Ultra International

A groundbreaking Faculty Development Programme (FDP) – "Sensory Science in Education: Fragrance and Flavor Awareness" – was successfully conducted at Hindu College from April 1-6, 2024, through a collaborative effort between the Hindu College, Hansraj College, Industry partner M/s. Ultra International Limited and knowledge partner, International Fragrance Association (IFRA). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of fragrance and flavour education. Spearheading this initiative was Ultra International Limited, a dominant player in the fragrance and flavor industry.

This workshop was designed to equip the faculty members with industry-relevant insights and practical skills as well as to deepen their understanding of sensory science, particularly in the context of fragrances and flavours. The programme provided hands-on learning experiences through technical sessions on cutting-edge instrumentation and analytical techniques.

With Dr. Michael Zviely – A seasoned Fragrance Consultant and Educator – at the helm, this Train-the-Trainers Programme surpassed conventional norms, exploring the intricate fusion of art and science within fragrances. Over the course of workshop, he masterfully navigated through the multifaceted landscape of perfumery, unraveling its mysteries and unveiling its secrets. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, he imparted invaluable insights into the art of fragrance creation. He encouraged the participants to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and unleash their creativity. Through collaborative projects and group activities, the participants explored new frontiers of fragrance design, igniting sparks of ingenuity and inspiration.

Theoretical sessions were conducted by Dr. Michael Zviely during the first five days. Ms. Martina Bianchini, Mr. Matthias Vey, and Ms. Bhuvana Nageshwaran covered topics such as the science of ingredients, chemistry of perfumery, analytical techniques, IFRA Green Chemistry Tools, and IFRA Standards. Practical sessions on smell and odour were also held each day.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by dignitaries like Shri Sant Sanganeria, CMD & Founder Chairman of Ultra International Limited, Dr. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College and Prof. Reena Jain, Vice Principal and distinguished speakers such as Ms. Martina Bianchini, President IFRA, Dr. Matthias Vey, Vice President-Scientific Affairs IFRA, Ms. Bhuvana Nageshwaran, Director-F&F, Ultra International Limited.

Professor Anju Srivastava and Prof. Reena Jain both emphasized the collaborative efforts between academia and industry, highlighting the significance of such programmes in addressing the gap between education and industry expectations.

Shri Sant Sanganeria encouraged the participants to delve deeper into the world of perfumery, sharing insights on the origins of fragrances and flavours in India, and motivating them to explore the fascinating realm of perfumery.

Ms. Martina Bianchini discussed the history and implementation of the Perfumery Course, emphasizing sustainability challenges and opportunities in the fragrance industry. She highlighted the Fragrance Value Chain, IFRA Sustainability Framework, and the "Sustainability Tool Box" for designing sustainable processes and products.

Dr. Matthias Vey outlined IFRA mandates, membership categories, safety standards, and improvements since the 49th Amendment, including safety assessment processes and regulatory compliance. The session concluded with discussions on IFRA's future policies and contributions from naturals in regulatory compliance.

The workshop welcomed 32 trainees from Academia, Research Institutions, CIMAP, Sri Ram Institute of Industrial Research, among others; providing them with a comprehensive understanding of fragrance creation and industry insights.

From its inception, the industry partner, Ultra International Limited, played a pivotal role in shaping the programme's success. Through industry insights and practical sessions facilitated by them, faculty members and students were exposed to real-world challenges and opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative not only elevated the standard of fragrance and flavor education, but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and innovations in the field.

The workshop culminated on the sixth day with a visit to Ultra International, where participants toured various facilities, including raw material storage, extraction plants, and R&D Labs. Bhuvana Nageshwaran guided the group through fragrance and flavour development processes, providing valuable insights into industrial fragrance production and quality control practices.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities and interactive sessions, gaining valuable experience in fragrance creation processes and industry best practices. Throughout the workshop, they had the opportunity to interact with experts and professionals from IFRA and Ultra International Ltd., enriching their understanding of industry standards and trends. This holistic approach ensured that trainees not only grasped theoretical concepts, but also developed practical skills essential for success in the fragrance industry.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for the support and expertise of IFRA and Ultra International Ltd.

For further information, please contact:

Bhuvana Nageshwaran- Chairperson-IFRA INDIA Task Force

(bnageshwaran@ifrafragrance.org)

Sandeep Srivastava, Honorary Advisor IFRA India (ssrivastava@ifrafragrance.org)