PRESS RELEASE
Geman version
Monheim, Germany, June 27, 2008
Cognis recognized for quality: 30 natural cosmetic ingredients certified by BDIH
Care Chemicals customers can now get certified ingredients for natural cosmetics – as 30 of Cognis’ basic and active ingredients have achieved the BDIH (Association of German Industries and Trading Firms) certification for use in natural cosmetics. An independent assessor working on behalf of the BDIH classified 30 cosmetic oils, emulsifiers and surfactants from Cognis Care Chemicals and its active ingredients business Laboratoires Serobiologiques as meeting the criteria for certification.
Nowadays, more and more consumers are looking for cosmetic products that are certified as “green,” and a particularly well-regarded certification is the BDIH label for natural cosmetics. More than 130 companies already use this seal on their products, including around 25 manufacturers outside Germany. Up until now, manufacturers of cosmetics and personal hygiene products who wanted their end products to be awarded this official seal had to ask Cognis to fill out a lengthy form with details of about the raw materials used. But now that Cognis has obtained certification for its ingredients, it is much simpler for Care Chemicals customers to formulate natural cosmetics that comply with the BDIH guidelines, and receive certification for their end products.
“We want to help our customers to position and market their products,” says Senior Marketing Manager Ute Griesbach. “Our 70 percent share of natural-based and renewable raw materials and the Green Chemical Solutions classification system allow us to meet this green consumer trend. The Regulation Easy Guide contains lists of the various certified raw materials, which helps our customers when it comes to registering their end products.” The BDIH certification is especially important in German-speaking markets, and gives manufacturers selling these products a clear competitive advantage.
Other Cognis products are currently at the application or evaluation stage of the BDIH certification process. In addition to those products certified by the BDIH, 90 ingredients from Cognis’ portfolio also meet the internationally recognized Ecocert standard for use in “green” cosmetics.
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About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 7,600 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, as well as 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, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals.
Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2007, Cognis recorded sales of about 3.52 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 410 million euros.
Contact
Ute Griesbach, Senior Marketing Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-211- 7940-7967
Email: ute.griesbach@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com
Viola Stahl, Communications Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-2173-4995-221
Email: viola.stahl@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com