Arve Parfum: Where Nature and Luxury Entwine

Discover Arve Parfum, a brand redefining luxury fragrances with natural, eco-conscious creations inspired by the beauty of the Alps.

Interview with Fabian Rettenbacher, Co-Founder & Creative Director of ARVE Parfum

How did you first become interested in perfumery, and what inspired you to start ARVE Parfum as a business?
There’s something captivating about the beautiful scents encountered in everyday life—whether it’s the earthy woods, the crisp winter air on the mountains in Salzburg, or even the nostalgic aroma of suncream. ARVE Parfum was born from a wish to capture these familiar yet special moments in a fragrance, creating scents that feel both personal and timeless.

Could you tell us about the sustainable practices embedded in ARVE Parfum’s production process?
At ARVE Parfum, sustainability means using natural ingredients, recyclable packaging, and supporting local craftsmanship. We keep our supply chain short. Our caps and bottoms are made with care here in Austria, where we also handle labelling, assembling, and filling. Packaging comes from Germany, and flacons are sourced from a family-owned company in France.

Arve Parfum logo with floral background
Regina, Herbert and Fabian, the founders of Arve Parfum
Regina, Herbert and Fabian, the founders of Arve Parfum.
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum
Floral background from ARVE Parfum
Floral background from ARVE Parfum .
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum

What specific challenges have you encountered in sourcing sustainable ingredients, and how have you overcome them?
Sourcing sustainably in niche perfumery comes with its own set of challenges, especially when working on a smaller scale. One of our main priorities is ensuring that our key ingredient, Austrian stone pine oil, is locally sourced and of the highest quality. For other ingredients, we’ve carefully built relationships with trusted partners who share our commitment, allowing us to uphold our standards across every component.

Are there any eco-friendly or innovative packaging materials you use, and if so, how did you select these materials?
Our eco-friendly packaging materials are carefully selected to keep production close to us, making communication easier and allowing strong, sustainable partnerships. As mentioned, our glass bottles are sourced from a family-owned company in France, our caps and labels are crafted in Austria, and our eco cardboard packaging comes from Germany. Keeping production nearby helps us stay connected and informed about new sustainable developments.

How do you go about selecting and sourcing the ingredients for your perfumes, and are there certain botanicals or raw materials that you prioritise for sustainability?
In selecting and sourcing ingredients for our perfumes, we prioritise local, sustainably sourced materials that align with our commitment to quality. Our signature Austrian stone pine oil exemplifies this approach, reflecting our dedication to the unique alpine origins of our brand.

Could you explain the significance of the different scent profiles in your perfumes and why you chose these particular aromas?
Our scents are crafted to evoke moments that feel both personal and timeless—whether it’s the freshness of open air, the warmth of natural wood, or the quiet comfort of familiar spaces. These aromas are chosen to gently awaken memories, creating a lasting connection to something real and grounding.

Do you work with local botanicals unique to your region, and if so, how do these contribute to the character of each fragrance?
Yes, the Austrian stone pine (lat.: pinus cembra), known as the ‘Queen of the Alps,’ is a key botanical in our fragrances. This remarkable tree, deeply rooted in alpine culture, brings a warm, woody and unique aroma.

Being based in Austria, how does the local environment influence your perfumes, both in terms of scent profiles and ingredient sourcing?
The natural environment around us provides both inspiration and access to unique botanicals that define the essence of ARVE Parfum.

Does being based in Austria shape your brand’s approach to sustainable perfume production?
Yes, being based in Austria shapes our sustainable approach by allowing us to source key ingredients locally, reduce transport distances, and build close relationships with trusted partners.

Are there cultural or historical influences in Austria that inspire your creations? How do these influences manifest in your perfumes?
In Austrian culture, the stone pine, or “Zirbe,” holds a special place, particularly in alpine regions. Traditionally, stone pine wood has been used to craft “Zirbenstuben,” which are rooms panelled with this aromatic wood. These spaces are cherished for their warm, inviting atmosphere, believed to promote relaxation and enhance communication among guests. The unique scent of stone pine is thought to have calming effects, contributing to a sense of well-being.

