Ecolab Is Keeping Food Supplies Safe, Sustainably.

Oct 6, 2014 9:00 AM ET

Ecolab 2013 Corporate Sustainability Report Summary

Over the next two decades, it is anticipated that the world will need 50 percent more food to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. In addition, the rise of the middle class, urbanization, higher-protein diets and more meals away from home are trends that are dramatically shifting food demands, particularly in emerging economies.

Producing more food requires more water and energy and more efficient operations across the food-supply chain (from agriculture and livestock production to processing and food service). A safe, sustainable food supply also will require solutions to ensure we are able to consume more of the food we are already producing. This means preventing contamination and spoilage from harvest to consumption.

ECOLAB IS AT THE CENTER OF THE WATER-ENERGY-FOOD NEXUS

With expertise across the water, energy and food spectrums, Ecolab has an in-depth understanding of the critical interdependencies of the elements of this nexus. Food production is dependent on access to freshwater and energy sources. Water needs to be clean in order to keep food safe.

Maximizing production requires solutions that enable the food industry to deliver more, longer-lasting food supplies using less water and energy. With solutions that help food producers, food service and food retail address these complex challenges while minimizing use of natural resources, Ecolab supports safe food from farm to fork.

MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS

Safe food is essential to life. Ecolab delivers an integrated approach to food safety. Solutions that minimize risk of foodborne illness are supported by training, audits and expertise to help customers implement food safety best practices throughout their operations.

Ecolab regularly partners with governmental, industry and professional associations to support forums for discussion and promotion of food safety. The company’s knowledge sharing includes an annual food-safety symposium hosted in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and sponsorship of the International Food Safety Council.

2013 CUSTOMER IMPACT HIGHLIGHT

Ecolab’s low-temperature cleaning program, Advantis FC, helped reduce energy use at a food processing plant, saving more than $23,000, maintaining food safety, improving worker safety and increasing production time.

For more information on Ecolab’s sustainable impact and detailed customer impact highlights, see Ecolab’s 2013 Corporate Sustainability Report

ABOUT ECOLAB
A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With 2013 sales of $13 billion and 45,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies for customers in more than 170 countries around the world.