Cognis in Germany

Cognis is a globally active specialty chemicals company with leading positions in many of its markets. The company has around 8,000 employees at production and service sites in 30 countries. Cognis is active in over 100 countries worldwide. In 2006, the company achieved a turnover totaling 3.372 billion euros. Cognis is represented in Germany at three sites, Düsseldorf-Holthausen, Loxstedt and Illertissen. Its headquarters are in Monheim.

Cognis evolved in 1999 from the chemicals division of Henkel, one of the leading German manufacturers of branded articles and consumer products. Since November 2001, Cognis has owned Private Equity Funds, which is advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners and SV Life Sciences.

Cognis is divided into three strategic company units (SBUs): Care Chemicals, Nutrition & Health and Functional Products. Key customers are the cosmetics industry, detergent and cleaner industry and the nutrition and health industry. Further key products for industrial markets are paints and varnishes, textiles, lubricants, agriculture and mining.

The subsidiary Pulcra Chemicals offers specialized chemical products and process expertise to customers in the fiber, textile, and leather industries. Cognis also holds a 50-percent stake in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals (M) Sdn. Bhd. one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals derived from sustainable raw materials.

Based on its many years of experience as a former company of a branded article manufacturer, Cognis is fully aware of end consumer needs. Cognis uses this expertise to develop in cooperation with its customers, concepts and solutions that are exactly tailored to the most important and dynamic wellness and sustainability trends.