Cognis in Germany

Cognis is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability.The company employs about 5,500 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis is active in over 100 countries worldwide. In 2009, the company recorded sales of about 2,584 billion euros. Cognis is represented in Germany at two sites, Düsseldorf-Holthausen 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 coatings, lubricants, agriculture and mining.

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.