Ecolab Inc. and environmental data platform CDP introduced the Water Use Efficiency Index on January 20 2026, a tool designed to benchmark and improve water use across industrial sectors.
The index supplies sector‑specific ranges for best‑in‑class water use efficiency and sets optimized targets. The first pilot focuses on the beverage and brew segment of the food, beverage and agriculture industry, with a benchmark of 1.2–1.4 liters of water per liter of product for that segment.
The partnership aligns with Ecolab’s strategy of embedding digital solutions into its service model, creating a potential new revenue stream from data analytics while reinforcing its leadership in sustainability and water stewardship. The index also addresses growing global water scarcity, with projections that freshwater demand will exceed supply by 56% by 2030, and it responds to the rising water demand of AI‑driven data centers.
"By combining CDP’s leading disclosure data with Ecolab’s industry water‑use expertise, we are giving companies a clear view of where they stand operationally compared to industry norms and best‑in‑class performance," said Emilio Tenuta, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer. "Together with CDP, we are helping companies turn disclosure into action to drive performance, improve efficiency and lower costs."
Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEO, added, "Water is the foundation of life and business. Our partnership with CDP aims to be the catalyst for industrial water use transformation. By championing best‑in‑class operational water performance, companies can embark toward a future of meaningful growth and positive impact."
Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, noted, "Water is a critical economic input. As water stress intensifies, companies that understand, manage and improve their water use will be better positioned to protect margins, secure supply chains and attract capital."
Ecolab’s broader sustainability commitments—science‑based targets for greenhouse gas reductions and a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030—provide a strong foundation for the index. The initiative builds on the company’s track record of integrating data analytics into its service model, positioning it to capture new market opportunities in water‑intensive industries and to support customers in reducing costs, strengthening resilience and easing pressure on shared water resources.
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