An Autumn Market in the Parking Lot On October 21, the AROMATICA headquarters parking lot was filled with a lively atmosphere from early morning. It was the day of the Reuse Market, held alongside Refill Day. Since 2022, AROMATICA employees have been holding internal reuse markets to share unused items—but this year, it expanded into an open market for everyone. It became a day to give new life to discarded items and experience sustainable sharing in action. A Neighborhood Scene Made Together Local stores in Sinsa-dong were the first to join hands when they heard about the Reuse Market. Cafes, restaurants, and surf shops—places often visited by AROMATICA staff—brought out items that had been resting quietly in a corner of their shops. Dishes, lamps, clothing, hats, and kitchenware filled the parking lot, waiting for new owners.   “It feels so rewarding to know that these things will find new life in someone else’s daily routine,” said one shop owner.The warmth of the neighborhood could be felt in every corner of the market—a true reflection of the Sinsa-dong community spirit.   The Power of Good Influence: Influencers Join In Seven influencers who resonate with AROMATICA’s philosophy also joined the Reuse Market, donating nearly new clothes, shoes, and bags, each carefully packed with sincerity.   “I wanted to be part of the movement for sustainable circulation,”one of them shared. Their participation helped spread AROMATICA’s message even further, as their personal style and warmth infused the market with vibrant energy.   The Aesthetics of Reuse in Every Detail Reusable materials were seen everywhere—from Tyvek posters used every year, to fabric price tags reused since 2022, to shopping bags and paper fillers collected from stores and offices. Nothing went to waste; everything was given a new purpose. At the self-packing station, visitors wrapped their purchases themselves, finding joy in small acts of sustainability. With support from Beautiful Store (아름다운가게), the event site remained both organized and heartwarming. A Day Filled with People and Connection More than a market of goods, it became a place of heartfelt exchange. During lunch breaks, people visiting for refills also stopped by as buyers or sellers, adding to the lively mood. A Brazilian mother and daughter backpacking for six months picked out clothes and travel items, smiling as they said,   “We feel lucky to have found a place like this on our journey.”From customers offering their cups to others, to mothers and daughters sharing stories while choosing clothes together—every moment was filled with warmth and kindness.   Where Kindness Flows The Reuse Market raised a total of 2.6 million KRW, which was entirely donated to Beautiful Store. It was more than just an exchange of goods—it was a flow of value and goodwill. Through this cycle of giving and reusing, AROMATICA’s long-held belief in sustainable beauty shone naturally throughout the day. Memories of Autumn, and Toward the Next Cycle The scenes from that day will linger for a long time—the texture of the Tyvek posters, the handwritten price tags on fabric scraps, and the careful folding of paper bags. Every gesture reflected the beauty of living a “reuse” life. The small neighborhood festival—AROMATICA’s Refill Day and Reuse Market—colored this autumn in Sinsa-dong with something truly special: beauty that endures, just like the things that are used again.

