside growth following the sale of its global surgical solutions business on August 1, 2024. Global Pest Elimination provides integrated pest management services for commercial buildings, food industries, healthcare, and hospitality, accounting for about 7% of 2024 net sales. This segment's role involves protecting brand integrity and operational hygiene via science-based , bolstered by digital tools for enhanced service delivery. The Other segment includes unallocated corporate items and had no direct sales contribution in 2024.

Products and services overview

Ecolab provides a comprehensive suite of products and services focused on water management, , and prevention, designed to enhance and safety across industries such as healthcare, , and . These offerings integrate chemical solutions, equipment, and digital technologies to address hygiene challenges, optimize resource use, and mitigate risks like microbial . In the realm of hygiene products, Ecolab offers advanced disinfectants such as OxyCide™ Daily Disinfectant Cleaner, a non-bleach, sporicidal formula suitable for daily surface disinfection in high-risk environments like patient rooms. The company also provides automated dispensing systems, including the SolidSense™ Dispenser and OptiPro Solid Dispensing System, which deliver precise chemical dosing for cleaning programs in commercial settings, reducing waste and ensuring consistent application. Additionally, the 3D TRASAR™ technology serves as a water monitoring system that detects anomalies in real-time to prevent hygiene issues in cooling and process water systems. Ecolab's water solutions encompass treatment chemicals for boilers and cooling systems, such as oxygen scavengers and scale inhibitors that minimize and extend life when paired with automated . For cooling system optimization, the TRASAR™ Cooling uses sensors and to maximize performance, reduce water consumption, and lower operational risks in applications. Wastewater recycling services include systems like AquaBatch™ and AquaDrain™, which filter and backflush water, alongside consulting for biological to remove contaminants and support . For infection prevention, particularly in healthcare, Ecolab supplies kits and programs such as the Patient Room Program Pro, which incorporates surface cleaners like OxyCide™ to target pathogens including , as validated by U.S. EPA claims. These offerings extend to consulting services from experts, aiding facilities in aligning with standards from organizations like the EPA and WHO through customized protocols and compliance monitoring. Ecolab's digital tools leverage AI-based analytics for , exemplified by the Ecolab® CIP IQ™ system, which provides real-time insights into processes for and beverage manufacturers to prevent and optimize . In energy efficiency applications, AI-driven solutions like those piloted with integrate and data analytics to conserve water in data centers, supporting sustainable operations amid growing computational demands.

Sustainability and Responsibility

Environmental initiatives

Ecolab's environmental initiatives emphasize resource conservation and , aligning with its broader strategy to deliver positive across operations and customer partnerships. Central to these efforts are the company's 2030 Positive Impact goals, which target significant reductions in environmental footprint while supporting global challenges. These goals include reducing impact intensity by 40% per unit of production from a 2018 baseline across its enterprise by 2030, as well as restoring more than 50% of absolute withdrawal volumes at high-risk sites by the same year. On the climate front, Ecolab aims to cut absolute 1 and 2 by 50% from the 2018 baseline and achieve 100% renewable sourcing by 2030, contributing to its longer-term commitment to across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050. These targets build on progress reported in 2024, where the company achieved a 29% reduction in impact intensity and sourced 71% of from renewables. A key tool in Ecolab's arsenal is the Water Risk Monetizer, a free online platform launched in in partnership with Trucost. This tool enables businesses to assess and quantify water-related risks, including scarcity and quality issues, by integrating location-specific data on water stress, regulatory costs, and economic impacts into processes. It helps clients evaluate the monetary value of water risks to operations and supply chains, facilitating proactive strategies for risk mitigation and . The platform has been updated periodically to incorporate current global water data trends, enhancing its utility for industries facing increasing water challenges. Ecolab advances principles through and innovative material use, focusing on reducing waste and promoting across its portfolio. The company ensures 100% of raw materials and chemical products are assessed for compliance with Global Harmonized System (GHS) and standards, with 99% meeting GHS requirements for safe handling and disclosure. Initiatives include programs for cleaners, such as reconditioning 1,485 drums and 868 intermediate bulk containers in 2024, alongside the of 1,678 asset containers to minimize virgin material needs. Ecolab is progressively integrating bio-based alternatives, such as enzyme-based formulations in solutions like Ecolab Ultrasil™ Connected, which reduce reliance on traditional chemicals like , and collaborating with suppliers to incorporate recycled materials in chemical production. Products like Ecolab ReadyDose™, a tablet-based cleaning system launched in 2024, exemplify these efforts by achieving a 98.8% reduction in plastic packaging waste compared to traditional formats. The 2024 Growth & Impact Report highlights tangible outcomes from these initiatives, underscoring Ecolab's role in client resource conservation. In 2024, Ecolab's solutions helped customers conserve 226 billion gallons of water—equivalent to the annual drinking needs of 781 million people—while avoiding 4.6 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions. These results advance toward the 2030 goal of enabling 300 billion gallons of annual customer water savings, demonstrating the scale of impact from integrated water and programs deployed globally.

