Press release -
‘Recognize the value of fragrance to Europe in new sustainability proposals', says industry body
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) releases its Green Deal policy recommendations, highlighting the fragrance industry’s value and role in supporting the EU’s sustainability transition
IFRA today publishes a new report that calls on European Union policymakers to take full account of the economic, social, and cultural value of fragrance as the EU draws up detailed new chemicals and sustainability rules.
In the report, IFRA, which represents fragrance manufacturers worldwide, sets out a series of policy recommendations focused on the EU’s proposed Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS).
These recommendations include:
- Using IFRA’s existing global safe use program, the IFRA Standards, as well as its joint Sustainability Charter with the flavor industry to further boost sustainability ambitions and as bases for drawing up the EU’s proposed ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ framework.
- Acknowledging the sector’s long history of product safety and the key contribution of fragranced consumer products to Europeans health, wellness and hygiene when integrating the planned ‘essential use’ concept.
- Taking account of unique qualities of fragrance materials when defining the future rules applicable to fragrances – notably the diversity of ingredients used (both natural and synthetic), the complexity of the value chain (from farmers to consumer goods producers), and the acknowledgement of the small contribution by volume of the fragrance ingredients in the final consumer products.
In addition to these policy recommendations, and an overview of the industry’s role and the value it brings to Europe, the report highlights a series of ‘enablers’ for a successful green transition for the fragrance industry in Europe.
These enablers include an ambitious research agenda and investment in innovative, sustainable chemistry; greater policy consistency and regulatory predictability; a renewed focus on using alternatives to animal testing for safety assessments; and working for promoting global functioning markets.
Launching the report, IFRA’s Chairman, Hans Holger Gliewe, said:
“Sustainability is at the heart of our sector’s sustainable growth. As the EU releases its 2022 Strategic foresight, IFRA reaffirms its support for the EU’s overarching strategic objectives – twinning the green and digital transitions and fostering resilience.
“To reach the goal of greater sustainability and jointly create the Transition Pathway, we must build on practices that have been proven as efficient and successful, examine megatrends, identify opportunities for Europe, and beware of unintended consequences. This process demands predictability, prioritization, and proportionate rules that take proper account of the social, economic, and cultural context in which we live and in which products are used.
“IFRA’s policy recommendations underline our long-standing commitment to positive, science-based solutions and to promotion of the principles of safe use through adequate control and sustainability.”
IFRA President Martina Bianchini added:
“For 250 years, the fragrance industry has been a symbol of Europe’s natural and cultural heritage and a fundamental part of Europeans’ daily experiences.
“Now we need to define the rules that ensure a dynamic, innovative, knowledge-led future for our industry – something that will benefit our suppliers, our customers, and most importantly, the wellbeing of European citizens.
“We are at a turning point, and IFRA is ready to share our industry’s expertise and experiences to ensure a green transition that works for everyone.”
IFRA will share the report and policy recommendations with EU policymakers as they draw up and debate the detailed proposals outlined in the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. The Commission proposals are expected to be published in the coming months.
The full report, as well as a study on the business impact of the CSS, are available on a special section of the IFRA website at ifra.info/GreenDeal.
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The International Fragrance Association, founded in 1973, represents the interests of the fragrance industry worldwide. IFRA comprises seven multinational companies, 23 national associations in four global regions representing hundreds of small and medium-sized fragrance ingredient manufacturers, and ten supporting members. Its mission is to promote the safe use of fragrance for everyone’s enjoyment.
IFRA’s flagship safe use program, the IFRA Standards, applies safety management measures based on scientific assessment and the evaluations of an independent Expert Panel. The program is at the heart of the IFRA Code of Practice, which applies to all IFRA members globally, including members of IFRA’s national associations. The Code also requires members to abide by local, national, and international regulation, and to apply good manufacturing practices.
For further information, please visit ifrafragrance.org.
