How we manage the innovation process at Cognis

Our market-oriented innovation approach starts with a thorough analysis of market trends and user needs. We then generate ideas as to how we can meet these. Every part of the company—including R&T, sales, marketing, manufacturing and supply chain management—plays an active role in turning these ideas into innovations and bringing them rapidly to market. To encourage innovative thinking among our staff, we hold an internal Innovation Award.

We use our consumer insights and know-how to define R&D areas and build up the right technological experience. To channel our innovative drive, we define our core competencies in line with major technology platforms. Our R&T organization is designed for maximum efficiency and customer focus. Under the structure we have put in place, responsibility for R&D lies with the individual strategic business units (SBUs), and their development activities have been consolidated into dedicated centers of competence. An R&T Council ensures full use is made of synergies between the SBUs, and a worldwide network of application laboratories adapts new products, formulations and processes to local needs.

The innovation process at Cognis: turning know-how into value for customers