Ecolab Inc.

Ecolab received a score of 100 on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a political stakeholder group. The company recruits employees based on sexual identity. The company discriminates against vendors that do not promote divisive sex and gender policies, indicating it prioritizes sexual issues over merit (1)(2). The company integrates ESG into its business practices. Ecolab states “ESG indicators, including our 2030 Impact Goals, are a part of how we measure performance, which is used to determine short term cash compensation for executives” (3). However, the company has not publicly canceled customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs.

Ecolab‘s HRC 2023-2024 CEI rating indicates the company will not donate to non-religious charities unless they embrace controversial sexual identity policies (1)(2). The company does not appear to discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or beliefs. Ecolab’s charitable giving focus areas are “ Youth and Education, Civic and Community Development, Arts and Culture, Environment and Conservation” (3).

Ecolab‘s HRC 2023-2024 CEI rating indicates the company forces employees to attend multiple, controversial trainings on gender identity, sexual orientation, transgender issues, and divisive racial ideology. The company provides gender transition guidelines for its employees and a specific benefits guide with a comprehensive explanation of transgender services funded by the company (1)(2). Ecolab’s CEO Christophe Beck signed Catalyst’s Champions for Change pledge, indicating its support of DEI in its leadership composition through the establishment of gender and racial targets (3)(4). The company also implemented global unconscious bias trainings (5). Ecolab is a signatory of the Gender & Diversity KPI Alliance, appearing to prioritize diversity over merit in its business structure through the establishment of gender and racial targets for its leadership composition and its support of DEI in its hiring and promotions (6)(7). The company does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (8).

Ecolab’s HRC 2023-2024 CEI rating indicates the company agrees to allow a controversial stakeholder group focused on sexual identity issues to dictate marketing or advertising strategy. By doing so, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). The company signed an open letter endorsing the Equality Act, a contentious proposal to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act by adding sexual orientation and so-called gender identity as protected categories. The legislation would, among other implications, grant biological men access to women-only spaces such as sports teams and public restrooms, and compel healthcare providers to deliver sex-denying healthcare (3). Ecolab is a member of the Civic Alliance, which opposes various state-level election security measures (4). The company supports ESG within its business practices “through our commitment to ESG and operating ethically and sustainably” (5). Ecolab has implemented a 2050 carbon neutrality pledge (6)(7). The company’s CEO signed the CEOs for Gun Safety (8). Ecolab opposed various state and local legislation intended to protect parental rights, girls’ sports, bathroom facilities, and gendered spaces (9)(10). Ecolab’s President & CEO, Christophe Beck, denounced various states’ legislative efforts to protect election integrity and security (11). The company’s CEO, Christophe Beck, signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, which includes a commitment to promote DEI through bias education training in the workplace (12)(13).

Ecolab provides a benefits package for employees that covers travel/lodging costs for an abortion and transgender medical procedures for covered employees and dependents, including children (1)(2)(3). However, it is unclear whether the company changed its policy. Ecolab‘s HRC 2023-2024 CEI rating indicates the company covers transgender related costs for its employees and their children, including paid short-term leave, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, chest surgeries, genital surgeries, medical visits and lab monitoring, travel and lodging. Additionally, the company has pledged philanthropic support of at least one organization or event that promotes sex and gender ideology. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company increases health care costs and risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (4)(5). Ecolab is a corporate partner of the NGLCC and is a Bronze sponsor of the HRC (6)(7). The company donated to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, an organization that posts bail for criminals, and is a partner of the Chicago Urban League (8)(9). Ecolab is a member of the MCCA, indicating its focus on recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees based on race (10)(11). Ecolab is a partner of the HRC’s Foundation (12)(13).

Ecolab‘s HRC 2023-2024 CEI rating indicates the company publicly advocated for controversial sex and gender ideology through local, state or federal legislation or initiatives. By allowing a political stakeholder group to dictate operations, the company risks dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders (1)(2). Ecolab has not used its PAC donations or lobbying for ideological purposes (3)(4)(5).