Sustainable perfumery, is it real?

We can no longer turn our backs on climate change. In this time, the awakening of many consciences is shaking up all industries and consumer habits.

The creation of more sustainable products and services has become a priority for all companies, and the world of perfumery is no exception.

To start, it is important to differentiate some concepts because it’s easy to confuse organic fragrances with natural fragrances. Natural fragrances are those plant sourced, while organic fragrances are the ones made from ingredients grown without chemicals or pesticides.

It is also key to differentiate between ingredients are natural or synthetic. At first, it may seem synthetics are less sustainable, but again, it depends. Synthetic ingredients can be derived from a molecule existing in nature, and they can be extracted naturally or created in a laboratory. The extraction method can improve the supply chain and make it more sustainable.

Therefore, it is not easy to create a sustainable perfume. Natural raw materials are scarce, they are usually more expensive because they depend on climate and plagues since they are not protected with any chemical. It is also important that ingredients are sourced responsibly and sustainably, which means reconsidering the production and distribution of the product. When it comes to ingredients such as vanilla or sandalwood, that are overexploited, their synthetic recreation is more sustainable and respectful.

A sustainable ingredient must respect natural resources and be produced and distributed limiting CO2 emissions. It must guarantee compensation and respectful treatment of workers as well.

Sustainability in perfumery, as in many industries, is a reality but its scope is still limited, due to the cost and all the changes it requires from a company. Still, most brands are already working towards sustainability, either with 100% sustainable perfumes with a high percentage of organic ingredients, or by changing their processes and suppliers.

Trends

Sustainable perfumery, is it real?

We can no longer turn our backs on climate change. In this time, the awakening of many consciences is shaking up all industries and consumer habits.

You might be interested in...