Once a month, it’s the day we refill our emptied bottles and start fresh! Refill Day is not just an event — it’s our special way of connecting daily life with the environment. This month marks our 8th Refill Day, and since it falls on a weekend — on a Sunday — it will become a festival open to those who couldn’t usually join us on weekdays! Refill Day began with the hope that “container reuse” could become a natural, enjoyable part of everyday culture. It’s a day where small actions gather to create meaningful change. We invite you to join the journey. • This Month’s Refill Items & Sizes This month’s refill items are familiar, but the sizes have changed. Instead of the usual 500ml, we’re offering 300ml. The reason is simple: to share the refill experience with more people. Smaller sizes mean more people can benefit. Though the bottles are smaller, the act of refilling will reach much further. By lowering the barrier, we’re making participation easier and expanding the community. Less in volume, but filled with more stories and more people’s everyday lives. September Refill Day Items & Sizes- Rosemary All-in-One Wash → 300ml- Lavender & Marjoram Body Wash → 300ml- Kitchen Detergent Lemon & Orange → 300ml- Eucalyptus Hand Wash → 300ml- Rosemary Essence → 100ml (unchanged) • Refill Rules: Please Follow Refills can only be sustained when hygiene and safety are protected. Even small carelessness can lead to bacterial growth, so please keep to these rules on Refill Day: If you’re refilling with the same product, you can bring the container without washing it. In fact, unnecessary washing can leave moisture inside, which is less safe. However, if you’re switching to a different product or if you’ve washed your container, it must be completely dried for at least 18 hours before bringing it in. Rushing can leave traces of water that cause bacterial growth. Shared care is what allows us all to continue this refill culture with peace of mind. ✔️ Only thoroughly cleaned and fully dried reusable bottles (18+ hours)✔️ No food & beverage containers ❌ (water bottles, soda bottles, tumblers, etc.)✔️ Do not wash pump parts (risk of bacterial growth inside the pump)✔️ Bottles from other brands are welcome • Choose Next Month’s Refill Item! Starting in September, Refill Day becomes even more participatory. When you visit, you’ll be able to vote for the product you’d like to see next month. The most-voted product will be selected as the following month’s refill item. From now on, Refill Day won’t just be about receiving what’s prepared — it will be about creating it together. • Making Refills Part of Everyday Life Refilling isn’t just about filling an empty bottle. It’s about transforming today’s small choices into tomorrow’s way of life. When you refill the products you use every day, it becomes more than consumption — it becomes a practice of sustainability. Gifting someone a refill becomes a new way of sharing care and attention. These small ripples will one day add up, until refilling becomes the everyday norm. On September 21, the 8th Refill Day will be a step toward that future. Our small individual actions come together to create big change — change that flows back into daily life and opens new beginnings. ♻️ Let’s meet at Refill Day. Together we’ll see how one small bottle can carry a big story.

A little marketplace has opened at AROMATICA. Items that have finished their role in someone’s home are placed on display, waiting for new owners — children’s clothes no longer worn, toys left in drawers, and well-loved household goods. Now in its third year, the Reuse Market began as a small event to celebrate “Resource Circulation Day.” Employees bring unused items from home to sell, and the proceeds, along with any remaining goods, are donated. What started modestly has grown into a cherished company tradition that many look forward to each year: “What treasures will appear this time?” Handmade with Care This year, the spotlight was on AROMATICA’s crochet club, Moongchi Moongchi. For weeks leading up to the event, members gathered during lunch breaks to choose colors, stitch patterns, and share conversations while creating handmade pieces. Their colorful crochet bags and accessories brightened the market and drew everyone’s attention. Each item carried a tiny label, proudly marking the hands that had made it. 🧶 Moments That Continue The Reuse Market is filled with thoughtful details. Price tags made from leftover fabric last year were reused again this year, and unused materials were transformed into new props instead of being discarded. It’s more than just a marketplace; it’s a space where objects are reused, reborn, and given a second life. Every item carries a story, and as it passes to a new owner, we are reminded of the culture of reuse and how naturally it becomes part of our lives. Giving That Lasts Beyond the Market Another beauty of the Reuse Market lies in what happens afterward. All proceeds and unsold items are donated, flowing back to communities in need. Items that once had meaning in one home find new purpose in another — and finally, through giving, they extend their journey even further. Through this, we share a quiet but lasting sense of fulfillment. From a Small Tradition to a Greater Value At AROMATICA, we cultivate the joy of “reuse” within our workplace. This spirit is also shared with our customers through Refill Day, a monthly event that encourages sustainable consumption. If the Reuse Market has become an internal tradition, Refill Day is a tradition that connects us all. Traditions are not just repetitions; they reflect the values we live by. Every small action — using less, reusing more, and extending the life of what we own — builds a culture. That culture, in turn, shapes a future to be handed down to the next generation, a quiet but enduring legacy. Coming This October This year’s market was once again filled with laughter, warmth, and meaningful exchanges. It was special to see items thought to be finished with find new possibilities. And in October, AROMATICA’s Refill Day (October 21) will be joined by a special Reuse Market. Use less. Reuse more. Make it last.Join us this October to create stories that endure.Reuse more, Waste less!

