sustainability Archives

Why is sustainability in perfumery important? Sustainability in perfumery has become increasingly important for younger consumers. This is the impetus for brands to innovate and adopt sustainable packaging, such as refillable perfume bottle options. Interestingly, most smaller brands have failed to rise to this challenge due to the increased cost and complexity of sourcing sustainable packaging. In contrast, some larger brands are investing in sustainable perfumery packaging for their new perfume launches. According to Mintel research, brands must keep their sustainability promises in order to maintain the trust of younger consumers. Which brands lead in sustainable perfumery? So which big names have been leading the way in sustainable perfumery packaging? Many brands have implemented refillable perfume bottle options for their fragrances to appeal to consumers that are more eco-conscious, and to be more considerate towards sustainability in perfumery. For example, Chanel has introduced refillable perfume options for some of its iconic perfumes. The Chanel No.5 L’Eau offers a refillable bottle option. Keep reading to explore more refillable perfume bottles from various brands. Refillable Perfume Bottles for Sustainability in Perfumery: Lancome Lancôme launched Idôle fragrance in an ultra slim, refillable bottle. La vie est belle is also available in a refill option. Refill stations have been set up in various stores, encouraging clients to bring the empty bottles for a refill. Guerlain Guerlain also considers sustainability in perfumery as it focuses on eco friendly packaging and refill stations. Guerlain’s iconic bee bottle , which is used for the Aqua Allegoria range, can be refilled at select boutiques. Lancome Idole Lancome La Vie Est Belle Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Le labo This is a great example of refillable perfume bottles; Le Labo customers can bring back their empty bottles for a refill to all le labo stores, ensuring the packaging is reused multiple times. Christian Dior The launch of Sauvage had sustainability in perfumery in mind, launching with a refillable perfume bottle. The bottle can be refilled with a specially designed refill canister, so it is not as sustainable as a refill in store, but more convenient for consumers. Hermes There are refill options available for its popular fragrances such as Terre d’Hermes. Offering refillable perfume bottle options adds to the brands elegance. Le Labo Dior Sauvage Terre D Hermes Cartier Cartier. There are refillable perfume bottle options for its high end fragrances. The brand manages to retain its luxury appeal while being environmentally friendly with its elegant refillable bottles. Maison Francis Kurkdijian Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers various refillable perfume bottle options for its luxury fragrances. Thierry Mugler Thierry Mugler is another brand that considers sustainability in perfumery. It is possible to refill Mugler perfumes in store as well as with the use of a refill kit at home. This makes the refillable perfume bottles accessible to clients. Armani Armani My Way is now available in a refill bottle which can be used to refill the original bottle. Kilian Paris Various Kilian Paris perfumes can be refilled at home using the bespoke refill kit. All of the big brands mentioned in this blog post are achieving greater sustainability in perfumery packaging. However, they have still only managed to make a small percentage of their products sustainable. What are the obstacles to achieving full sustainability? Sustainability in Perfumery Packaging: Overcoming the challenges. Material limitations. It can be difficult to match the aesthetic and functional properties of traditional packaging materials. Glass is heavy and energy intensive to produce. It is also difficult to add a large percentage of recycled glass into virgin glass, as this affects its strength. Biodegradable plastics may not be as durable and have the same look and properties as non biodegradable versions. Cost implications. Sustainable materials often cost more. For many brands the cost can be prohibitive. Biodegradable plastics cost about 50% more than normal plastics, FSC paper is around 20 percent more. Consumer habits. Many consumers are not ready for sustainable options. They do not want the extra work to hunt out refill stations. Some people want ease of use rather than refillable options. Sustainability in perfumery is not always a popular choice if it makes life more complicated. Regulatory challenges. Changing legislation packaging materials and waste management can create challenges for brands to overcome. How to launch a brand with Anisha’s sustainable packaging support Anisha collaborates with a wide network of suppliers to provide sustainable packaging solutions. If you want to take small steps toward sustainability, email our team at info@anisha.agency. For more insights check out our article ‘ Top 5 sustainable perfume brands’ […]

