Using fragrance science to improve sanitation
What if the future of sanitation depended on scent? In this bold and unconventional scientific exploration, Christian Starkenmann tackles a largely overlooked challenge: rethinking the smell of toilets to improve the lives of billions of people. At the crossroads of sensory science and molecular chemistry, he shows how carefully designed fragrance accords can transform our relationship with the most taboo odors—and influence human behavior in profound ways. A passionate chemist and determined field researcher, he traveled across India, Southern Africa, and Europe to put science at the service of vulnerable communities. This work is part of the international Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, in collaboration with a Geneva-based fragrance company and the Gates Foundation. A compelling human and scientific journey that reveals the hidden potential of what we discard—and its power to drive change. A book that challenges how we think—and smell—one of the world’s most essential
