Establishment of a business model for sustainable medical aromatic essential oils. : Case Studies of Japan, France, and Switzerland

モリヤマ, サクラ

Moriyama, Sakura

Center for the Study of Co* Design, Osaka University

再生型農業

統合医療

Aromatherapy

Regenerative Agriculture

Integrative health

This study explores the sustainable integration of aromatherapy into the medical field by examining global essential oil industry practices. Through field observations and interviews, key challenges in production and sustainable utilization strategies were identified. The findings highlight distinct national approaches: Japan employs byproduct upcycling to reduce environmental impact, France utilizes regional characteristics for ecosystem regeneration, and Switzerland integrates synthetic fragrances with data-driven production optimization. Based on these insights, novel solutions were proposed to businesses and medical institutions, prompting discussions on implementation. A clinic emphasized the potential benefits of essential oils for patient care, while consumer goods manufacturers stressed the need for efficacy validation and strategic marketing. Collaboration opportunities in product development were also identified. This study marks an initial step toward a sustainable framework for the medical application of aromatherapy.