Ecolab Reports Record Growth and Sustainability Achievements in 2024

Ecolab Inc. has released its 2024 Growth & Impact Report, highlighting a year of strong business performance driven by sustainability and customer impact. The company helped save 226 billion gallons of water—enough for 781 million people—while delivering $9.1 billion in cumulative customer value since 2019 and protecting 1.7 billion people from infections and foodborne illnesses.

Additional highlights from 2024 include:
• Avoided 4.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Achieved 100% renewable electricity in EU operations (71% globally).
• Advanced electric vehicle adoption in its North American fleet.
• Collaborated to develop a sustainable aviation fuel hub in Minnesota.
• Secured SBTi approval for climate targets and added more AWS-certified sites.
• Avoided 15.9 million pounds of virgin plastic through circular product innovation.
• Donated $21.7 million through grants, products, and employee volunteerism.

CEO Christophe Beck emphasized Ecolab’s strategy of “growing fast by growing impact and growing team,” citing 2024 as proof of how environmental leadership and business performance can go hand in hand.

Ecolab Shareholders Elect Board Members and Approve Officer Liability Limitation

Ecolab Inc. shareholders have elected 13 directors to serve one-year terms, including Marion K. Gross, former Executive Vice President and Global Chief Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s Corporation. Ms. Gross was also appointed to the Compensation & Human Capital Management Committee and the Safety, Health & Environment Committee.

In addition to board elections, shareholders approved a charter amendment to limit the liability of certain company officers under Delaware law. The amendment became effective upon the filing of an updated certificate of incorporation. Other approved proposals included the advisory vote on executive compensation and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Ecolab’s independent auditor for the fiscal year.

Approximately 252 million shares were represented at the meeting out of over 283 million outstanding, constituting a majority.

Ecolab reported strong first quarter 2025 results, delivering 12% growth in adjusted diluted EPS to $1.50. This performance was driven by effective value pricing, volume gains, and productivity improvements, which offset softening in certain end markets. Reported sales declined 2% to $3.7 billion, reflecting a 2% drag each from divestitures and currency effects, though organic sales rose 3%, led by Institutional & Specialty, Pest Elimination, and Life Sciences.

The company reported an operating income margin of 15.0%, with the organic margin rising 190 basis points to 16.0%. Despite a 1% decline in reported EPS to $1.41, Ecolab maintained its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $7.42 to $7.62 (+12% to 15%) and expects Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.84 to $1.94 (+10% to 15%), citing continued pricing strength, business wins, and productivity gains.

Ecolab Announces 5% U.S. Trade Surcharge Starting May 1

Ecolab will apply a 5% trade surcharge on all U.S. products and services beginning May 1, 2025. This move is meant to offset rising raw material costs linked to new global trade tariffs, including a 145% tariff on China and other tariffs exceeding 10%.

CEO Christophe Beck emphasized Ecolab’s commitment to customer value and its “local for local” supply model, which enables over 90% of sales to be produced near customers. The company said the surcharge supports reliable supply and ongoing investments, and it will adjust the rate as needed based on market conditions.

Ecolab announced progress on its water stewardship goals in line with World Water Day 2025, emphasizing the growing importance of water conservation in the AI era. The company helped customers conserve over 226 billion gallons of water in 2024 and aims to reach 300 billion gallons annually by 2030. Ecolab’s efforts include AI-powered water efficiency solutions, new industry partnerships, public engagement campaigns, and certifications recognizing leadership in water stewardship.

It also invested in innovation, including funding for PFAS treatment technology, and led initiatives such as the Water Resilience Coalition and the California Water Resilience Initiative. Ecolab reinforces that smart water management is key to business success and environmental sustainability.

Ecolab Q1 2025 Earnings Release Call
April 29, 2025 1:00 PM ET

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