Ecolab Reports on Its Sustainability Commitment and Actions.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Ecolab Inc. published its 2006 Sustainability Report, which details the corporation's efforts in the areas of economic progress, environmental stewardship and social responsibility; and provides data on related activities for 2006.

"Sustainability at Ecolab is much more than just a green product line," says Bruce Cords, vice president of Environment, Food Safety and Public Health. "Sustainability is something we work to integrate into all that we do as part of our business development and daily practice."

Highlights of the report include:

* Continued advancements in research and development. From solid formulations to innovative packaging and dispensing methods, Ecolab is a leader in developing effective and efficient solutions designed to increase safety, lower the use of water and energy, and reduce waste.

* Partnerships with organizations dedicated to improving product sustainability. In 2006, Ecolab provided funding and served on the steering committee for the development of the Green Seal([R]) Cleaning Service Standards, GS-42. Ecolab is also active in the U.S. EPA's Design for the Environment Green Formulation initiative and as served as a member of Product Care, a voluntary stewardship program of the Consumer Specialty Products Association, and the AISE Sustainable Cleaning Consortium.

* Progress in managing manufacturing impact. As a participant in U.S. EPA's Climate Leaders program, Ecolab pledged to develop a corporate-wide GHG emissions inventory and to work with EPA to set a GHG reduction goal.

* High standards for social responsibility. In 2006, Ecolab developed Ethical Sourcing Standards, representing a global supply chain initiative to require direct suppliers to conduct business in a way that protects health, safety and human rights. This complements Ecolab's own long-standing code of conduct.

* Contributions to communities. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2006, the Ecolab Foundation has contributed more than $35 million to charitable organizations and communities.

* Updated Global Sustainability Principles. The expanded and strengthened principles reinforce the company's ongoing commitment to conducting business responsibly.

The 2006 Sustainability Report illustrates that Ecolab works to positively impact the environment far beyond managing its own operations. Ecolab leverages its impact through innovative product development that considers the entire product life cycle, from sourcing to use to disposal, thereby helping each of its hundreds of thousands of customers around the world minimize their environmental footprint while providing effective cleaning and sanitizing solutions.

"For decades, we have been providing customers with products and services that deliver superior efficacy and improve the efficiency of their businesses," said Steve Christenson, vice president of Regulatory Affairs. "We maintain the highest level of integrity as we fulfill our mission of providing premium results for a cleaner, safer world."

With sales of $5 billion and more than 13,000 sales-and-service associates, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection control products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.

(ECL-C)