German speciality chemicals and plastics producer Evonik’s (Essen; www.evonik.com) performance intermediates business has launched an online platform for customers. The company says the new “C4Connect” platform unites online platforms, data interfaces and its new “C4Buy” bidding system.

C4Connect represents a move away from a product-centred business model to a more user-oriented approach, says Evonik. “With our digital solutions, we make collaboration with our customers more efficient and successful,” says Dirk Höhler, head of marketing and sales in the performance intermediates business. “We already have a good track record, for example in automation and process optimisation.”

The C4Buy bidding platform should enable customers to find the best prices and best availabilities in a bidding process, Evonik says. “What’s new about the platform is the coordination of fluctuating production and demand quantities in an intuitive online tool. Customers can submit offers for quantities and thus benefit from a higher degree of transparency regarding availability.”