“A sustainable lifestyle doesn’t begin with grand changes.When we refill the containers of products we use every day,those small acts accumulate into a powerful movement for the planet.” Refill, Growing Into a Culture In February 2025, Aromatica designated the 21st of every month as Refill Day. On this day, customers who bring empty bottles to our stores receive a free refill, reducing single-use plastic and reviving the value of reuse. This was not a sudden declaration—it has been part of our journey. In 2016, we introduced refill pouches, rethinking better ways of consumption. Since 2020, we have operated refill stations in our offline stores, steadily spreading “the life of refilling” into a cultural movement. 2,216 Participants, 1,000,000ml Refilled From February to June 2025, a total of 2,216 customers participated in Refill Day, and together they refilled nearly 1,000,000ml of product. These numbers are more than statistics—they are living proof that the way we consume is changing. Refill Day has become a small monthly festival where we reconnect, not only as consumers but as active practitioners of sustainable living.   Stronger Guidelines for a Healthier Refill Culture From the second half of the year, container standards are being reinforced for safer, healthier refills. Many of you have joined us with carefully prepared empty bottles. By July—our sixth Refill Day—we realized the need to clarify and strengthen our refill container guidelines. At times, customers who traveled long distances couldn’t receive a refill due to containers that weren’t suitable. While disappointing, this was also necessary for fairness and safety—to respect those who prepared their bottles with care. From now on, every small rule will be upheld to ensure a safe, trustworthy refill culture for all. Stronger Guidelines for a Healthier Refill Culture From the second half of the year, container standards are being reinforced for safer, healthier refills. Many of you have joined us with carefully prepared empty bottles. By July—our sixth Refill Day—we realized the need to clarify and strengthen our refill container guidelines. At times, customers who traveled long distances couldn’t receive a refill due to containers that weren’t suitable. While disappointing, this was also necessary for fairness and safety—to respect those who prepared their bottles with care. From now on, every small rule will be upheld to ensure a safe, trustworthy refill culture for all.   Refill Day Container Guidelines (Updated July 2025) Category First Half of 2025 Second Half of 2025 (from July) Container Condition Washed and recommended to be fully dried (18+ hrs). Some on-site drying allowed. Must be completely washed and fully dried (18+ hrs). No moisture allowed. Refills not possible if damp. Residual Product Refills allowed even with remaining product (if same formula). Same. Non-Aromatica Containers All brands welcome. Same. Food/Disposable Containers Limited use allowed (water bottles, beverage bottles). No longer allowed. PET water bottles and beverage bottles excluded. Pump Washing Pumps must not be washed (to prevent bacterial growth). Bring as-is. Same.   Why the Change? As refill culture grows, so must its standards. These changes ensure hygiene, fairness, and respect for everyone’s effort. The most important update: water bottles and beverage bottles will no longer be accepted. This isn’t just a hygiene issue. Such bottles are made for single use by design. Allowing them could encourage the mindset: “I’ll just buy a bottled drink and reuse the container for refills.” This runs counter to our refill philosophy, which is centered on reuse—not single-use repurposing. Operationally, these bottles also created recurring challenges: damp containers brought in right after drinking, or makeshift drying with tissues at the site. To ensure safe and consistent refills, we made the decision to exclude disposable food/beverage containers starting July 2025.   Refilling Hands, Rethinking Life Refill is more than just reducing plastic. It’s an attitude of responsibility for everything we use. It is a way of not only replenishing products, but also reimagining how we replenish the world. In the second half of the year, Aromatica will continue expanding this culture, so that more people can naturally take part in “the life of refilling.” Our goal is for refill to become a new standard of everyday living. For sustainable beauty — Refill more, Waste less.

