It’s not just a case of suppressing bad odours, or masking them with a quick squirt of air freshener. Users of washroom facilities now expect to enter an environment that smells fresh and stays fresh, even when they are in constant use. Our sense of smell plays a huge part in how we react to the environment, prompting responses that are a mixture of biological response, psychology, and memory. If a washroom smells clean, the perception is that it IS clean. Technology that combines odour elimination with continuous fresh fragrance delivery is a relatively new development for the air care market, which has been dominated for decades by aerosol technology. In more modern times, concerns over the environmental effects of aerosol CFCs and VOCs has led to a rise in demand for an alternative air freshening solution that minimises any potential harmful side effects to the environment. Fragrance Delivery Technologies Ltd, has developed the new ‘Oxy-Gen Powered’ technology that harnesses the power of pure oxygen to deliver continuous ambient fragrance without damaging the environment.

Managing Director Hydros Jassem said, “The air care market has been characterised by novelty rather than innovation. There has been a clear need for a new generation of products that would bring significant improvement to the consumer in the way fragrances are being delivered but the development of new technology has been hindered by the focus of major product manufactures on creating shareholder value, rather than product development. We saw a gap in the market for a product that meets the preferences of the market, without the performance issues of its forerunners.” “Oxy-Gen Powered technology achieves the highest level of reliable and precise dosing on a continuous basis by generating pure oxygen at a constant and precise rate, which is used as a mechanical force to operate the system.

The performance improvements include emission-free operation, giving rise to claims that it is the ‘most environmentally-friendly’ air freshener on the market. The product has even been found to reduce the amount of VOCs being emitted by 86% when compared to aerosol cans.”

Regulations pertaining to component safety and safe disposal are also a key factor that buyers and users of air care products now give more scrutiny to. Directives, such as the EU reglations on fragrance oils, UK’s Reach legislation, the introduction of a VOC tax in Switzerland and USAs CARB regulations (California Air Resources Board standards) are designed to protect the environment and offer reassurance that tested products such as the Oxy-Gen Powered products, are not only safe, but fully compliant. In the case of the Oxy-Gen Powered Viva!E air freshener, the refill is fully recyclable and, as the can is not pressurised, can be safely disposed off in normal recycling bins. The system works with 2 AA batteries which last up to two years. Battery power continues to dictate the reliability and the operating life. Other systems that work without batteries or with solar panels have not generally performed to expectations. ‘Oxy-Gen Powered’ technology is accepted as the next generation of energy power. With a wide range of exciting fragrances to choose from, Oxy-Gen powered refills contain Neutralox, a very effective odour eliminating ingredient.

This is probably the first time that an air freshening system has delivered consistent and continuous fragrance intensity without harmful emissions, Hydros Jassem explains. “Aerosols have to use propellants to dispense a fine mist of fragrance oil that evaporates within minutes of dispense, leaving no fragrance between each intermittent spray. Pump spray products contain solvents that dispense large droplets of fragrance oils. Often these drop down much faster than aerosols leaving wet slick spots on the floor and surfaces, which can be a safety hazard. Gel and wick-based air fresheners cannot maintain the same level of fragrance because they are exposed to the air continually. This results in the fragrance disappearing quickly, often during the first week of exposure. Other products that either deliver fragrance through a gravity-feed or active systems using hydrogen or nitrogen technology, can be highly susceptible to environmental conditions and don’t operate reliably in temperature fluctuations. They are also prone to leaking and pooling. Oxy-Gen Power uses proven medical-grade technology to deliver an exact dosage of fragrance oil continuously so that it keeps its intensity throughout the refill life, whatever the environmental conditions.”

The combined role of fragrance and odour control in washroom hygiene cannot be underestimated. In an environment where odours occur as a matter of course, a discreet and effective air freshening system can make a positive impression. Employees will feel cared for, tenants will feel valued and visitors will appreciate the experience.