Earlier this month, the US government declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus, and most US states have imposed lockdown measures, suspending businesses and social gatherings.
 
In a letter sent March 19, Fragrance Creators Association (FCA) urged federal officials—including members of the Congressional Fragrance Caucus—and state and local elected officials to exempt fragrance manufacturing facilities from any mandated closures or restrictions that would negatively impact operations in order to promote public health.
 
The letter asks federal and state governments to coordinate a framework that recognizes businesses in the fragrance manufacturing supply chain—and their employees—should be exempted from mandated closures or gathering and curfew bans as they take effect across the country.
 
‘A Critical Formulation Input’
 
Fragrance is a critical formulation input into cleaning and sanitizing products, argues FCA. In addition to imparting scents that encourage proper use, fragrance technologies also work to mask unpleasant odors that could discourage use.
 
“We stand together with federal, state and local governments in the desire to meet this challenge, and are committed to ensuring that Americans continue to have access to essential health products that protect against the spread of COVID-19,” said Farah Ahmed, president & CEO, Fragrance Creators.
 
In response to the global pandemic, the fragrance industry is adapting production schedules and working to help ensure fragrances for safe and effective cleaning and sanitizing products are available for use by individuals and in homes, hospitals, food processing plants and more.
 
“The fragrance industry has come together in an unprecedented way to meet the fragrance supply needs of the cleaning and sanitizing industry,” said Robert Weinstein, PhD, president & CEO, Robertet USA and chairman, Fragrance Creators Board of Directors. “In the face of this public health crisis, the fragrance industry stands united in our commitment to decisive action and ongoing collaboration.”