Restructuring of IFRA network aims to achieve efficiencies

IFRA comprises national and regional associations, whose members include fragrance ingredient and compound manufacturers and suppliers, and aims to ‘promote the safe enjoyment of fragrance worldwide.’

Upon completion of the reorganization process, there will be four regional bodies under the global IFRA brand, covering North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, which will manage national and regional issues.

“This new structure and branding will help us respond more timely and cost effectively ​[to societal, regulatory and scientific issues]”​said IFRA director general, Jean-Pierre Houri.

Global branding of regional bodies​

According to Pierre-Houri, globally branding the regional bodies under the IFRA name and logo will also make it easier to communicate the core values of the association.

“The different names and logos of our associations across the world create a very confusing picture for people outside the industry. We want people to know what IFRA stands for, what it represents,” ​he said.

New funding structure​

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Currently, IFRA members supply 90 per cent of the global market for fragrance compounds, with the objective being to represent 100 per cent of the industry worldwide, said IFRA.

The association expects that a new funding structure will help in achieving this goal, as national associations willing to join the global association will no longer have to pay dues to IFRA.

Additionally, current regular members (which include Firmenich, Givaudan and IFF) will now only supply funding to national associations through IFRA, thus creating a central funding mechanism for projects with global implications, the association said.

According to IFRA, the global fragrance industry invests approximately $14m annually across its research and association network.

Membership criteria​

According to IFRA, with the reorganization, the key criteria for membership will be compliance with the IFRA Code of Practice and the IFRA Standards.

Individual companies can become IFRA members through membership of a national or regional association, but can also become a regular member and pay dues directly to IFRA.

For companies not large enough to warrant becoming a regular member, or for those that do not benefit from a national association in their own country, they may join as a supporting member.

The new regional bodies will hold association member status on the IFRA Board, and their voting rights will be divided according to their respective market share, the company said.