Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Sustainability in the fragrance and flavour (F&F) industry has become increasingly relevant, incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into all aspects of the value chain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable fragrance by design by integrating ESG practices, regulatory frameworks, life cycle assessment tools, consumer perspectives, and industrial case studies. This review critically examines current sustainable practices adopted by the industry, including responsible raw material sourcing, green chemistry, low carbon processing, and minimising packaging waste. The need for standards such as the IFRA-IOFI (The International Fragrance Association - The International Organization of the Flavour Industry) sustainability charter and legislation such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals) enables an organised approach to sustainable operations, along with industrial examples from established F&F companies exhibiting practical application. The review also explores innovative sustainability assessment tools, including EcoScent Compass™, GREEN MOTION™, and the IFRA Green Chemistry Compass, for their role in promoting life cycle assessment and safer ingredient selection. In addition, it examines consumer perception of biotechnologically derived ingredients through findings from experimental consumer studies and also discusses how sustainable product development aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Overall, the review highlights the need for a systematic, science-based transition towards a “benign by design” approach, enabling the fragrance industry to combine responsible innovation with long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Institution: University of Delhi
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Chemistry
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W7207794899