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Ecolab Reports on Sustainability Progress, Increases Transparency and Expands Goals

"Sustainability is central to our purpose to make the world a cleaner, safer, healthier place," said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecolab. "In 2010, our seventh year of sustainability reporting, we made significant progress toward our goals. We are committed to ongoing improvement, both within our own operations and in partnership with our customers."

The 2010 Sustainability Report includes:

• A sustainability progress chart that summarizes Ecolab's sustainability goals and accomplishments - and lists additional goals for 2011.
• Ecolab's contributions of $9.1 million to communities in need and charitable organizations - in St. Paul and worldwide - through Foundation, in-kind and corporate giving.
• An expanded section focused on Ecolab's partnerships with customers. With more than one million customer locations, Ecolab's greatest sustainability impact is realized through its work to help customers optimize their water and energy use, and reduce waste.

"We have a special ability to help our customers meet their own ambitious sustainability goals," said Baker. "Our people are inspired by the impact they are having both within our company and through partnerships with our customers at more than one million locations that we serve globally."

With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to 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)

Ecolab Inc.
Stephanie Kraynick
651-293-2414