Some days stay with you from the very start. On June 20th, after a night of heavy rain, people gathered early at Aromatica headquarters. It was the day we set out for Goesan for <Project: Soil>. Though it was a rainy Friday morning, not a single person was absent. Customers who took time off work to join, those who came to hear the brand’s story firsthand, and members of the Aromatica team—all carried with them a quiet sense of determination. The bus, pushing through the rain, arrived in Gamul-myeon, Goesan, Chungbuk. The site was the herb garden run by a farmer and herbalist. Fortunately, the rain had eased by the time we began. Raincoats and boots were put on, equipment checked, safety instructions given. Then, the removal of invasive Humulus japonicus vines began. At first, the dense and sturdy roots were daunting. Simply cutting the stems wasn’t enough—each vine had to be carefully untangled, a task requiring patience and focus. To protect other plants, we had to move slowly, gently, and together. One group even cheered aloud—“We saved it!” —as they successfully lifted out a root, leaving the neighboring plants untouched. In that moment, we all realized we were learning something new. Despite the rain, laughter filled the air. Many said, “I actually love this—it feels romantic!” It was clear this wasn’t just volunteering. It was a shared experience of recovery. Midway through, a table of refreshments awaited: vegan rice cakes made with Goesan’s local crops, herb water infused with freshly picked leaves, and seasonal fruits. Surrounded by the scent of soil and herbs, someone remarked, “This is truly farm to table.” While sharing food, we observed the vegetation with Invelab’s ecology researchers. Each tiny insect and slender blade of grass was given a name and a story. When was the last time we had paid such close attention to the small lives around us? “Through this activity, I got to learn about the plants and tiny creatures living in the area—things I normally overlook. It broadened my perspective on the environment.”– Participant, Soo-bin Jo “Working alongside Aromatica’s dedicated team made me feel even greater trust in the brand. With people like this leading the way, I believe the results can only be meaningful.”– Participant, mongmong All participants had brought their own tumblers. Rain-soaked and huddled together, even the row of tumblers seemed to share the spirit of the day. Hands in the Soil, Hearts in the Work Back at the worksite, another round of vine removal left a visible difference—five full sacks of invasive plants pulled out. By the end, the rain still fell, but eyes shone brighter. Rain mixed with sweat, soil on knees, the scent of plants on hands—and expressions that all strangely resembled one another. “Since becoming an adult, I rarely get to stand freely in the rain. Because we were told to bring a change of clothes, I didn’t mind getting wet—it felt refreshing. Hearing from Aromatica’s CEO, who has stayed true to his vision for 22 years, was also inspiring.”– Participant, Moon-kyu Gong   That day, from the fingertips pulling a single vine, we learned something essential. Caring for the environment isn’t just a declaration—it’s a physical act. Kneeling on the soil, lowering ourselves, moving carefully to avoid harm—that is where Aromatica’s philosophy of soil restoration begins. To touch the ground together, to look closely at plants, to share a meal, to breathe in air laced with the scent of earth—these simple acts carried deeper empathy than words. On this day, we felt with our bodies where the brand’s sincerity truly comes from when it speaks about the environment. Some removed vines. Some revived something within themselves. Together, we cleared the soil and planted hope in our hearts.

Small Actions That Breathe Life Into the Ecosystem We are often overwhelmed by the magnitude of global challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, soil pollution. These words feel vast and distant, and we wonder if there is anything we can truly do. But nature’s recovery always begins with small steps. And today, there is one thing we can do: remove invasive Humulus japonicus (wild hop vine). Why the Vine? As its name suggests, this vine spreads across the ground, entwining and strangling other plants. It steals space from native vegetation, blocks sunlight and airflow, and even suffocates the soil itself. In fact, invasive vines are now spread across 179 cities and counties nationwide in Korea. Rapidly expanding, they rob native plants of space and light, disrupting soil’s porosity and water flow. Eventually, native plants cannot thrive, biodiversity declines, and the soil loses its “breath.” Healthy land is one where diverse species coexist and give space to one another. Removing invasive vines is about reclaiming the possibility of coexistence.   We’re Removing More Than Just “Plants” To cut back vines is to return light, wind, and the cycle of life to the soil that lay beneath, suffocated. We start by removing even the smallest sprouts, creating spaces where sunlight can reach and native seeds can take root. It is the possibility of growth for a germinating seed, the return of soil microbes and insects to their habitat—all beginning with a single act of removal. At the moment we free plants from suffocating vines, we also breathe life into our own lives—lives equally in need of recovery. Here, where our existence touches the ecosystem, the restoration of breath begins together.   