The result reflects good market conditions and strong demand for environmentally sound agricultural products as well as for synthetic lubricants, Cognis said. However, sales growth in North America was mitigated by weaker housing and automotive markets as well as negative influences of the U.S. dollar.

Dusseldorf, Germany-based Cognis as a whole reported six-month sales of 1.5 billion, up 7 percent from the year-earlier period. The company reported net profit of 11 million, upfrom a 17 million loss in 2007s first six months.

Cognis in July announced it was selling its 50 percent stake in the Cognis Oleochemicals joint venture to Singapore-based PTT Chemical International Private Ltd. for 104 million (U.S. $162 million) in cash. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of September, pending closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Greif Inc. subsidiary Delta Companies Group of Delaware, Ohio, on Thursday said it has contracted to provide on-site packaging services to Cognis Cincinnati chemical complex, which manufactures products made from renewable fats and oils that are used in a variety of industries, such as soaps and detergents, personal care, lubricants, agriculture and adhesives. Greifs dedicated packaging facility, now under construction, will fill Cognis products into quart and gallon packages, pails, kegs, drums and totes.

Cognis Synlubes Technology business markets four main brands. Its Synative products include base oils for high-performance lubricants, hydraulic and transmission fluids, oleochemical raw materials such as esters, fatty acids and fatty alcohols for lubricant production, and additive components for fuels and metalworking fluids. Its Emgard line includes compounded synthetic lubricants for gearboxes and transmissions, axle oils, air compressors and industrial applications.

Breox polyalkylene glycol base fluids, premixes and compounded lubricants are supplied for transportation, industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids, process oils and other applications. ProEco compounded lubricants and base fluids include refrigeration and air conditioning compressors and transformer oils.