Scenting is emerging as a cutting edge tool among sophisticated retailers, resorts, hotels, manufacturers and emergency training organizations. Society has known for many decades that scent is powerful way to either recognize or remember significant events. Who has not experienced the smell of freshly baked bread and immediately craved a thick slice smothered in butter?
The theory behind a scenting system is relatively simple. System components are located in an encasement which is equipped with a means of moving the scented air. The systems come in a variety of sizes, depending on the application. It works like this: warm air passes over concentrated fragrance cartridges, in turn diffusing the fragrance. There are four kinds of scent cartridges: ceramic, cell foam, pearl beads and high performance cartridges. Ceramic cartridges are basically ceramic “bricks” that are developed in a way that is ideal for fragrance infusion. Assuming they are used a few hours a day, ceramic cartridges can last a few months. Cell foam cartridges have a higher output of scent, but not a longer one. These hand made cartridges have the unique ability to store a great deal of fragrance, and release in quickly. These characteristics make it quite useful for special uses, such as in special effects productions. Pearl beads have an even higher output of fragrance, especially over a vast area. For example, 10 kgs of pearl beads will cover 215,000 square feet. The high performance cartridges have the highest output of scent and are considered the most convenient to use. Compared to pearl beads, they are easier handle, especially for loading and unloading.
Scenting has become the secret weapon of the retail world. Retail stores wanting to draw customers through their doors may consider using a scenting system that emits an aroma suited to their product lines. Perhaps a bath and body store could use a rose or vanilla scent. A furniture store could try a cedarwood or leather scent. When a retailer uses scent to capture the attention of passersby, they are inviting the person to investigate the source of the scent and in turn, view the products available for sale. Certain aromas can cause the potential customer to feel inspired, relaxed or even motivated to purchase. Luxurious resorts have begun creating a signature scent, which surrounds their facilities and becomes a smell the guest will always associate with the resort. This works exceptionally well if there are multiple affiliated locations around the world. Each time the guest enters the property, they are reminded of a past vacation via the signature scent.
During the Middle Ages, before sewage and formal waste facilities were invented, the cities and streets of European countries were ensconced in foul odors. Paris, France was especially bad. In royal homes and castles, it was regular practice to throw down hay mixed with lavender to help cover some of the nasty smells. Ladies and gentlemen wore pomanders hanging from their belts filled with fragrant flowers and sometimes pungent fruits. Today, even with our advances with sewage facilities and garbage collection arrangements, there is sometimes still the need to cover foul odors. Scenting machines are particularly good for these situations, especially over a large area. Multi-story car garages are often ripe with exhaust fumes, as are group smoking areas and garbage facilities in large buildings. These applications are perfect for using a scenting system.
Finally, scenting systems are now being used as a powerful tool with training emergency crews. Creating a realistic environment during a training program is very important and now these programs are including some of the same techniques that are used in the movie business – but with the addition of scent. It is important for emergency personnel to identify certain odors as they may be a sign of danger. Additionally, once the trainee has experienced the scent in relation to rescue methods, then the memory is written. When in a real situation of disaster or rescue, that memory will be triggered by the same scents. It is a valuable tool in search and rescue training, lasting long past most other training methods.
Aromatherapy has been around for hundreds of years as a method of meditation and relaxation. Scenting is simply taking aromatherapy a step further to use it as a means of increasing sales and training emergency workers. What else can we use it for?
Koolfog is a dynamic American manufacturing company with family friendly accessibility and forward thinking research and development. We deliver misting fans, outdoor heaters, scenting systems and fog effects systems worldwide. To view our full line of products, visit us online today!