Release of second flavor and fragrance sectors’ Sustainability Report highlights ongoing efforts of twin sectors

Geneva, 5 June 2023 – The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI) today published their second joint fragrance and flavor Sustainability Report. The report highlights the progress the sectors are making in becoming more environmentally friendly, on improving workplace culture, on promoting alternatives to animal testing and on being more transparent.

The IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Report is the product of close cooperation on the common sustainability framework between the two organizations. The report itself is based on the results of an anonymized survey sent out to the current 137 signatories to the IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Charter, spread over 21 countries worldwide. The Charter is a collective effort to ’raise the bar’ for sustainability in the flavor and fragrance sectors, with 17 specific commitments split across five ‘Focus Areas’.

“I am delighted to be able to introduce this report”, said Sven Ballschmiede, Executive Director of IOFI. “The report and Charter are the product of years of thought, discussion and cooperation between our two organizations. Flavor and fragrance industry players, big and small, take sustainability extremely seriously – and this report highlights the progress made and the challenges still to be overcome”.

First conceived in 2016, and launched in 2020, the Sustainability Charter has been further developed and refined. The recently released 'Charter 2.0' reinforces an already ambitious approach to sustainability across the two industries and expands the focus areas and commitments. The main sustainability commitments include work on sustainability definitions, alternatives to animal testing, biodiversity – including deforestation and carbon management – Green Chemistry, workplace culture, and the 'essentiality' of flavors and fragrances.

“Consumers and policymakers no longer accept ’business-as-usual’ approaches to sustainability and the protection of the environment”, said Martina Bianchini, President of IFRA. “In our niche, we help to create a future where 'business-as-usual' becomes 'business for a better world' by increasing the sustainability toolbox for our members, large and small, to address the specific challenges faced by our industries.

Policy makers and regulators around the world are launching green transition initiatives and it is our responsibility – as dependable industries – to support these objectives.

Since the publication of the first report in 2021, signatories of the Charter have done just that: raising their engagement with the multiple facets of sustainability best practice. For instance, 80% of respondents report that they have a global environmental impact assessment and management strategy in place – and 90% either occasionally or systematically engage with customers to improve the health and safety impact of their products.

IFRA and IOFI will go on providing signatories and all members with expertise, capacity building, and support to help maintain the flavor and fragrance industries' continuous efforts on sustainability – all in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our respective industries are facilitating our sectors’ sustainability by collaborating, sharing best practices and establishing common sustainability principles.

The IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Report 2023 and Sustainability Charter are available at https://ifra-iofi.org/

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Notes for editors

Contact:

Marta Varela

Events and Communications Manager

mvarela@ifrafragrance.org

About the International Fragrance Association

The International Fragrance Association, founded in 1973, represents the interests of the fragrance industry worldwide. IFRA comprises seven multinational Regular Members and 23 national associations in four global regions representing hundreds of small and medium-sized fragrance ingredient manufacturers, as well as supporting members. Its mission is to promote the safe use of fragrance for everyone’s enjoyment.

Fragrances are a key platform technology used by consumer goods companies – for fine fragrances, personal care products, household care and more.

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.

About the International Organization of the Flavor Industry

Founded in 1969, the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI) is the global association representing the industry that creates, produces and sells flavorings worldwide. With 18 regional and national associations and 11 major global companies as members, a management staff of scientific and regulatory experts located in Brussels and Washington, D.C. and a network of top-notch industry volunteers, IOFI interacts with stakeholders around the world.

The flavoring business is especially innovative placing a significant investment in product development. Consumers around the world appreciate the benefits of flavorings when they enjoy foods and beverages every day.

Uniquely positioned to represent the industry in the global arena, IOFI has the interests of members, customers and consumers in mind as it supports the safety and proper use of flavorings and helps members identify and address global challenges.

With an official observer status at the United Nations WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission, IOFI participates in Codex discussions to foster global standards and guidelines that contribute to public health and promote regulatory convergence around the globe.