Ecolab was founded in 1923 by a young entrepreneur named Merritt J. Osborn. Starting out in his garage in St. Paul, Minnesota, Osborn began manufacturing and distributing cleaning and sanitizing products to local businesses. His innovative approach to solving cleaning challenges and commitment to customer service quickly gained him a reputation in the community.

As the business grew, so did its reach. By the 1940s, Ecolab had expanded its services to include water treatment and other industrial cleaning solutions. The company’s expertise in these areas caught the attention of major industries, and Ecolab began working with clients like Coca-Cola and General Mills. This marked the beginning of Ecolab’s rise to fame as a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions.

Ecolab’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Ecolab’s current net worth is estimated to be around $35 billion, according to the latest available information. This significant figure reflects the company’s robust growth and success in the global cleaning and sanitizing industry.

Ecolab’s Career

Founded in 1923, Ecolab has grown from a small water treatment company to a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. With over 90 years of experience, Ecolab has expanded its services to include cleaning and sanitizing, pest elimination, and food safety and quality services. Today, Ecolab serves more than 1.5 million customer locations worldwide, employing over 48,000 associates.

Other Ventures

Beyond its core business, Ecolab has diversified its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In 2018, the company acquired Nalco Champion, a leading global provider of oilfield chemicals and services. Additionally, Ecolab has invested in innovative technologies, such as AI and IoT, to enhance its services and sustainability efforts.

Assets

Ecolab’s extensive assets include a vast network of manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and research and development labs across the globe. The company’s intellectual property portfolio comprises over 7,000 patents, reflecting its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Ecolab also boasts a strong brand, with a reputation for excellence and reliability in the industries it serves.

Annual Income

In 2020, Ecolab reported a total revenue of $13.3 billion, demonstrating the company’s financial strength and resilience. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ecolab’s annual income has consistently grown over the years, reflecting the increasing demand for its services and solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Ecolab

Frequently Asked Questions: Ecolab Net Worth

1. What is Ecolab’s net worth?

Ecolab’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 billion.

2. Who founded Ecolab?

Ecolab was founded by Merritt J. Osborn in 1923.

3. What does Ecolab do?

Ecolab is a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services. They provide cleaning and sanitizing products, services, and technologies to customers in the foodservice, food processing, hospitality, healthcare, and other industries.

4. Where is Ecolab headquartered?

Ecolab’s headquarters is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

5. How many employees does Ecolab have?

As of 2021, Ecolab employs approximately 44,000 people worldwide.

6. What is Ecolab’s revenue?

Ecolab’s annual revenue is around $13 billion.

7. When was Ecolab listed on the stock exchange?

Ecolab was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 1986.

8. What is Ecolab’s ticker symbol?

Ecolab’s ticker symbol is ECL.

9. What are some of Ecolab’s major competitors?

Some of Ecolab’s major competitors include Sodexo, Aramark, and Sysco.

10. What is Ecolab’s commitment to sustainability?

Ecolab is committed to sustainability and has set goals to reduce its environmental impact. They aim to reduce water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste to landfill by 2030.