The Cognis sustainability glossary
The following glossary explains central terms and expressions used in Cognis’ sustainability communication.
Cognis
The name of our company immediately conjures up both its attributes and its aspirations. It is derived from the Latin “cognoscere”, meaning to perceive, recognize, be informed. These associations with knowledge and realization are also reflected in the Cognis logo—the iris of the human eye. Incidentally, please note that all the product names cited in our Sustainability Report are registered trademarks or brand names of Cognis or of companies of the Cognis Group.
Audit
Scrutiny, inspection, ascertainment of accountability. At Cognis, a systematic, independent and documented examination or review to determine compliance with both internal and statutory requirements and to ascertain that specified objectives and measures implemented are appropriate to satisfying these requirements.
CHP
Abbreviation for “Combined Heat and Power” generation, also cogeneration. Designation for the combination of electricity generation and beneficial utilization of the associated waste heat. Because the large quantities of waste heat produced during electric power generation can be used for heating purposes—for example as process energy in production plants—cogeneration results in significant savings in primary energy and substantially reduced emissions.
Corporate Citizen
An enterprise or company that behaves as a “good neighbor”, i.e. is aware of its social responsibility within its local and regional environment and acts accordingly. Cognis is committed to the principle of Corporate Citizenship.
FSC
Abbreviation for “Forest Stewardship Council”, a stakeholder-owned system for promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. It accredits independent third-party organizations to certify forest product producers to FSC standards.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
A system for ensuring uniformly high product quality and minimizing risks during production and release processes. The concept is based on predetermined, stringently applied procedures that are comprehensively documented to ensure subsequent traceability. The GMP specifications encompass all areas of production and laboratory analysis. They thus include control of starting material, hygiene regulations for employees and a thorough final inspection/release, and go far beyond the requirements of conventional quality assurance systems.
HACCP
Abbreviation for “Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points”, a monitoring technique that is applied in order to ensure compliance with GMP standards (especially those relating to food). The process involves designating all those locations in the production chain at which risks can arise. In the case of a chemicals manufacturer such as Cognis, this concerns in particular the contamination risk emanating from e.g. the environment and micro-biological influences.
Incidence Rate (IR)
Number of industrial incidents that result in the loss of at least one working day, related to a working period of 200,000 hours worked (corresponding to the average annual working time of 100 employees in Germany).
ISO 14001
International standard applied throughout the world for the environmental management of companies and individual production sites. Certification is performed by accredited independent auditors.
ISO 9001
International standard that describes an integrated, comprehensive quality management system encompassing all stages of a product from development and material procurement to production, laboratory analysis and supply chain/shipment to the customer.
OSHAS 18001
Abbreviation for “Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard”, an international norm governing safety at work and the promotion of occupational welfare. In particular, it requires the elimination of risks to personnel health and safety and risks emanating from plant and equipment. The OSHAS regulations were introduced at the end of 1970 by the US government as the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The standard is particularly important in America, Asia and Southern Europe.
Responsible Care®
A worldwide initiative developed by the chemical industry. It represents a commitment to continuous improvement in safety and the protection of health and the environment, irrespective of the statutory requirements imposed in the different countries of the world. The purpose is to establish achievable goals so as to ensure that future planning is ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. Cognis too has joined this initiative.
SA 8000
Abbreviation for “Social Accountability”, a standard developed in the 1990s by the Social Accountability International (SAI) organization. It combines the requirements and guidelines of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Convention of the United Nations on the Rights of Children, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
SHE and SHEQ
Abbreviations (alternatives such as “HSE” and “EHS” are also encountered around the world) that stand for “Safety, Health, Environment”. These various acronyms have become established in the last few years as a general heading for an integrated approach to environmental protection, i.e. one that takes into account health and safety considerations. Cognis takes this integration one step further, hence the additional Q for “Quality”.
Sustainable development
Satisfying the economic, ecological and social requirements of today’s generations without adversely affecting the chances of future generations to develop. Maintaining this balance is the basic credo of sustainable development. Cognis has expressly committed to this edict which was agreed by the United Nations for the community of peoples at the 1992 environment conference in Rio de Janeiro.
TOC
Abbreviation for “Total Organic Carbon”, an important variable for determining contamination in water and wastewater by organic substances. An online TOC meter gives immediate information about the rate at which organics are being fed into a biological wastewater treatment plant. Consequently, it allows control of the ratio between the organic load and the micro-organisms present to break it down and digest it.