Environmental protection
As one of the world's largest manufacturer of specialty chemical products based on renewable raw materials, we are following the logic of nature. At the same time, we offer products and services that not only provide specific benefits but also enable manufacturing industries and consumers to act in a similarly economically and ecologically viable manner.
Following the natural value chain
Through this core competency, Cognis is also securing its own sustainable economic growth. So it is all the more important for Cognis to maintain a clear focus on ensuring that its manufacturing methods are kept as environmentally compatible as possible. The efficient use of water and fossil fuels as well as the recovery of production residues within the framework of integrated process recycling are only two aspects that show how Cognis has replicated the logic of nature in its value chain. And while also following the evolutionary approach of nature, Cognis is constantly striving to develop better, fitter solutions for its customers and partners.
Taking action to protect the environment
In 2002, Cognis launched a wide-ranging program under the general heading “25 by 2012”. Wishing to make a meaningful contribution to reducing environmental impact, our aim in instituting this project is to achieve a 25% reduction in the 2002 levels of all the major indicators—specific energy consumption, emissions and wastewater, among others—by the year 2012. Read more about the Cognis Action Plan.
Targeted investments
Lower consumption, lower emissions, lower waste: for years, Cognis has been reducing its environmental footprint. Much of this success is the result of targeted investment. We have elevated our technological infrastructure around the world to true state-of-the-art standards. We are also constantly working to permanently improve our production processes. Our expert groups, the Technology Segment Teams, develop best practice solutions and targets for key technologies, which are then implemented at all our sites. And even more than that: in implementing our integrated SHEQ-Management, we look ahead at every conceivable environmental effect in order to minimize it as far as possible. Trust is good, control is better. Cognis subjects its sites to regular audits, monitoring the high standards of safety, health and environmental protection.
Boosted efficiency
Ultimately, these efforts lead not only to better environmental performance but also to enhanced efficiency in production and improved product quality as a further benefit to our customers. But the potential that lies in the fine-tuning of our plants and processes has by no means been exhausted—as is regularly revealed by the constant flow of new ideas and suggestions for improvement submitted by our highly qualified employees.
Enhanced emission control
Saving energy—and thus reducing our emissions of CO2 and other pollutants—is right at the center of the efforts detailed in our master plan, which takes us up to 2012. Under the guidance of our Technology Segment Teams, we aim to introduce innovative energy concepts at all our sites. Our focus here is on production-integral systems for the recovery of thermal energy in the form of steam or hot water, and the use of high-calorific process residues—most of which are from natural sources—as a substitute fuel. Comprehensive site energy assessments show the local Energy Teams the general direction in which they need to go, while the systems installed at many of our plants for the visualization of energy consumption levels help ensure that efficiency levels are kept as close to optimum as possible.
Reduction of wastewater and disposal
We have implemented the other measures of our action plan for the environment with similar resolve. On a step-by-step basis, we are reducing our wastewater volumes and improving the clarification performance of our treatment facilities. We are seeking to avoid emissions of all kinds. And we recover and recycle as much as we can in order to reduce the volumes of waste disposed in landfill sites.