From Thai Food Waste to Global Fragrance Innovation: LOSIAM’s Upcycled Absolutes

LOSiam: Boutique Upcycled Thai Perfume Absolutes

In Northern Thailand, mandarin peels pile up after juicing, makiang pulp is discarded post-processing, and cocoa husks are swept aside in chocolate factories, valuable byproducts too often headed for landfills [10]. At Laboratoire Olfactif du Siam (LOSiam), based in Chiang Mai’s CMU Biopolis of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, we upcycle these side-streams into premium absolutes using ultrasonic and solvent-based extraction.

Our three flagship ingredients, Cocoa Husk CO₂ Absolute, Makiang Pulp Absolute, and Mandarin Peel Absolute, are olfactively superior, fully traceable, and story-rich. They prove that true luxury begins with what others overlook [2].

This article centers LOSIAM as a boutique pioneer in Thai upcycled perfumery, drawing from industry insights and real perfumer collaborations.

1. Thai Upcycled Ingredients: Ethical Sourcing & Zero-Waste Extraction

Upcycling = creative valorization, transforming low-value byproducts into higher-quality fragrance ingredients than virgin materials [3].

At LOSIAM:

• Ethical Sourcing: Direct partnerships with Chiang Mai farmers under the Nagoya Protocol, no middlemen, traceable from farm to flacon.
• Tailored Extraction: Supercritical CO₂ (cocoa husks) → solvent-free, biodegradable Solvent + ultrasonic (makiang, mandarin) → preserves volatile depth.
• Zero-Waste Loop: Post-extraction residues become compost or animal feed [3].

We exceed Givaudan’s 50% upcycled carbon benchmark and are pursuing Upcycled Certified™ status to eliminate greenwashing [4]

2. Three Flagship Absolutes: Cocoa Husk, Makiang Pulp, Mandarin Peel

3. Perfumer Case Studies: Dubai, Paris, Tokyo

Case Study 1: Cocoa Husk CO₂ Absolute – Dubai’s “Chiang Mai Nocturne”

A Dubai niche house used our cocoa absolute as the vegan gourmand base in an oud-chocolate blend. The smoky, non-cloying depth, extracted CO₂-clean, delivered 10+ hour longevity.

Impact:

• Fully traceable Thai supply chain

Case Study 2: Makiang Pulp Absolute – Paris Limited Edition

A Parisian indie brand launched a “Tropical Rose” summer EDP using makiang as the exotic heart. The fermented pineapple-mango note fused with Damask rose for a piña-colada floral, unique, addictive, 100% natural.

Impact:

• Supported women-led cooperatives
• B Corp-aligned storytelling for Gen Z audiences [8]

Case Study 3: Mandarin Peel Absolute – Tokyo’s “Thai Sunrise”

A new niche perfumer in Japan built a radiant citrus cologne around our mandarin absolute. The zesty, green lift, amplified by ultrasonic extraction, outshone Italian bergamot in freshness and sillage.

Impact:

• No photo-toxicity, brighter top notes

4. Why LOSIAM Absolutes Stand Out

Perfumer Feedback: “These aren’t green compromises, they’re creative upgrades.”

5. Environmental & Circular Impact

• Waste Valorization: Diverts local food byproducts from landfill [10]
• Carbon Efficiency: Local sourcing reduces transport emissions [3]
• Resource Preservation: No virgin harvesting → protects Thai biodiversity [6]
• Full Loop: Residues → compost/feed → back to farms [3]

We align with Givaudan’s FiveCarbon Path™ and dsm-firmenich renewable carbon goals, with Thai precision and soul [18].

6. Market Fit: Why Perfumers Choose LOSIAM

• Consumer demand for ethically and environmentally responsible products drives the upcycled fragrance trend [12].
• Gen Z Demand: Sustainability = non-negotiable; our traceable stories resonate [12].
• Premium and Desirable: Upcycled ingredients are increasingly viewed as both premium and desirable, proving sustainability can coexist with luxury [12].
• Greenwashing-Proof: Third-party LCAs, Upcycled Certified™ in progress, full COAs

7. The Future: Scaling Boutique Thai Upcycling

By 2030, upcycled ingredients could dominate fine fragrance [2].

LOSIAM is R&D-ing:

• Roasted coconut husk CO₂ → Petrichor, nutty, lactonic base
• Mango/banana peels → Green tropical profile

Explore our catalogue at www.losiam.com Request samples: DM or email us at info@losiam.com

Fact-checks & Bibliography

1. A brief comparison natural v/s synthetics – Oud collection. By Muhammad Imran Malik. Originally Published: July 31, 2021. Updated: September 16, 2024.
2. Are Upcycled Fragrances The Next Big Trend In Sustainable Beauty? By Jenna Igneri. Originally Published: April 28, 2021. Updated: February 20, 2024. (Source: The Zoe Report).
3. From leftovers to luxury: Pioneering upcycling in fragrances. Givaudan.
4. Guidance on the use of upcycled Ingredients – Key Considerations. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA). May 2023.
5. Lilybelle® by Symrise sets standards in eco-friendly fragrances and clinches prestigious Barcelona Perfumery Congress Award. Symrise. December 15, 2023.
6. Navigating Sustainability Challenges and Fragrance Production. OnScent.
7. The 360° Advantage: Why Flavor & Fragrance B2Bs Need a Full-Service Marketing Approach. By Melissa Lipovsky. November 19, 2024. (Source: Costello Creative Group).
8. The Clean Perfume Trend: Sustainable, Natural & Cruelty Free Fragrances. B Futurist. September 5, 2025.
9. The Regulatory Landscape: Upcycling in Beauty & Personal Care. By The Upcycled Beauty Company. September 25, 2023. (Source: Covalo Blog).
10. The Role of Upcycled Ingredients in Reducing Waste in the Fragrance Industry. By Kristal Goodman. March 19, 2025. (Source: THG Labs).
11. Turning coffee grounds into premium skincare products. Givaudan.
12. Upcycled Fragrance: Perception, Pricing, and Greenwashing Challenges. Industry report section (Givaudan / The Zoe Report ecosystem)
13. Upcycled Fragrances: Breathing New Life into Traditional Waste Materials. Iberchem. September 28, 2023.
14. Upcycled Fragrances: Unique Repurposed Scent Notes. REFASH. February 28, 2024.
15. Upcycled beauty: myth busting. By The Upcycled Beauty Company. October 24, 2023. (Source: Cosmetics Business).
16. Upcycled citrus fruit waste holds potential for cosmetics industry, flags research. Personal Care Insights. March 18, 2022.
17. Upcycling. dsm-firmenich Perfumery & Beauty.