Signals

London – Natural fragrance company Altra is striving to build ‘pro-future’ perfume, a term the company has trademarked to reflect its sustainability goals and regenerative ambitions.

The company’s debut collection comprises five genderless scents made entirely from natural materials that are vegan and cruelty-free. To meet the company’s sustainability goals, all perfumes come in glass bottles that are infinitely recyclable, and fragrance refills are packaged in recyclable aluminium that comes in a compostable bio-plastic pouch. Furthermore, the company entirely avoids single-use plastic and sources all of its natural ingredients from ethical and responsible suppliers, many of whom practise regenerative agriculture.

By tapping into bio-design and placing a premium on transparency and sustainability, Altra is joining companies like Geltor that are paving new paths for luxury fragrance rooted in nature, healing and science.

Contrary to widespread assumptions, recent research by Oxford and Cambridge Universities suggests that some children may have benefitted from periods of isolation. In fact, one in every three children in England reported feeling happier during the first national lockdown.

Although the media's primary narrative about children's wellbeing during the pandemic has been negative – driving fears that isolation has stunted personal growth and social skills – it appears that a significant proportion of young people may have benefitted from a more simple way of life. For respondents who indicated feeling happier, being less lonely, avoiding bullying, and getting more sleep and exercise were the top contributing factors for greater wellbeing, implying that these issues must be addressed by both institutions and brands.

This research suggests that, when confronted with extraordinary obstacles, children and adolescents are turning to Resilience Culture to help them make the best of bad circumstances.