Ecolab

Ecolab is a global provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions, serving nearly 3 million customer locations in more than 170 countries. Founded in 1923 by chemist Merritt J. Osborn as Economics Laboratory and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company grew from a single carpet cleaning formulation into an operation of 48,000 associates across six continents, with annual sales of nearly $15 billion. Its stated purpose is to protect people and vital resources through clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy environments.

The company's work spans technical domains including water treatment and stewardship, hygiene and sanitation, infection prevention, sustainability and waste reduction, operational efficiency solutions and chemical formulation. It serves over 40 industries worldwide, among them food safety and water-intensive sectors. Its portfolio includes comprehensive water, hygiene and infection prevention programmes designed to help customers deliver clean spaces while reducing waste and building resilient operations, as well as Nalco Water, a water-focused business within its solutions portfolio. It also works on Alliance for Water Stewardship certification programmes.

Ecolab describes itself as a trusted partner to its customers and emphasises advancing their sustainability goals alongside business performance. It was ranked #33 in Corporate Knights' 2022 index of the 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. Growth has come through both continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions.