Manchester lab opened for the testing of smells

Odournet has opened up a new laboratory in Greater Manchester for the testing of smells, with the long-term goal of improving environmental odour nuisance problems and assessing consumer products such as deodorants.

We've all experienced unpleasant odours when it comes to sewage in the environment and other waste treatment smells, but Odournet has a long history in combating these smells, and they hope to expand upon their current base by using a new research laboratory for the testing of smells.

The odour laboratory and consultancy office has been opened in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, and will host odour sampling tests and analysis from sites such as sewage treatment works, factories and landfill operations.

This will be the second site in the UK, with Bowdon chosen for its transport links and proximity to Manchester Airport. The firm says that the lab will give it a base from which to expand and better serve its clients in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland, Manchester Evening News reported.

Trained panellists work in the facility, appraising and characterising odour samples. The aim is to combat environmental nuisance problems, as well as assessing consumer products such as deodorants.

Head of olfactometry Charlotte Skinner said: "We take air samples from sites and then bring them back to the lab to get our panel to smell them.

"There are machines that can measure levels of certain chemicals in a sample, but they still can't measure lots of different chemicals as well as the human nose can."

25 'smell experts' and three staff will be hired at the lab, and Odournet plan to expand its consultancy offering in the region, advising firms on how to tackle odours.

Managing director Nick Jones said: "The new office is an exciting step in the growth of Odournet in the UK.

"It offers us an excellent opportunity to enhance the level of service we provide to our northern client base, and also promote the application of sensory odour science to a wider audience."

Posted by Ben Evans