For the six months to June 30, 2005, Germany-based specialty chemicals supplier Cognis has posted net external sales of €1,602 million, a 2.8% increase compared with the same period in 2004.

Cognis’ sales excluding foreign currency effects and divestments increased in the first half year of 2005 by 5.2% over the first half year of 2004. Four of the company’s five Strategic Business Units – Care Chemicals, Nutrition & Health, Functional Products and Oleochemicals – achieved significant growth, with only the Process Chemicals SBU posting lower organic sales than in 2004.

Sales of process chemicals in the first two quarters totalled €179 million, down 17.6% on the same period in 2004. According to the company, the major factor for this was the divestment of the PVC stabilisers business, which came into effect on July 1, 2004. and a drop in revenues from the textile technology business.

Oleochemicals sales continued their upward trend, rising 6.0% percent to €224 million. This growth was mainly driven by higher sales for fatty acids.