Climate change is affecting every part of the world. The contributions of industries are being investigated, so that those industries can make necessary changes. Sadly, the perfume industry is not left out of this challenge.
A study found that perfumes (hairsprays, air fresheners, perfumes and paints) emit the same amount of chemical vapors as petroleum emissions from cars. Relax. It doesn’t mean that you are spraying something as dangerous as a fossil fuel like petroleum on your body. It’s just that perfumes contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that could react with sunlight and other chemicals in the atmosphere to constitute ozone pollution.
The relationship between the fragrance industry and the climate goes beyond the actual perfumes made; it extends to the supply chain, production and even packaging. Apart from ethanol which is used in most perfumes, lots of plants are harvested to create perfumes; and sometimes, animal products are also involved.
Related: The 6 Most Expensive Perfume Ingredients in the World.
How The Perfume Industry Battles Climate Change
Key players in the perfume industry are taking proactive steps to ensure that they do not aggravate negative climate change. Some brands have also taken on the challenge of ameliorating the damage that has already been done.
For instance, Givaudan has partnered with Conservation International in 2007 to support Tonka bean harvesting communities in Venezuela and they are committed to ‘NDPE’- no deforestation, no peat, no exploitation principles when harvesting palm oil.
These changes are expected due to increasing consumer awareness. Concerned consumers have found a way to harmonize the safety of the climate with the desire to smell good.
Several consumers in the industry are now subscribing to only green fragrances, i.e., ethical and sustainable fragrances.
Here are some of the ways that perfume manufacturers aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
1. Carbon-neutral perfumes
A carbon-neutral brand offsets by other means, an equal amount of carbon dioxide that was emitted into the atmosphere during its production. Companies like LanzaTech also offers perfume producers services involving the capturing industrial emissions and converting them into a more sustainable source of ethanol.
2. Green chemistry
Consumers are calling for more natural formulas and brands are heeding the call. Green chemistry perfumes have natural formulations devoid of harmful mystery chemicals that are capable of triggering skin allergies. Specifically, the desired ingredients are safe and cruelty-free ingredients.
3. New life
These are upcycled fragrances that feature notes from discarded materials. This reduces overfarming. For example, apple oil can be sourced from the juice industry’s unwanted apples; and twice distilled extracts from discarded rose petals.
4. Responsible sourcing
Brands are now moving towards transparency in their social footprints. It usually includes fair trade practices, renewable farming education, funding of schools, provision of healthcare, protection of farmers and stating clearly where ingredients are sourced from and how the purchase of such ingredients helps local communities producing them. Dior has taken the lead by launching its ‘Beauty as Legacy’ campaign. The campaign details Dior’s sustainability initiatives derived from its high quality supply chain grounded in exceptional terroir.
5. Eco-design
Mugler already led the way in 1992 when they pioneered the refillable perfume concept with the Mugler Fountain. With that innovation, Mugler sold 1.5 million bottles and was able to save 380 fewer tones of glass annually. Some entire perfume packages are now recyclable.
Shop Thierry Mugler perfumes here.
