Understanding the basics of smart scent technology

How does scent technology work?

Smart scent systems allow you to create a customised and consistent scent experience. These scent systems use sophisticated mechanisms, such as specialised pumps, that convert scent oil into fine mist. The even distribution of the mist allows the scent to easily fill the room. The use of this technology ensures that a consistent scent experience can be delivered.

Types of scenting systems and how they vary

There are different types of scenting systems, each with unique features and capabilities:

• Stand Alone scent system: These stand-alone scent systems can be easily placed in a room. You can often adjust these systems yourself, allowing you to control the intensity and frequency of scent diffusion.
• Direct Injection scent system: This involves placing the scent system in an adjacent room. Through a small hole in the wall, the scent oil is atomised through a pipe into the desired space.
  HVAC scent systems: For seamless odour distribution throughout the building, this system integrates with the air handling ductwork (HVAC). This ensures a consistent scent experience in every room, ideal for larger environments.
• Scent Channel: Is there no air handling duct present? Then a duct system can be installed above the (system) ceiling with discharge points in the desired spaces. The scent is atomized in this scent channel and then distributed evenly through the room via the air supply duct.

When choosing a scent system, it is important to consider the size of the room, the desired scent strength and specific needs. Do you have a small organisation or want to use scenting only in the lobby, for example? Then a Stand Alone system is probably the best option. Do you still want to apply scent experience throughout your entire building? Then an HVAC scent system would be a better option.

The science behind scent cartridges

Scent cartridges are a popular choice for diffusing scent in scent systems. These cartridges contain concentrated scent oils that release scent through a reservoir of porous material, such as polymer or absorbent paper. When the system is turned on, air circulates over the reservoir, releasing the scent into the environment.

The scent in a cartridge can vary based on the desired profile and is made from essential or non-essential oils. This ensures a long-lasting and consistent scent experience. Depending on the size of the cartridge and the intensity of the scent, a single cartridge can last for months.

Practical applications of scent systems

Scenting systems offer numerous applications that can enrich the experience in different environments:

• Retail: Reinforce your brand identity by matching scents to your retail environment, creating a lasting impression on customers and promoting repeat visits.
• Offices: Increase employee productivity and well-being with scents such as citrus for improving concentration, or lavender for relaxation.
• Healthcare facilities: The scent of lavender can not only provide relaxation, but also aid patient recovery by creating a sense of calm and improving sleep quality. In addition, lavender also has the effect of being able to reduce the stress level of healthcare personnel.  
• Hospitality industry: Increase your sales by using scent to stimulate appetite. The right scents can stimulate our brain in such a way that a feeling of hunger is induced.
• Wellness: Create a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere with signature scents in hotels, resorts and spas, enhancing the guest experience.

These are just a few examples of how scent systems can be used in different environments. Thanks to scent's ability to evoke emotions and enhance the sensory experience, scent systems have become indispensable in creating experiences.

Future trends in scent technology

As technology continues to evolve, several trends in scent technology are emerging. Here are some future trends to keep an eye on:

• Personalisation: Scent systems will increasingly offer more options for customisation, such as unique scent blends and integration with other smart devices.
• Smart integration: Scenting systems are likely to become more integrated with other smart technologies. Think voice control, compatibility with virtual assistants and the ability to synchronise scent with lighting and sound.
• Sustainability: The focus will be on eco-friendly materials, refillable cartridges and energy-efficient systems.
• Aromatherapy: Scent systems will increasingly be used for therapeutic purposes. Advanced aromatherapy features will become available, focused on relaxation, stress relief and sleep improvement.

As experts in the field of scent experience, we do everything we can to be, and stay, the best! Therefore, you control our smart scent systems with an easy app, we create a customised scent experience together, and we ensure sustainability. 

Now that you understand the basics of scent technology, you're probably curious about what this can do for your environment. Contact us, our scent consultants will be happy to help you!