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14/11/2023

Press Release

EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: Fragrance and cosmetics value chain visit Murcia lemon fields to highlight need for balanced regulation

Murcia, 14 November 2023 – Five associations active in the fragrance and cosmetics value chains in Europe and in Spain have come together to organize a two-day visit to the Murcian lemon fields. This highlights the positive contribution of the sector in the Green Transition, matched with a willingness to exchange with all parties involved.

Lemon trees picture ex Canva

Changes to the EU’s chemicals legislation will impact growers, processors, fragrance ingredient manufacturers and users in the region and across the Union – so building a balanced and effective package of chemicals legislation is essential.

“Our sectors contribute in meaningful ways in regions across Europe. The fragrance and cosmetics sectors boost regional development, are central to regional communities, and underpin sustainable growth and innovation across the continent”, said Aurelie Perrichet, Regional Director for Europe, International Fragrance Association (IFRA).

“We are demonstrating the importance of cooperation and collaboration up and down the value chain. We must collectively build a greater understanding of the challenges posed by the implementation of the EU Green Deal – and particularly the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) – which is well on its way to completion”, added Germán Castillo, Managing Director of the Spanish Association of Flavour and Fragrance Companies (AEFAA).

This visit was organized in close collaboration between AEFAA, the Interprofessional Lemon and Grapefruit Association (AILIMPO), Cosmetics Europe, IFRA and the Spanish Association of Perfumes and Cosmetics (STANPA).

“The world’s second largest producer of lemons, and the Murcia region amounts for more than 50% of Spain lemon production. By combining traditional techniques and scaling-up modern techniques, such as advanced irrigation and carbon sequestration, our sector is showing itself to be reliable partner in meeting the EU’s Green Deal ambitions”, added Jose Antonio Garcia, President of AILIMPO.

The entire value chain is covered by this visit, from lemon plantations to processing plants all the way to fragrance creation sites. The delegation examining these locations features representatives from across the fragrance and cosmetics sectors, as well as local, regional and European policy makers. These include MEPs, European Commission representatives and the Mayor of Santomera, Víctor Martínez.

“The European cosmetics and personal care industry is a science-driven, forward-looking, flagship sector highly committed to innovation. We also greatly value the traditions and centuries-long expertise of local producers - such as lemon growers and processors in Murcia, who deliver the raw materials that are important ingredients in the cosmetics and perfumes we offer to consumers around the world” said John Chave, Director General of Cosmetics Europe.

“Essential oils are a key component of our industry and our country. Spain is a world leader in their production, with 72,000 hectares of essential oil crops, plantations that have an immediate economic and social impact of more than 3.5 billion euros and 50 thousand jobs”, said Val Díez, General Director of Stanpa. “However, the positive impact of essences goes much further: the value chain goes from the field into our homes. Spain is the world's second largest producer of both lemons and its essential oil. Production is almost 1,400 tons, and generates about 23,000 direct jobs in rural areas, more than 50% of which are held by women”.

Notes for editors 

Contact:

Charles de Lusignan
Global Communications Director
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA)

M: + 32 484 78 11 76 | cdelusignan@ifrafragrance.org | www.ifrafragrance.org
IFRA Headquarters: Rue de la Croix d’Or 3, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
IFRA Operations: Avenue des Arts 6, 1210 Brussels, Belgium

About the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)

The International Fragrance Association, founded in 1973, represents the interests of the fragrance industry worldwide. IFRA comprises seven multinational Regular Members, 22 national associations in 24 countries spread over 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 and sustainable use of fragrance.

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

Published 14/11/2023 • Updated on 30/06/2025

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