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There are many ways that product odor can positively and negatively impact the purchasing decisions of absorbent hygiene consumers. But odors can also be understood and controlled. Learn about the various test methods available and the added value that human sensory panels at Bostik can offer.

The odor of an absorbent hygiene product plays a key role in consumer satisfaction. No one wants to open a baby diaper and be faced with an unpleasant aroma. But product odor has an extra layer of concern for users of period care and adult incontinence products. These consumers may not wish others to know when articles are being worn.

Every material in a disposable article can contribute to its overall odor. Even minimal alterations in substrates, adhesives, and processing can affect it. Trends toward chemical-free, all-natural, and less waste are making the issue even more challenging. Add in the interactions between components and the labor of testing and measuring odor, and it’s obvious that finding a solution is a complex process.

Odor Testing Methods for Absorbent Hygiene

Procedures for identifying scents fall into two major categories: analytical techniques and sensory panels.

Analytical Techniques

The chemical footprint of an odor is typically determined by analysis methods, such as gas chromatography linked to a receptor or detector. These techniques allow separation and identification of volatile compounds. They can also be coupled with sensory panels to directly link a volatile compound to its odor.

Analytical techniques have some limitations. One is that not all volatiles have an odor. Another is that not all of those that do can be detected by analytical techniques—even when coupled with sensory panels.

Sensory Panels

Experts can be trained to evaluate product odor through their own sense of smell. However, there are more than 300 genes that impact olfaction. This makes it unlikely that any two people will smell odors in exactly the same way.

But there is a solution. Members of a sensory panel learn a standardized process to provide their analysis. Additionally, a control is used as a calibrating element.

When measuring odors via human sensory panels, experts traditionally break down perception along three axes:

Nature or characteristics of the odor, which is an objective description
Hedonic tone, which is a subjective measure of its pleasantness or unpleasantness
Perceived intensity

There are many challenges that a sensory panel can face. Key examples include:

Repeatability
Reproducibility
Cultural/personal bias and sensitivity
Vocabulary
he lack of test method standardization in the industry

To overcome these difficulties, a sensory panelist undergoes comprehensive preparation to ensure that results are not based on personal preference. That's why we created the Bostik Odor Sphere and its accompanying methodology

The Bostik Odor Sphere

Advanced Training for Evaluating Product Odor

With the Bostik Odor Sphere, our team of specialists share a common vocabulary to describe scents. It also enables them to actually visualize the space where molecules exist and how they interact.

When used in conjunction with rigorous training, this knowledge allows them to detect and identify individual aromas. The panel’s evaluation will then be used to help pinpoint odor sources and suggest feasible solutions.

Representing Key Attributes of Typical Hygiene Odors

This 3-D model represents the most commonly reoccurring molecules found in absorbent hygiene products, along with their specific traits.

9 dominant classes. Each of the 54 molecules is placed into its group, based not only on its odor characteristic, but also its chemical structure. For example, each of the molecules in the Botanical group contains an aromatic ring as part of its chemical structure. Other classes include Fruity, Fresh, Fishy, Oily, and Pyrogenic.
Speed of perception. Groups and the molecules within them are arranged top to bottom with those fastest to perceive toward the top and the slowest toward the bottom. The size of the molecule determines its trip.
Length of persistence. The molecule’s placement within the sphere relates to how rapidly it dissipates. Those in the center of the sphere linger longer, while those on the surface fade quickly.

Controlling Absorbent Hygiene Product Odor

To be able to reduce or eliminate an odor in personal care products, you will need experts to capture:

Exactly where the scents come from
When they are evident
To whom they are evident
What causes them

The combination of a sensory panel and analytical techniques gives our specialists the best chance to determine exactly what molecule (or combination of molecules) is the source of product odor.

Complicating Factors to Bear in Mind

While offering the best results, using this combination of detection techniques and evaluation can still be a complex undertaking. For example:

Some raw material odors from the supply chain can’t be detected in final products
Methods of industrial processing can also contribute to the overall profile
Individual scents can sometimes amplify each other or cancel each other out

That’s why it’s best to seek the help of Bostik’s experts to pinpoint the causes of product odor and work together to investigate possible solutions.

Connect With the Odor Experts at Bostik

Don’t let product odor problems stand between your consumers and a product they want. Talk to experts. We’re available to help you pinpoint and address sources of odor. We can also assist in the concept stages as you explore options for future offerings.

Take advantage of the valuable information and know-how Bostik has to offer. Contact a Bostik expert today.

All information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication, is provided “as-is” and is subject to change without notice. To review our full U.S. Legal Disclaimer, visit: https://bostik.com/us/en_US/privacy-policy/legal-disclaimer

CODE: OD-2405

Part 2: The Power of Testing to Control Odor in Absorbent Hygiene Products