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100 Years of Innovation
In 2023, Ecolab celebrates 100 years of growth, driven by a relentless pursuit of science-driven innovation, unmatched service and an enduring commitment to protect people and the resources vital to life. As we look back on a century of achievements from our world-class team, our focus remains on the future, and delivering 100% positive outcomes for our customers, communities and the planet.
100% Positive Impact
No company reaches 100 years without a clear vision and mission. And ours — Protecting What’s Vital™ — is our inspiration. Each year has been an opportunity to gain new experience, break into new markets, solve new problems, and invite new perspectives to the table. Customers and partners around the world trust our science-backed solutions to overcome their greatest challenges. Our storied history has made us who we are, establishing a legacy of global good. That foundation fuels our drive to continue this important work into the next 100 years.
Innovation That Leads To Impact
Customers have come to expect Ecolab to develop innovations that improve their operations, reduce business risk and lead the industry. Over the years, the company’s products, programmes and services have helped customers:
• Ensure food safety
• Achieve operational efficiency
• Address public health concerns
• Increase labour efficiency
• Reduce environmental impact
• Save water and energy
• Extend the life of assets
• Reduce packaging waste
• Improve safety for employees and customers
A History of Service, Science and Sustainability
1920s
A dishmachine detergent dispenser that reduces waste is our first step in a long and successful journey of sustainability, something that remains central in all we do today.
1960s
Ecolab’s first employee Ida Koran creates the Ida C. Koran Foundation to aid employees during times of financial hardship and to provide scholarships to their children. Ida's hard work, foresight, generosity and unwavering faith in Ecolab created a legacy that continues to touch the lives of Ecolab employees and retirees around the world today.
1970s
Our sustainability efforts expand with the development of new products focused on recycling natural resources, reusing synthetic materials and reducing food waste. High-concentrated detergents provide customers with a better clean while also helping them conserve energy.
1980s
Nalco Water co-founds Responsible Care® programme, an initiative run by the American Chemistry Council that works to ensure that chemical manufacturers operate with health, safety and environmental protection as a top priority. Nalco develops Porta-Feed, a returnable and refillable chemical delivery system that eliminates the need for chemicals to be directly handled and reduces the number of chemical drums that are sent to landfills.
2000s
Ecolab begins conducting independent sustainability reports to be transparent and accountable about environmental impact. Innovative projects like Ecolab’s 3D TRASAR™ Technology and the Water Risk Monetizer help customers minimise their water use and optimise operational costs.
Nalco Water develops a Water Management Plan to help customers mitigate and reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks in cooling and potable water systems. This proactive approach focuses on pathogen analytical analysis, long-term control strategies and short-term remediation.
2020s
After surpassing our environmental goals throughout the 2010s, we created our 2030 Impact Goals, focused on the positive change we want to create for our company, communities, customers and the environment.
Reflecting our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion we achieve a 50% increase in female and BIPOC executives and 35% of all new hires are people of colour.
Ecolab joins the U.N. Global Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C, and co-founds the Water Resilience Coalition, an industry-driven initiative of the United Nations Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate. These commitments aim to elevate global water stress to the top of the corporate agenda, reduce global carbon emissions and foster more sustainable ways of doing business.
Ecolab’s focus on protecting vital resources allowed us to serve critical cleaning and disinfecting needs during a global pandemic. The Ecolab Science Certified™ programme creates a new global standard for cleanliness and gives consumers the confidence to return to the places they eat, stay, work and play.
A Century of Growth
Growth, innovation and a strong dedication to customer service have been central to the Ecolab story.
47000
Combined Sales-and-Service Associates, Scientists, Engineers and Technical Specialists
9080
Active patents Ecolab has held since 2000
170
Countries served through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and aggressive building programmes
Where There Are Challenges, We See Opportunities:
We are a global sustainability leader.
We are relentless innovators;Always looking forward.
We produce positive outcomes for people, businesses and the planet.
100 years of innovation has laid the groundwork for building the next century of 100% positive growth.
Being a 100% positive company requires a collective effort — it is a mindset that propels our associates, customers and communities forward. Our 2030 Impact Goals are a reflection of our ongoing dedication to a 100% positive future.