Sensory optimization of raw materials and products

Geruchsoptimierung von Gegenständen des täglichen Gebrauchs

Characterization of odors and their release - cause clarification of unwanted odors

The quality of many everyday products as well as that of raw materials and materials is decisively determined by their sensory properties. If, for example, an unpleasant odour occurs, the combination of human sensory evaluation and the decoding of odour-active substances can provide important information for product optimization.

We carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses to answer questions about the causes, possible negative physiological effects or optimization potential. In doing so, we clarify the potential formation pathways of these volatile compounds and their release from the respective materials. Thanks to our comprehensive knowledge of substance properties, we also develop suitable avoidance and minimization strategies for a wide variety of products and materials. In addition, the use of modern sensor technologies enables us to make odors digitally detectable. With the “development of application-specific sensor systems” and the “use of algorithms”, we specialize in the translation of perceptual impressions into machine systems and the development of intelligent sensor technologies. We combine our many years of expertise in the field of analytical sensor technology with new innovative technological methods in order to offer our customers faster and more cost-effective solutions. 

We provide you with comprehensive support in the characterization of odours and in determining the causes of unpleasant odours and their release using real-time emission analysis.

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Our services for optimal sensory properties of products

Sensory analysis

By combining instrumental and sensory analyses, we determine the sensory properties of your products:

 

  • Human sensory assessment by trained expert panels
  • Characterization of (off-)odors by means of qualitative determination
  • Quantitative determination of key compounds and lead substances

Odor optimization

We identify odor-active substances causing unwanted odors and develop customized avoidance strategies:

 

  • Cause clarification of unwanted odors by means of chemo-analytical methods
  • Clarification of possible formation pathways of substances with unwanted odors
  • Development of strategies for odor avoidance and optimization

Quality monitoring

We develop intelligent sensor systems for the detection of odor-active marker substances to ensure continuous quality monitoring:

 

 

Development of measuring systems

With the help of sensors and algorithms, we develop tailor-made, application-specific solutions for your application:

 

  • Application-specific development of sensors & measuring systems
  • Automated evaluation with data analysis
  • AI-based prediction of odor characteristics
 

Real-time monitoring

Using online measurements, we measure the dynamic processes of odor-active substances in real time:

 

In collaboration with you, we optimize the sensory properties of your products.

Ways to use our odor analysis services

Our research and development methods can be applied to any raw material or product across a variety of categories. Here is an overview of potential ways you can use our odor analysis services.

Odor analysis of plastics and recyclates

Packaging, composites, automotive components, materials

Plastics and recyclates
© Fraunhofer IVV

The decision on which packaging materials to use is nowadays increasingly determined by factors such as sustainability and resource efficiency. As a result, recyclable products and higher recycling rates are increasingly in demand and recycled plastics are becoming the material of choice. Yet many recyclates — especially recyclates from post-consumer waste — exhibit unwanted odors and therefore often do not meet the required quality level. We characterize these odor-active contaminants and develop customized solutions for odor optimization or minimization.

Our odor optimization services for plastics and recyclates:

Bio-based composites

Coatings, cellulose, lignin, starch, paper, cardboard

A stack of seven books
© iStock.com / artisteer

The application of bio-based composites in everyday items such as toys and paper requires new developments in odor optimization. Particularly when using waste materials from the agricultural or food industry or substituting individual components in the development of bio-based product systems, quality losses in sensory properties may occur. Our extensive method portfolio enables us to evaluate the sensory properties of bio-based materials and products and to identify targeted solutions for their odor optimization.

Our odor optimization services for bio-based composites:

Characterization and optimization of odorants in bio-based materials and products.

  • Cause clarification of unwanted odors and clarification of possible formation routes
  • Development of targeted methods to avoid or minimize odor-active contaminants
  • Real-time emission analysis 

Technical auxiliaries

Adhesives, binders, plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, additives

Several analytical samples are filled with liquid by laboratory staff

Technical auxiliaries serve an important role in optimizing production processes and improving the quality and properties of products. In many cases, it is only through the addition of various auxiliaries, such as adhesives, binders or stabilizers, that materials become technically usable. However, even the smallest amounts of such additives can lead to quality losses of the sensory properties of the end product. We identify unwanted odorants and develop targeted avoidance and minimization strategies.

Our odor optimization services for technical auxiliaries:

Research projects in the field of odor analysis

 

Research project "PUMMEL"

Development of a "point-of-use micro-multichannel gas chromatograph” for fast point-of-use detection of VOCs.

Project "Plastics and recyclates"

Characterization and optimization of odors in plastics and recyclates.

Project "Whiskey"

Developing an automated tool for predicting aroma and odor profiles.

Project "Adhesives"

Identifying odorous substances in adhesives.

Project "Irritants in children's toys"

Identification of irritants and off-odors in toys and children's products.