Australian Sandalwood Orpur

Sandalwood has been used in perfumery for over 4000 years, with ancient Arab perfumers first discovering its magic by grinding the wood into powder for solid perfumes. For centuries, Indian sandalwood dominated Western fragrance traditions, prized for its sweet, creamy warmth. By the mid-20th century, Indian Santalum album supplies dwindled under heavy harvesting, prompting European perfume houses to seek alternatives. Western Australia had been quietly cultivating Santalum spicatum since the 1870s, and by the 1970s it emerged as the primary supplier to European fragrance industries. Today, Australia produces the majority of the world's sustainable sandalwood oil. The Orpur® designation represents the highest quality tier within Givaudan's sourcing program, reserved for ingredients meeting exceptional purity and sustainability standards. This recognition places Australian sandalwood alongside perfumery's most treasured natural materials.