Cosmetics manufacturing involves the use of numerous volatile substances. Alcohols, solvents, fragrances and other compounds found in formulations can be released into the air during mixing, heating, filling, cleaning and other stages of the production process.
This can result in the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor emissions which, if not properly characterized and managed, can become an environmental and permitting issue.
The problem is that VOCs and odors are not always immediately noticeable. A process that appears to be under control may generate fugitive emissions, variations in concentration or odors that can be detected even at a distance from the facility.
For this reason, in the cosmetics industry, air quality management should begin well before choosing an emission control system.
Where Do VOCs and Unpleasant Odors Come From in Cosmetics Manufacturing?
There is no single source of emissions. They depend on the raw materials used, the formulations and the characteristics of the production process.
Alcohols and solvents can generate VOC emissions during handling or heating, while fragrances, essences and numerous organic substances can contribute to odor emissions. Even operations that may appear secondary, such as material transfer, storage or equipment cleaning, can contribute to the facility's overall emissions.
Emissions are also not necessarily constant, as they can vary according to production cycles. This variability is precisely why emission characterization is so important.
Volatile Organic Compounds and Odors Are Not the Same Thing
One of the most common mistakes is to consider VOCs and odors as a single issue. They are related, but they are not the same.
VOCs are organic compounds that can readily enter the vapor phase under certain conditions. Odor emissions, on the other hand, concern the olfactory perception of a mixture of substances and can become relevant even when some compounds are present at very low concentrations.
This means that an emission with a relatively low overall VOC concentration can still cause an odor issue.
Consequently, measuring a single parameter may not be sufficient to fully understand the actual issue affecting a facility. Specific methods are also available for characterizing odor emissions, such as dynamic olfactometry according to the UNI EN 13725 standard.
When Do Industrial VOCs and Odors Become a Permitting Issue?
This is where the topic becomes particularly important for companies.
In Italy, Legislative Decree 152/2006, Part Five, regulates air protection and the reduction of atmospheric emissions. Article 269 requires, except for the specific exemptions provided by law, emission permits for facilities that generate atmospheric emissions. It also establishes that permits may define capture methods, emission limit values, requirements, monitoring procedures and measures concerning fugitive emissions (Italian Legislative Decree 152/2006, Art. 269).
Depending on the characteristics of the facility and the activities carried out, emissions may therefore fall under different applicable environmental permitting procedures, such as AUA or AIA in Italy.
The European regulatory framework is also evolving. Directive (EU) 2024/1785, which amends the Industrial Emissions Directive, strengthens the European approach to the integrated prevention and reduction of pollution. Its definition of "pollution" explicitly includes odors, together with substances and other factors that may affect human health and the environment (Directive EU 2024/1785).
For a cosmetics manufacturer, understanding its emissions therefore means being able to manage them before they become a critical issue.
An Industry Facing a Continuously Evolving Regulatory Framework
2026 provides another example of how quickly the regulatory framework for the cosmetics industry can evolve.
As of May 1, 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/78 applies, amending Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 with regard to substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. This legislation concerns product safety and composition rather than industrial emissions, but it nevertheless reflects the growing attention being paid to the chemical substances used within the industry (European Commission, Regulation EU 2026/78; "Cosmetics, new EU rules on safety and permitted substances from May 1, 2026").
For cosmetics manufacturers, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to understand not only what goes into a formulation, but also what the production process may release into the environment.
From Emissions to Solutions: Choosing the Right VOC and Odor Treatment
There is no single technology suitable for every VOC and odor treatment application. The choice depends on the actual characteristics of the emission, including airflow, pollutant type and concentration, temperature, humidity and process variability.
Depending on these conditions, activated carbon can be used for adsorbable compounds at low concentrations, while scrubbers can be used for substances that can be treated through physical or chemical processes. Biofilters may be suitable for certain biodegradable odor emissions, while thermal oxidation systems, such as RTOs, can be considered for specific VOC streams.
For this reason, HFiltration starts by analyzing the emission and the production process, particularly in an industry such as cosmetics, where formulations and production cycles can vary significantly.
The goal is to identify and size the configuration that best matches the facility's actual operating conditions, ensuring consistent performance over time and contributing to compliance with applicable requirements.
Technology is therefore only one part of the solution. The starting point is understanding what actually needs to be treated and under which conditions.
Are VOCs or odors causing issues in your production process?