Social and ethical programs

Ecolab emphasizes and through robust support structures such as 11 employee groups (ERGs) that unite over 9,400 members across 70 countries to foster belonging and . These ERGs, including groups like for Asian and Pacific Islander associates, DAWN for women, and MERGE for military veterans, drive initiatives on visibility and inclusive practices. Complementing these efforts, Ecolab provides comprehensive unconscious bias training, with sessions integrated into programs and global career development events to promote equitable decision-making and reduce systemic barriers. In community impact, Ecolab's Clean Water for People initiative, launched in 2008, focuses on providing and safe access in underserved regions through partnerships and innovative solutions, aiming to positively affect 1 billion people by 2030 through enhanced and outcomes. This program collaborates with organizations like Water.org to deliver sustainable and services, enabling access for over 100,000 people in high-need areas such as while conserving millions of gallons annually. By 2024, the initiative contributed to replenishing significant water volumes and supported education efforts reaching thousands via programs like Project WET. Ecolab upholds ethical sourcing via its Supplier Code of Conduct, which mandates adherence to human rights standards aligned with the UN Guiding Principles and ILO declarations, prohibiting forced labor, discrimination, and trafficking. Suppliers undergo annual risk assessments, with 100% of direct suppliers evaluated biannually and 181 unique suppliers audited in 2024 to ensure compliance in supply chains. These audits emphasize ethical labor practices and transparency, supporting Ecolab's broader human rights policy that extends to operations worldwide. Ecolab's ethical commitments earned it the 19th consecutive World's Most Ethical Company designation from Ethisphere in 2025, recognizing sustained integrity in business practices since 2007. This accolade underscores the company's transparency in reporting, with annual disclosures aligned to GRI, SASB, and TCFD standards, including third-party assured metrics on social impacts and verified emissions data.

Financial Performance

Revenue and profitability trends

Ecolab's revenue has grown substantially from $2.3 billion in 2000 to $15.741 billion in 2024, reflecting consistent expansion through organic growth and strategic initiatives. This progression accelerated following the 2011 acquisition of Nalco Holding Company, which nearly doubled the company's scale and drove a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7% from 2011 to 2024. Acquisitions such as Nalco have been key drivers in boosting overall revenue. Profitability metrics have strengthened in parallel, with net income attributable to Ecolab reaching $2.112 billion in 2024, a 54% increase from 2023. EBITDA margin reached approximately 24% in 2024, supported by operational efficiencies and pricing strategies, though influenced by factors including the company's 2023 sustainability-linked financing efforts that aligned debt with environmental performance targets. Key cost structures underscore Ecolab's focus on and financial discipline, with investments representing approximately 3% of to support product advancements, alongside effective management of acquisition-related to maintain investment-grade ratings. Through the first three quarters of 2025, Ecolab reported of approximately $11.9 billion, with organic sales growth of 3%.

