How Ecolab is Enhancing its Sustainable Supply Chain
Ecolab, a frontrunner in sustainability solutions focusing on water, hygiene and infection prevention, has unveiled its 2024 growth and impact report.
With a network of more than 10,000 indirect supply chain partners, Ecolab is committed to ensuring that its suppliers and partners engage in responsible and sustainable practices.
Currently, the company operates approximately 300 manufacturing plants, distribution centres and facilities, supported by 450 offices and research and development centres globally.
Sustainable supply chains
Ecolab prioritises minimising its environmental impact, focusing on waste generation and landfill diversion.
The company collaborates with its supply chain partners to identify ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, holding them accountable through regular supplier surveys.
These biannual ethical and environmental sourcing surveys enable Ecolab to monitor and enhance sustainability performance across its supply chain.
Due to its collaborative efforts, Ecolab has been recognised on CDP’s 2024 Supplier Engagement Assessment Leaderboard for its comprehensive supply chain engagement.
In 2023, Ecolab, along with other industry players, launched the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Hub to address the aviation sector's significant GHG emissions, continuing these efforts into 2024 to mitigate aviation's carbon footprint.
Moreover, Ecolab has progressed towards its 2030 goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity, having reached 70% globally, bolstered by full renewable electricity use in its EU operations.
The company's strides in meeting GHG emissions targets have earned it recognition from the Science-based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Reflecting on these practices, Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEO of Ecolab, stated: “In our own operations, we improved water use efficiency, reduced our carbon footprint and cultivated a winning team that reflects our communities and champions our culture of safety.”
Ethical standards
Ecolab is dedicated to building resilient supply chains and fostering growth through education and networking opportunities.
This investment in supplier engagement and development fosters economic growth for both Ecolab and its suppliers.
Additionally, Ecolab supports initiatives like Disability:IN and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Chemical Industry Accelerator, enhancing supply chain resilience and creating opportunities for diverse communities.
Furthermore, Ecolab requires its suppliers to meet ethical standards, addressing human rights within supply chains, particularly in regions with higher risks of slavery and human trafficking.
- US$601.8m in revenue was earned by suppliers and businesses
- 2,283 jobs were supported through purchases made with certified suppliers
- US$181.2m in cumulative income was earned in the jobs supported through our initiatives
The impact
Global supply chains, especially those related to water supply, face challenges from climate change, economic fluctuations, population growth and public health issues.
These challenges result in increased operating costs and resource shortages for many companies.
The World Resources Institute forecasts a 56% water deficit by 2030, prompting Ecolab to work on water reduction and reuse solutions.
Ecolab's efforts have positively impacted billions globally, both financially and in terms of safety.
Emilio Tenuta, SVP and CSO of Ecolab, remarked: “Our unique business offerings in 2024 helped our customers save 226 billion gallons of water, protect 1.7 billion people from foodborne illnesses and infections, avoid 4.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and ultimately, help our customers achieve US$9.1 billion in cumulative value since 2019.”
Following these accomplishments, Ecolab is well-positioned to meet its future sustainability goals.
