2023 marks the 100th year of EcoLab’s commitment to environmental care and sustainability. As one of AFAB’s founding members, and a big voice in determining our strategic direction, we are so pleased to see this milestone reached. So we’re taking this opportunity to tell the incredible story of how EcoLab began, and how they’ve become the company they are today.
EcoLab’s humble beginnings all started with a chemistry formulation designed to clean carpets in 1923 called Absorbit. This grew quickly into dispensing contraptions to reduce chemical exposure, and while quite simple, it set the wheels in motion for a century-long journey of sustainability and environmental care.
Since then other products such as Soilax, MikroKlene, Satin Wax were developed, with some landing contracts for use in the U.S Army. In the 50s international operations began, with the incorporation of hospitality and lodging industries, and an expansion of operations to begin selling in Canada and Hawaii.
In the 60s EcoLab’s very first employee, Ida Koran founded the Ida C. Koran foundation. The purpose of the foundation was to aid employees during times of financial hardship and to provide scholarships and other support for their children. The efforts of the foundation are still being felt to this day.
Throughout the 70s and 80s Ecolab extended its reach and impact by developing new products with a focus on recycling natural resources. Nalco Water (an Ecolab company) also founded the Responsible Care initiative that works to ensure that chemical manufacturers are adhering to environmental and health and safety regulations, which resulted in a massive reduction in chemical waste in our landfills.
Moving into the 2000s, Ecolab built off the success of their initiatives and began conducting independent sustainability reports to keep manufacturers accountable. This was followed by projects such as Ecolab’s 3D TRASAR Technology development (a tool to help customers minimise excessive water waste) and also Nalco Water’s Water Management Plan, a way to help reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks in cooling and potable water systems. The approach focused on pathogen analytical analysis, which lead to important long-term control strategy development and short-term remediation tools.
This brings us to the present, the 2020s where EcoLab has surpassed their environmental goals throughout the 2010s, and has formed their 2030 impact goals, focused on how they can positively impact companies, communities, customers and the environment moving forward. These goals include commitments to alleviating the global water stress through the co-founding of the Water Resilience Coalition, and by joining the U.N Global Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C.
As EcoLab continues to evolve their approach to sustainability, it’s clear their relentless pursuit of science-driven innovation has no end in sight. The impact of 100 years of sustainable practice development is immeasurable, and so we’re happy to see the legacy of ambition and commitment to environmental care continue on for years to come.
