Real Assets
We build future energy systems and resilient infrastructure, backing emerging opportunities in technology, land and water.
Ecolab sells cleaning products and services to restaurants, hotels, hospitals, food and beverage producers and other businesses. The company has a particular focus on energy and water efficiency. Ecolab has developed a range of products and services that help to reduce, and in some cases even eliminate, the use of water in a wide range of industrial applications. In turn, this helps to lower costs through a reduction of energy and water impacts.
Topic: Hazardous Chemicals.
Our objective: Limiting material negative social or environmental impacts.
Company objective: For Ecolab to clarify a time-bound phase-out plan of substances of very high concern (SVHC) and increase revenue from safer alternatives.
Desired outcome: Reduced environmental pollution and negative impacts to human and ecological health leading to reduced regulatory and reputational risk. Improved competitive advantage.
Background: The Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals (IIHC), led by ChemSec and backed by over $18 trillion in AUM, engages with major chemicals producing companies to mitigate these risks. Ecolab, a global leader in water and hygiene solutions, has made strong progress over recent years and was ranked 4th in ChemSecâs 2024 ChemScore.
Activity: We co-leads the Ecolab investor group. We arranged and chaired a company call and drafted a letter setting out the groupsâ expectations and formalised engagement objectives:
- Transparency: Disclose global revenue and volumes of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), aligning with CSRD and E2 Pollution standards.
- PFAS evaluation: Provide an update on PFAS-related risks in the supply chain.
- Revenue shift: Set a 2030 target to increase revenue from safer alternatives and publish a supporting strategy.
Outcome:
M2 - Company shares or agrees to disclose information on the issue
These interactions represents an early stage in the current phase of dialogue. Ecolab is as yet to provide material updates against the objectives. It has however, reaffirmed its ambition to lead in hazardous chemical management and reach the top ChemScore ranking.
Ecolab also committed to improving near-term disclosure by publishing its Chemical Footprint Benchmark in 2025. We believe the companyâs prioritisation of this issue reflects its material importance and are reassured by its ambition and progress to date. A follow-up to review progress is expected later in 2025.
Important information
Foresight Group LLP does not offer legal, tax, financial or investment advice and the information on this website should not be construed as such. We recommend investors seek advice from a regulated financial adviser. The opportunity described in this document may not be suitable for all investors. Any such investment decision should be made only on the basis of the Fund scheme documents and appropriate professional advice.
Foresight Group LLP acts as investment manager and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference Number 198020 and has its registered office at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.
OEICs
An investment in FP Sustainable Future Themes Fund, FP Foresight Global Real Infrastructure Fund, FP Sustainable Real Estate Securities Fund, FP UK Infrastructure Income Fund or FP WHEB Sustainability Impact Fund and Liontrust Diversified Real Assets Fund (together the âFundsâ) should be considered a long-term investment that may be higher risk. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.
The Authorised Corporate Directors FundRock Partners Limited (registered office at Hamilton Centre, Rodney Way, Chelmsford, England, CM1 3BY) and Liontrust Investment Partners LLP (registered office 2 Savoy Court, London WC2R 0EZ), are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference Numbers 469278 and 518552 respectively. The Funds are incorporated in England and Wales.
ICAVs
An investment in the WHEB Sustainable Impact Fund and the WHEB Environmental Impact Fund (together the âFundsâ) should be considered a longer-term investment that may be higher risk. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.
The Manager of the Funds is FundRock Management Company S.A., authorised and regulated by the Luxembourg regulator to act as UCITS management company and has its registered office at Airport Center Building, 5, Heienhaff, L-1736 Senningerberg, Luxembourg.
We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. If you would like to find out more about the measures, we take in processing your personal information, please refer to our privacy policy, which can be found at http://www.foresight.group/privacy-policy.