Market position and stock history

Ecolab maintains a strong competitive standing in the global markets for , , and infection prevention solutions, serving diverse industries including , healthcare, and . The company ranked 269th on the 2024 list based on 2023 revenues of $15.3 billion. It also appeared on the list for 2025, evaluated among the world's largest public companies based on sales, profits, assets, and market value. Ecolab's common stock trades on the under the ECL, having gone public in January 1957 at an initial offering price of $15.00 per share (split-adjusted to less than $0.06). The stock closed the 2024 trading year at $234.32 per share. Over the preceding decade ending in 2025, Ecolab achieved an annualized total return of approximately 10.1%, encompassing price appreciation and dividends. As of November 2025, Ecolab's reached about $72 billion, underscoring its scale relative to peers in the hygiene and water sectors such as Diversey (a company) and Solvay. Ecolab convened its 2025 Investor Day on September 4 in , featuring presentations from CEO , CFO Scott Kirkland, and senior executives on strategic priorities. The event emphasized growth opportunities in AI-driven solutions for cooling and platforms, projecting double-digit expansion in areas like Ecolab , alongside efforts targeting 300 billion gallons of water savings and 6 million metric tons of CO2e avoidance by 2030.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Environmental and regulatory violations

In 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached a settlement with Ecolab Inc. for alleged violations of the (RCRA) at its facility in . The violations involved improper storage and management of , including cleaning chemicals, which posed risks to human health and the . Ecolab agreed to pay a of $423,308.60 and certified its return to compliance with RCRA regulations. In 2022, five environmental services workers at facilities in filed a class-action against , alleging exposure to Ecolab's OxyCide disinfectant caused severe corrosive injuries, including chemical burns and respiratory issues, due to inadequate warnings about its hazards. The suit claimed mandated the product's use despite known risks, leading to dozens of affected employees. The case remains ongoing as of November 2025. Prior to 2020, Ecolab faced multiple fines for wastewater discharge violations, including a $277,953 penalty in in 2001 for environmental non-compliance related to and discharges. These incidents, along with others totaling approximately $2.6 million in environmental penalties across 28 cases before 2020, prompted Ecolab to enhance adoption of its Water Risk Monetizer tool internally and for clients to better assess and mitigate water-related risks. The tool, originally launched in , quantifies impacts in financial terms to inform operational decisions. Ecolab maintains ongoing compliance with key regulations, including EPA standards and the European Union's REACH framework for chemical registration and safety. In 2024, the company reported zero major environmental violations, aligning with its Goal Zero commitment to eliminate incidents and non-compliance. These efforts build on broader initiatives to reduce withdrawal and discharge risks across operations.

Labor and employee disputes

In 2024, a former Ecolab employee filed a class-action under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), alleging that the company and its pension plan improperly calculated benefits for married participants by failing to account for joint and survivor annuity options, resulting in shortchanged pensions. The case, Bennett v. Ecolab, Inc., claims violations of ERISA duties and remains ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the District of as of late 2025, with the most recent filings occurring in October. In July 2025, the U.S. (EEOC) filed a against Nalco Company LLC (an Ecolab ) and Ecolab Inc., alleging age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) by conditioning a job offer on an unnecessary electrocardiogram (EKG) for an applicant over 40 years old, while not applying the requirement to younger applicants. The case is ongoing as of November 2025. California has seen Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) litigation against Ecolab concerning wage calculations, exemplified by Lemm v. Ecolab Inc. in 2023. In this case, a route sales manager alleged that Ecolab's method for computing premiums on nondiscretionary percentage bonuses violated state labor laws by not recalculating overtime on the bonus amount itself. The California Court of Appeal ruled in Ecolab's favor, holding that the company's inclusion of overtime hours in the bonus base without additional overtime layering complied with the Fair Labor Standards Act and California requirements, thereby resolving the dispute without requiring bonus adjustments. In , a 2023 wrongful dismissal dispute arose involving a former Ecolab controller who took confidential company documents to support his termination claim. The ordered the employee to return the materials, emphasizing that such actions breached obligations and could not be justified solely for litigation purposes, even in a trade secrets-related context. Broader labor trends at Ecolab during this period include ongoing negotiations at select U.S. facilities, though no major strikes or impasses were reported, alongside internal (DEI) training programs designed to address employee concerns about workplace belonging and . These DEI efforts, part of Ecolab's ethical programs, emphasize and inclusive practices to mitigate potential inclusion-related complaints.

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