Press Room
October 26, 2006
German Version
Cognis at the 2006 CHI: Value-added ideas for enhanced well-being
At the eighth CHI trade show, held in Warsaw, Poland on October 25 and 26, Cognis Care Chemicals displayed a range of innovative solutions designed to serve the wellness trend. These included its UltragelTM 300, RheocareTM CTH(E) and RheocareTM ATH care polymers, which were developed by Cognis’ recent acquisition Cosmetic Rheologies and are now also available in Poland through Cognis Polska. Other focal points were the new Polyquart® PRO cleaner additive and DN-Age® LS 9653, an ingredient which provides comprehensive protection against UV radiation for cellular DNA.
At this year’s CHI, Cosmetic Rheologies, a subsidiary of Cognis Care Chemicals, presented UltragelTM 300, a novel cationic polymer for rheology control in hair and skin care preparations, which has not only been accepted in crystal clear formulations but has also become a preferred thickener for creams and lotions. Ultragel 300 comes in powder form and because it consists of spherical particles, the end products feel very pleasant on the skin. The product also disperses easily, does not require neutralization or heating and may be added at any time right up to the final stages of the manufacturing process. This helps to cut production times and reduce costs. Its feel on the skin is best described as soft and silky, making Ultragel 300 a popular replacement for conventional non-ionic and cationic thickeners.
The RheocareTM CTH (E) and RheocareTM ATH acrylic homopolymers – cationic and anionic respectively, are also designed from Cosmetic Rheologies to enhance the performance of skin and hair formulations while improving their spreading characteristics. Both polymers come in the form of liquid emulsions and can be easily added at any stage of the manufacturing process. They also contribute to the suspension and stabilization of other ingredients, and because of their excellent thickening performance, low dosages are sufficient in many applications. These mentioned products show plainly how Cognis’ recent acquisition of Cosmetic Rheologies has enhanced its position as a full-range specialties supplier to the cosmetics industry. Through Cosmetic Rheologies Cognis has gained outstanding expertise in polymer research, manufacture and formulation development.
The market for hard surface cleaners is also moving towards more sophisticated products: consumers want cleaners that clean thoroughly and quickly, while also providing a broad range of convenience benefits. To enhance cleaning performance, many products on the market have extreme pH values – lower than 3 or higher than 10. However, the conventional additives used to deliver convenience benefits, such as high gloss, easy-to-clean-again and short drying times are not stable under such extreme conditions. Cognis’ new Polyquart® PRO, another featured product at CHI, is the first cleaner additive to provide these convenience benefits and remains effective even at extreme pH values. It is suitable for use in all kinds of formulations, and provides further evidence of Cognis’ position as one of the innovation leaders in hard surface cleaning.
Laboratoires Sérobiologiques, the active ingredients business of Cognis Care Chemicals, presented innovative approaches to hair and skin-energizing concepts. Biological effects on the hair can only be achieved by acting on the hair bulb, but the high rate of cell division in the growth zone means that a large amount of energy is required. By providing the cells with molecules where they can store their own energy, such as glycogen molecules, Dermosaccharides® GY significantly strengthens hair and accelerates its rate of growth.
A completely new energy concept is based on the high UV sensitivity of mitochondria. UV radiation damages the mitochondrial DNA that encode the proteins required to create ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). DN-Age® LS 9653 reduces the effect on the DNA of exposure to sunlight. The product is extracted from the South American candle tree Senna alata, and has been scientifically proven to effectively support the repair of skin cell DNA. It is suitable for use in a wide range of products, such as daily care creams that support the skin’s natural defense mechanisms, skin care ranges that combat photo-aging, and anti-aging sun protection products.
Cognis Care Chemicals – actively involved in rapidly growing markets
Global sales in 2004 amounted to 230 billion US dollars, representing growth of 4.2 percent compared to 2003. For the coming years, Euromonitor predicts a growth rate of 4 percent to reach 275 billion US dollars in 2009. After Latin America, Eastern Europe is the fastest-growing region world-wide, and it has profited form strong investor confidence (source: Euromonitor International). The important Russian home care market alone has gained 25 percent in the past year – a development that did not fail to arouse the attention of Western retailers, as well (source: AC Nielsen). In both Western and Eastern Europe alike, the greatest potential for further growth is seen in innovative premium products that offer additional benefits. “Products that offer a holistic experience and improve quality of life will be the main driver of growth in the cosmetic chemicals market of the future,” says Katja Scharpwinkel, Regional Marketing Care Chemicals North Europe. “With our new ‘Feelosophy’, we offer our customers concepts and solutions they can use to meet consumer requests for a holistic product experience. Our new approach focuses on four key dimensions to achieve a holistic product experience: perception, feel, effect and usage.”
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 8,000 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, textiles, as well as agriculture and mining. The company 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 2005, Cognis recorded sales of 3.18 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and exceptional items) of 356 million euros.
Contact
Guido Appl, Care Chemicals Manager Poland
Cognis Polska Sp.z o.o
Phone: +48-22-6060535-111
E-mail: guido.appl@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com
Raquel Ark, Corporate Communications Manager
Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Phone: +49-2173-4995-464
E-mail: raquel.ark@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com