Innovations backed by consumer insights,
research and development

Innovative strength is one of our core competencies 
We at Cognis are able to provide innovative solutions in line with and abreast of market trends—based on our deep-rooted knowledge of industrial processes and consumer demands, our technological know-how and our formulation competence. In research and development, we cooperate with international corporations so that, together, we can provide the market with innovative products. To ensure effective cooperation in specific development projects and shorter times to market, we have attached our research and technology units directly to our core businesses.

Solutions derived from market needs 
Cognis stands out with a market and trend focused development process. We exhibit a decentralized R&D organization and cooperate closely with international customers. We operate research and application laboratories in around 20 countries all over the world. Backed by in-depth knowledge of the requirements and mechanisms that prevail in the consumer goods markets, Cognis keeps up with the latest market trends, consumer requirements and changes in social attitudes and regulatory frameworks.

New patents every year
In 2008, Cognis filed some 75 new patent applications and was granted 65 patents by the European, US and German patent offices. Today, Cognis owns more than 1000 patent families.

Annual innovation award
Every year Cognis awards internal teams with innovation awards to encourage and honor successful product and process innovations.

Sustainability as a competitive edge
Sustainability is an innovation driver in our research and development activities. At Cognis we embrace the principle of sustainability as a means of gaining advantage over our competitors. Safety, health, environmental protection and social concerns are introduced right at the beginning of our R&D projects as essential components of the process. Aspects such as ensuring uncomplicated applicability on an industrial scale are likewise taken into account at the outset. We specifically seek future-viable solutions that combine maximum performance with improved convenience and environmental acceptability.

SUSTAINABILITY IS THE INNOVATION DRIVER IN OUR CORE BUSINESSES 

Care Chemicals
Demand for green and sustainable products and concepts is constantly increasing. We have gained a broad experience in providing exactly the right solutions in response, using renewable resources to develop appropriate concepts for the personal care and home care markets. The use of renewable resources is an important component of sustainable development, one that we intend to address in a broader sense. Therefore, we have defined measures that allow us to align our development activities to the 24 Principles of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. These measures will also be used as a guideline for future R&D aligned to new products and processes.

Nutrition & Health
Our expertise in natural food ingredients and lipid technology as well as our formulation and application know-how give us a lead in the knowledge and skills we need to develop and realize innovative ideas. At Cognis Nutrition & Health 100 percent of our products are made from renewable raw materials. Some examples: Cognis is a worldwide market leader in natural-source vitamin E products and provides an extensive, high-quality product line. Furthermore we derive natural mixed carotenoides from nutrient-rich microscopic algae.

Functional Products
Public awareness of the environmental impact caused by hazardous chemicals has boosted Cognis’ drive toward green, environmentally friendly, label-free and zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) products in the segments of coatings, emulsion polymerization, surfactants, lubricants and agrochemicals.