Journal

Ever in search of optimal sustainability I am a regular attendee of the Packaging and Labelling Fairs, intent on discovering what is new and evolving.

It's a strangely uplifting experience as all suppliers are having to up their game in terms of sustainability. This year, instead of being a confined section of the Fair, it was ubiquitous.

I'm not alone in my love of forests and they really do seem to come into their own at this time of year. So for November's mix I have had a trip around the world to bring together a few of the best forest scents.

This month we are winding down and keeping things simple with the Magic of Three.

The perfume industry has at its disposal over 5000 ingredients, the vast majority being synthetically manufactured and many of which are patented to generate licensing income to the fragrance house that owns the patent – so a big commercial industry.

For the August mix I wanted to focus on a blend which creates a sense of wellbeing.

So let me introduce you to Palo Santo if you haven’t already met.

This month we get a bit more sophisticated, with the inclusion of some less commonly used essential oils, namely Peru Balsam and Myrrh.

You may have heard of balsamic notes in perfumery.

Our June blend makes me think of summer in its broadest sense – sun, rest, food, joy, and of course smells.

Much like cooking there are some “ingredients” which sit well together and some that jar. This month I wanted to bring Fennel into the mix ... 

How deeply do companies really think through their staff benefits?

Happy people are more productive in the workplace so there is mutual benefit in being kind to your staff but is the result more driven towards keeping up with the status quo of benefits than really zoning in on what the individual devoting their time and energy to your business really wants and needs.