ARVE Parfum Packaging in black
ARVE Parfum Packaging.
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum
Austrian Alps lake and trees
Austrian Alps lake and trees.
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum
Pine Tree in the Austrian Alps with a lake
Pine Tree in the Austrian Alps with a lake.
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum
Stone Pine background from ARVE Parfum
Stone Pine background from ARVE Parfum .
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum

What do you hope your customers feel or experience when they wear ARVE Parfum?
Our fragrances are designed to evoke grounding, timeless experiences—a familiar warmth, a connection to alpine tranquillity, and a touch of nostalgia. Each scent should feel like a personal ritual, something that brings comfort, presence, and a sense of natural elegance to the everyday.

Do you collaborate with any local communities or artisans in the process of creating your perfumes?
Yes, we collaborate with local artisans and partners in Austria at every stage of production. Our stone pine oil is sourced locally, and the caps and bottoms are crafted by a small local carpenter from Austrian stone pine wood. Labeling and assembling are also done here in Salzburg.

How do you see the sustainable fragrance industry evolving, and what role does ARVE Parfum hope to play in that future?
The sustainable fragrance industry is increasingly focusing on transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility. Consumers are seeking products that align with their values, leading to a rise in brands emphasizing natural ingredients and sustainable practices. ARVE Parfum aims to contribute to this evolution by maintaining short supply chains, collaborating with local artisans, and using sustainably sourced materials.

Are there any new sustainability initiatives or product lines you’re working on for the future?
Yes, we’re continuing to build on our philosophy with new products coming in 2025. Each addition will stay true to the quality, craftsmanship, and careful sourcing that define ARVE Parfum.

How does ARVE Parfum aim to promote wellness through fragrance, and are there specific scents or ingredients you’ve chosen for their soothing or uplifting properties?
Our fragrances are crafted to enhance well-being through thoughtfully selected ingredients. Our Austrian stone pine oil, known for its calming qualities, is central to this approach. In ARVE Chaleureux, we include lavender for its soothing effect and cinnamon for a warm, comforting touch. ARVE Pétillant features Italian lemon and bergamot for an uplifting freshness, with rose and iris adding a gentle balance.

What process did you go through to design your bottles? For example, the wooden cap is quite unique (we love this!).
Our bottle design is about thoughtful function. The Austrian stone pine cap and wooden base bring a natural elegance, with the base doubling as both part of the packaging and a key design element. Together, they give the flacon a distinctive look that also reflects on the alpine heritage.

Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about ARVE Parfum and our journey. We’re grateful to be part of a community that values quality and thoughtful craftsmanship.

 

ARVE Parfum Craftsmanship
ARVE Parfum Craftsmanship.
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum
ARVE Parfum Chaleureux bottle with a black background
ARVE Parfum Chaleureux bottle.
Image courtesy of Arve Parfum

More about the ARVE Parfum Range

PÉTILLANT, eau de parfum

50ml, 15ml

A journey through bright Alpine landscapes and crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by stone pine trees.

Pétillant features notes of iris and rose centifolia, accented by pink pepper and Italian lemon, and finished with earthy tones of guaiac wood and vetiver.

Head: Swiss Stone Pine, Bergamot, Italian Lemon, Pink Pepper
Heart: Cedarwood, Cardamom, Iris, Rose
Base: Amber, Gaiac Wood, Cashmere Musk, Vetiver

You can purchase the perfume here.

Chaleureux, EAU DE PARFUM

50ml, 15ml

Clear mountain air gently mixes with the first rays of the day.

Chaleureux combines the steadfast nature of Alpine stone pine oil with the soothing warmth of Ceylon cinnamon bark, complemented by gentle notes of Bulgarian lavender and earthy spiciness of nutmeg, rounded off by the ultra-fine hint of fig leaf and the noble undertone of cashmere-wool and moss.

Head: Swiss Stone Pine, Ceylon Cinnamon and Bulgarian Lavender
Heart: Fig Leaf, Cedar, Nutmeg and Resins
Base: Amber, Cashmere, Musk, Suede

You can purchase the perfume here.

Website: arveparfum.com/en
Co-Founder and Creative Director: Fabian Rettenbacher 
PR Contact: William Dorn at Dorn Communications
PR Email: [email protected]
Location: Austria

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