Cognis takes green to the next level

Published: 25-Sep-2008

Cognis Care Chemicals is to further advance its classification system, Green Chemicals Solutions (GCS). Launched in 2007, GCS offers Cognis customers support regarding natural-based personal care. Now, GCS is moving onto phase two, focusing on formulations, their greenness, and demonstrating the relationship between the naturalness of the end product and its performance through the Green Formulation Grid.


Cognis Care Chemicals is to further advance its classification system, Green Chemicals Solutions (GCS). Launched in 2007, GCS offers Cognis customers support regarding natural-based personal care. Now, GCS is moving onto phase two, focusing on formulations, their greenness, and demonstrating the relationship between the naturalness of the end product and its performance through the Green Formulation Grid.

The Portfolio Easy Guide shows at a glance what proportion of natural ingredients a product contains, while The Green Formulation Grid compares levels of greenness and performance. Formulations are separated into four categories, describing their level of vegetable-based and renewable ingredients. The categories are given a four-leaf clover rating, based on the proportion of natural C-atoms that the formulation contains, with one to four of the leaves being coloured green. Formulations given four green leaves contain the highest level of natural renewable components and are put in the Eco-Passion category. The Eco-Spirit category is denoted by three green leaves, while two indicate Eco-Mind. The final category, Eco-Image, is for formulations that appeal to customers who are prepared to buy green products, but only if it requires no sacrifices on their lifestyle or budget.

The Green Formulation Grid shows the above categories on a horizontal axis, against a vertical axis featuring three levels of formulation performance: Classic Products, Advanced Products and Superior Products. The aim is for manufacturers to see at a glance if a formulation with the desired levels of performance and naturalness is already available at Cognis, or if it is possible to develop one.

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