What Consumers Need: The Future of Ethical and Sustainable Branding Recent research by Mintel highlights a transformative shift in consumer expectations, emphasizing that modern consumers demand more than just high-quality products. They seek brands that demonstrate total transparency, uphold strong business ethics, and ensure fair compensation for employees. Particularly among younger generations, there is a noticeable pivot from individual gain to collective well-being, signaling a new era of brand responsibility. Let’s explore what consumers need: A Call for Ethical and Purpose-Driven Brands Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the ethical stance of brands. According to Mintel’s Future Forward report, today’s shoppers expect businesses to go beyond profit-making and actively contribute to social and environmental betterment. The fragrance industry, like other sectors in the beauty and wellness space, is not exempt from this expectation. In fact, brands that fail to align with these evolving values risk alienating their consumer base. Key findings from Mintel’s research show that: 29% of consumers want transparency about business practices. 21% of consumers prioritize fair employee compensation. 48% of consumers demand products free from harmful ingredients. 47% of consumers want clear labeling on a product’s environmental impact. The implications for the fragrance industry are profound. Ethical sourcing of ingredients, fair wages for workers in perfume supply chains (such as farmers harvesting rare botanicals), and commitment to sustainability initiatives are now non-negotiable. Simply put, the modern market wants their favorite brands to stand for something meaningful. Collaboration Over Competition: The Future of the Fragrance Industry An intriguing trend identified in Mintel’s findings is the shift from competition to collaboration. Forward-thinking consumers view industries not as isolated entities but as ecosystems that should work collectively towards shared ethical goals. In the fragrance world, this means greater collaboration among brands to promote sustainable sourcing, ethical labor practices, and environmental conservation. Recognizing what consumers need in this shift toward collective progress will be key to staying competitive. For instance, some luxury fragrance houses have already started initiatives where a percentage of profits go toward reforestation efforts in regions that supply key ingredients such as sandalwood and vanilla. These collaborative approaches not only improve industry-wide sustainability but also resonate deeply with ethically conscious consumers who prioritize what consumers need in terms of sustainability and ethical responsibility. Sustainability in the Fragrance Industry: More Than Just a Trend Environmental responsibility is a critical component of what consumers need. Mintel’s research suggests that nearly half of consumers expect brands to be transparent about their environmental impact. In the fragrance sector, this means disclosing ingredient sourcing, reducing plastic waste in packaging, and developing biodegradable or refillable perfume bottles. For example, brands like Guerlain have introduced refillable perfume bottles, reducing packaging waste and extending product life cycles. Meanwhile, smaller niche fragrance brands are embracing upcycled ingredients—using byproducts from other industries to create sustainable scents. This not only minimizes waste but also aligns with market demand for more ethical and environmentally friendly choices, reinforcing what consumers need in terms of sustainable innovation. What Consumers Need: Authenticity is Key Today’s consumers are highly discerning and can easily spot brands that engage in superficial greenwashing. It’s no longer enough for a fragrance brand to make vague sustainability claims; tangible actions must support them. Companies that genuinely prioritize ethical sourcing, sustainability, and fair wages will earn consumer trust and loyalty. Being transparent and authentic about what consumers need from their brands will drive long-term success. As Jane Henderson, Chairman of Mintel Beauty and Wellness, states: “Brands must be prepared for consumers to care more than ever about inclusivity, as well as the dignity of employees and the impact of their business around the world”. This applies to the fragrance industry just as much as skincare and makeup. Fragrance brands that proactively embrace sustainability and ethical business practices will be the ones that flourish in the future. Conclusion: The Fragrance Industry’s Responsibility The question is no longer just about what consumers need in terms of fragrance notes or longevity—it’s about what they expect from brands on a deeper level. Transparency, sustainability, ethical business practices, and collective industry responsibility are now fundamental to consumer decision-making. Perfume brands that integrate these values authentically into their business models will not only survive but thrive in this new era of conscious consumerism. Brands that truly understand what their market needs will be the ones that lead the industry forward. Please read our article “Sustainability in perfumery” for more news about ethical and sustainable practices in the perfumery business. […]

Tag: sustainability

Sustainability in perfumery

What consumers need from our brands