The smell of nature

Nabeel Adam Ali, director of well-known Dubai-based perfume brand, talks about sustainable perfumes

- Pramita Bose

Dab it on your wrist or behind your ears. Bet you'll be transported to a surreal space on the wings of your imagination in no time. The fragrance could vary from floral, fruity, foresty, rainy, earthy to ethereal but its lingering effect remains the same. Nabeel Adam Ali, director of well-known Dubai-based perfume brand Swiss Arabian, gives a low-down on the vials of lustrous, colourful and soul-stirring liquid sprays called scents.

Excerpts from the interview:

Is India the Mecca of attar/perfume production? What percentage of the global perfume market is captured by India?

India has a long history of producing perfumes and ittars, which is ingrained in its cultural legacy. The country has so far made a substantial contribution to the global perfume business and reputable brands with their widely-known delightful fragrances chip in to India's allure. The nation is also estimated to be the third-largest perfume market in the Asia-Pacific region after China and Japan. Also, the conservative estimate for India's APAC market share is of around 15-20%. It is impossible to ignore its profound impact on the perfume industry that fuses innovation with tradition to churn out lavish, redolent fragrances with a worldwide appeal.

Why is it important to manufacture sustainable perfumes?

A clutch of perfume makers is taking a greener approach to its creations. It's not just about crafting captivating scents anymore but necessarily leaving a positive footprint on the planet. These companies believe that by investing natural ingredients and eco-friendly practices in their entire perfume-manufacturing process, they can make a real difference. Imagine perfumes that not only smell amazing but also help reduce pollution and protect our surroundings. This focus on sustainability extends beyond the scented bottle itself.