Through a “Green Formulation Grid”, developers can optimize the desired levels of performance and naturalness. On the matrix, the horizontal axis shows four categories of formulation of botanical ingredients:

 “Eco Passion,” identified by a four green leave icon, is the category containing the highest level of renewable components,
 substances in the “Eco Spirit” category, identified by a three green leave icon, allow green lifestyle formulations,
 the “Eco-mind” category, two leaves, is aimed at consumers opting for green lifestyles on a case-by-case basis,
 eventually the “Eco Image” category, denoted by a single leaf icon is adapted to formulations targeting consumers ready to buy green products but reluctant to pay any premium.

On the vertical axis, there are three levels of formulation performance:

 the “classic products” category is adapted to products for family use, with a basic level of performance and a normal price,
 the “advanced products” category offers a better performance to the consumer,
 and the « superior product » category is for specialized products .

There are therefore twelve different positions on the grid, representing every potential combination of performance and naturalness. “Manufacturers can see at glance if a formulation with the desired levels of performance and naturalness is already available at Cognis or if it is possible to develop such a formulation. If yes, Cognis will advise manufacturers on which Care Chemicals’ products are fitting for a certain formulation and support them with the entire development process to the point of performance tests,” the company explains.