What are Ecolab’s recent updates?

Ecolab is a global leader in health, hygiene and water services. We are active in more than 170 countries, and we are proud of our strong presence in Mexico. The company has two large segments: Institutional and industrial.

For everyone in the industry, 2023 was a challenging year. However, Ecolab is proud of the 2023 acquisition of Flottec by Nalco Water, an Ecolab company. This acquisition will supplement our portfolio of mineral processing and flotation solutions with important new technologies. Flottec allows us to expand our horizons in mining, particularly in the extraction of gold and copper, which are instrumental in Mexico and Latin America overall. 

How do Ecolab’s digital tools enable better water management?

When thinking about the value ascribed to water, water seems to be a very cheap resource – on average, it costs a Mexican national $250 pesos per month per cubic meter. For the industry, water costs are comparatively minimal. The perception of the value of water is something that we must change so that we are appropriately valuing the resource. 

For example, if a company discharges a cubic meter of liquid into a river, they may contaminate four cubic meters of water. If nothing is done, the impact can be extremely high. And this is where the issue of perception comes into play. In Mexico, almost 50% of people think that companies are not doing much to save water or be more sustainable, but if you go to the companies, it is clear that companies are doing far more than people perceive. That disconnect is where Ecolab can provide solutions. 

Our offering ECOLAB3D places all the operations systems on one platform, continuously measuring a company’s industrial processes. This allows the client to understand how they are managing their water and how their current water management aligns with their continuous improvement plans in terms of sustainability. The solution uses AI to predict how a system will perform in the future and guides actions to prevent deviations. ECOLAB3D allows us to convert sustainability ideas into measurable, actionable plans that can be implemented on the client’s sites. 

Can you describe what the company observed at COP28?

COP28 was an interesting meeting because it was held in a region where crude oil dominates. Ecolab participated in the meeting, and we observed a clear evolution in the expectations for corporate sustainability. The change in expectations for corporate sustainability has been noticeable since COVID, and was apparent at COP28. The private and industrial sector has a fundamental role in providing tools and facilitating investment to create the infrastructure for a more sustainable future. The governments, on the other hand, play a facilitation role. 

How do you expect macroeconomic forces to shape the industry in the short term?

In the short-term, inflationary issues are a challenge, but at Ecolab are focused on longer-term priorities. I predict that the currency will remain more or less stable during 2024, which will provide our clients’ operations with peace and allow us to better help them to focus on providing services and products that positively affect the planet. The next two years are going to be marked by political change. Globally, approximately 50 countries will have elections. That will impact the industrial sector.

What are the company’s priorities for the coming two years?

In Mexico and Latam North there is a definite increase in investment in technology. Companies have a greater appetite for investing in technological issues and sustainability. Ecolab is no different – we continue to invest US$200 million annually in innovation and sustainability. Ecolab as 11,200 active patents today, and we will continue investing in R&D. 

Internally, Ecolab will continue improving our operations and digitalizing operations at our plants. As a sustainability company, it is crucial that we provide an example of sustainable internal operations. The company intends to advance on our sustainability goals, lowering our greenhouse gas emissions across our operations. We will not take our foot off the accelerator. Ecolab will continue improving operations and investing in strengthening our structure and innovation.