Unilever is launching a groundbreaking initiative to create sustainable fragrances by repurposing waste flowers. This pilot program, developed in partnership with the University of Nottingham, aims to reduce emissions and decrease dependence on petrochemical-derived ingredients. Neil Parry, Unilever's head of biotechnology, stated, " Using the latest in biotech and bio-sourcing principles, we see huge potential to create a circular economy for plants by extracting valuable ingredients and creating a diverse selection of new and sustainable fragrances. " Scientists are utilizing an enhanced Soxhlet extraction method, combined with ultrasonication, to efficiently extract essential oils from surplus plants like petunias, roses, and marigolds. This method, which involves using sound waves to break down cell walls, speeds up the extraction process by 40%, taking just 20 minutes to obtain the desired compounds.