You may have heard the term ‘Headspace Technology’ when researching fragrance. 

I’ve seen it a few times but have never really looked into it…..until now.

In essence, Headspace Technology is a way of extracting the aroma of a plant or flower without harming it. 

The plant or flower, or material that scent is being ‘extracted’ from, is typically called a ‘sample’.

The sample is placed in a dome, sphere, globe, jar, etc, and sealed. Inert gas is introduced, which absorbs the scent molecules released from the sample. The gas is then analyzed  to identify specific chemical compounds that create the odor/aroma of the sample. Perfumers can use this analysis to identify the key notes and re-create them in a fragrance using synthetic or natural ingredients.

Headspace technology allows perfumers to create fragrances without damaging the source material, or requiring large-scale harvests. It also makes it possible to recreate the odor of a material that might be impossible to do using traditional extraction methods. 

This method also makes it possible to recreate the aromas of spaces that evoke emotion, like a forest or garden, or an atmosphere, like a tea shop, etc.

It’s a way for the fragrance industry to be more environmentally conscious. It could be the answer to save endangered plant species. 

Many companies like Firmenich and Givauden, among others, use Headspace Technology.

The brand Caswell-Massey is using Headspace Technology to create the fragrances in their Living Florals perfumes, which use flowers from the New York Botanical Garden.

The fragrance industry is always changing and evolving and moving with the times, and Headspace Technology is just one way.