Muller & Koster, a family-owned company with over 70 years of experience in the creation and production of fragrances, aromas, and essential oils, is launching a line of biodegradable fragrances for cosmetics and detergents.
WHEN CAN A FRAGRANCE CALL ITSELF BIODEGRADABLE?
In order to understand the added value of these fragrances, we first need to understand what is meant by “biodegradability”. A product or a chemical compound can be called biodegradable when it can be dispersed in the environment as less polluting compounds, through enzymatic processes performed by microorganisms (for the most part such as fungi or bacteria). More explicitly, biodegradable fragrances are those which are composed of raw materials that are Readily Biodegradable and/or Inherently Biodegradable.
The former are products that will biodegrade in water by at least 60% in 28 days and the latter, by at least 20%. To safeguard maximum transparency, the biodegradability of ingredients can be verified in a very quick and simple way by consulting the ECHA database- The European Chemicals Agency, which includes REACH-registered substances indicating whether they are identified as biodegradable or not.
The biodegradability of fragrances can be measured as well. In this case, a manometric respiration test in freshwater to which microbes are introduced can be carried out.
MULLER & KOSTER, TAKING A STAND ON SUSTAINABILITY
Even if sustainability is the name of the game nowadays in the cosmetics and fragrance world, there’s much more behind Muller & Koster’s choice in focusing on biodegradable fragrances.
The reason why is much more profound and tightly connected to the company’s policy which, having reached the fourth generation, is founded on 3 important cornerstones: responsibility towards society, today’s and that of the future; attention to the health and safety of consumers, and finally, respect for the environment.
It’s a commitment that the company takes concrete action to uphold through attentive and responsible manufacturing practices. Hence, it’s natural for the company to think about a catalogue of “green” fragrances that are “friendly” across the board, meaning to the environment and to society: and that’s how the biodegradable fragrances came about which include 7 for laundry detergents and 12 for cosmetics.
FRAGRANCES FOR DETERGENTS
The fragrances for detergents are a true explosion for the senses: they hint at cleanliness and freshness but at the same time, conjure up the warmth and comfort of home.
Fiori di Lavanda, a simple and delicate lavender and rosewood scent, invites you to a pleasurable moment of relaxation; Latte di acacia & fiori di is characterized by sweet, green floral notes; Risveglio mattutino has a musk base and is slightly woody which recalls the scent of freshly-laundered sheets. The intimate and welcoming atmosphere of home comes alive again in Familiare, while Limone unites the typical citrus notes of lemon with neroli flowers. Confortevole is a dive into memories: a delicate throwback to perfumed soaps of yesteryear with an added touch of vanilla and tonka bean. Cortese evokes a clean ambience, open to conviviality, in which lemon, eucalyptus and lavender are set upon sweet and woody base notes.
FRAGRANCES FOR COSMETICS
The catalogue of biodegradable cosmetic fragrances is even richer and more varied, boasting 12 different olfactory experiences which are ideal to accompany beauty rituals in every moment of the day. Peonia nobile, with its royal scent, pays tribute to beauty and femininity; Anti-age man, is dedicated to the man that loves to take care of himself and is a warm and enveloping fragrance. Sensual, blooming atmospheres come from Fiore di cera, which combines top notes of fruits with an intense heart note of lilies; in Zucchero d’ambra, a scent that is both deep and warm at the same time, and in Aloha, an explosion of sweetness thanks to a mix of ylang ylang, tuberose, orange blossom, lilies, and vanilla.
Sun Cream unleashes all the qualities of Mediterranean citrus fruits combined with the delicacy of Neroli flowers. A joyful explosion of vitality resounds in Passion fruit & coconut milk, which combines fruity notes of pineapple, peach, currant, and passion fruit with the tropical scent of coconut; while Sunny sweet and Acqua & cocco are true homages to summer: in the former, the scent of just-picked bananas mixes with the delicious hint of pineapples and coconut, while in the latter, the creamy notes of coconut and almond transport you to exotic locations, an invitation to relax. Pureness and softness are the distinctive traits of Baby Powder, a fragrance that evokes the delicate scent of its namesake.
Legni di Tiarè is warm and powerful: the woody aroma of sandalwood tenderly embraces the sweetness of jasmine, gardenia, and lilac. Fiore del vento & giglio marino is romantic and mysterious: vibrant citrus notes open the bouquet which is built upon base notes of lily and rose. Sandalwood, vanilla, and amber make up the rest of the fragrance pyramid.