Handwork, Not Machinery This is not about sweeping machines across the land. We use our hands—cutting vines carefully, tracing roots and removing them. By leaving native plants intact and only removing invasive species, we take a gentle, respectful first step toward ecological recovery. Imagining the Change We Will Create We carry out this project in collaboration with Herbanic, a herb-producing garden in Goesan, Chungbuk, run by a farmer and herbalist who practices cultivation without chemical fertilizers or pesticides—trusting only the strength of the soil. Here, we will experiment with soil restoration and observe how native species reclaim space once vines are removed. Using drones and soil analysis, we will record these changes and follow the breath of each season. This journey is joined by Invelab, an environmental start-up specializing in invasive species analysis and ecosystem restoration. With drone data and scientific monitoring, they document the recovery process in detail and propose pathways for ecological transition. Together, they are our strong partners.   (Photo: Herbanic Herb Garden, Goesan, Chungbuk) Around this organic herb and crop garden, invasive plants have crept in over time, disrupting the growth of native species. Supporting the value of sustainable agriculture, Aromatica joins Herbanic and Invelab to address this challenge. What we aim to protect is not just farmland, but healthy soil where ecosystems breathe and thrive. Through these accumulated small changes, we hope that ecological restoration will become not something special, but part of everyday life. In the spaces cleared of vines, we will sow native seeds. This fall, they will rest through the winter in the soil and quietly sprout next spring. What will that look like? Flowers and grasses blooming again, bees and butterflies returning, roots spreading deeper, soil breathing freely once more. Today, we imagine that scene.   Project: Soil by AROMATICA We know change will not come in a single day. That is why we will walk this journey step by step. Each small gesture helps restore the rhythm of the soil. And we will watch as native species bloom again upon it. We await those who will join us on this journey.May our small actions create land where life breathes once again!

The Moment Aromatica’s Gaze Turned to the Ground Aromatica has always started with ingredients. Following the scents and benefits carried by essential oils, herbs, and roots, we have trusted in nature’s healing power and thought deeply about how it touches the skin. Until now, we looked at herbs from above—their flowers and leaves, their beauty and their functions. But today, we focus on what lies beneath: the soil where they grow and take root. Earth’s Skin, the Signals of Soil The natural ingredients we breathe in and apply to our skin every day ultimately come from the soil. Plant growth begins in the soil, and what makes this possible is the topsoil—the thin layer of earth, just 5–20 cm deep, that forms over centuries as rocks, plants, and insects break down. This topsoil contains the nutrients plants need to grow. It circulates water, stores carbon, helps mitigate climate change, and provides food and shelter to living beings on Earth. Yet according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, about 33% of the world’s soil is already moderately to highly degraded. If this trend continues, more than 90% of the world’s soil could be degraded by 2050. Each year, 2.5–4 billion tons of topsoil are lost to erosion, which translates into the loss of 76 million tons of grain production annually. The strength of plants we rely on—and the healing power they provide—cannot continue if the soil beneath them collapses. When Topsoil Collapses, Biodiversity Falls with It Healthy soil is more than a nutrient source for plants. It is alive with countless organisms—microbes, fungi, insects, and other invisible life—that keep the soil breathing. Soil is, in fact, Earth’s largest biodiversity habitat. But pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and large-scale monoculture farming are rapidly destroying this ecosystem. Aromatica’s First Step Toward Living Soil At Aromatica, we are deeply concerned about destructive production methods that harm nature, and we are expanding our use of raw materials cultivated through more sustainable practices. This is also a way to protect topsoil and preserve biodiversity. As a first step, we are launching a project to remove invasive species such as Humulus japonicus (wild hop vine), which threaten local ecosystems, and replace them with native seeds. This is more than just removal—it is an effort to restore living soil. By freeing the land trapped beneath the vines, sunlight returns, roots find space to grow, and bees and butterflies regain their habitat. Breathing Soil, Reviving Ecosystems We are beginning a journey with no clear end date. We will cut back invasive growth, sow seeds, and track changes in the soil and its living organisms. Using drone analysis and soil biology indicators, we will record the scientific process of soil’s revival. This fall, we will plant seed balls made from native seeds. Through the winter, they will rest in the soil, and by next spring, they will quietly sprout. Aromatica now speaks of rooted sustainability. Because restoring soil is restoring life itself, we will continue on this path.