In this post, Platinum Times chronicles the production of liquid soap in Nigeria in methods and materials costs in 2023.
For washing and cleaning, liquid soap is a crucial component of home and personal care products.
This type of soap is made in a liquid form rather than the solid form that regular bar soaps are made of.
Many people choose liquid soap since it is easier to use and measure out for certain cleaning needs.
Liquid soap manufacturing in Nigeria
Due to the rising awareness of personal hygiene and the requirement for cleanliness in homes and workplaces, the demand for liquid soap in Nigeria has increased over time. As a result, entrepreneurs and small company owners can now profit from the creation of liquid soap. This article will examine the production method and material costs for liquid soap in Nigeria.
THE PROCESS OF MAKING LIQUID SOAP IN NIGERIA
The following steps are involved in the manufacturing of liquid soap in Nigeria:
Mixture: Mixing the materials together is the first stage in the production process.
- Water
- Palm kernel
- Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)
- Sulphonic acid
- Sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES).
Are commonly the ingredients.
These components are combined in a sizable mixing tank.
Heating: The mixture is heated to a temperature of roughly 80 degrees Celsius once the ingredients have been combined. This aids in combining the materials evenly and dissolving them.
Cooling: The mixture is allowed to cool to roughly 50 degrees Celsius after being heated.
Citric acid is now added to the mixture in order to neutralize the caustic soda. This aids in bringing the mixture’s pH into balance.
Salt is the next step in the thickening process. This aids in stabilizing the liquid soap and thickening it.
Color and fragrance: Next, to give the liquid soap a pleasing scent and appearance, color and fragrance are added to the mixture.
Packaging: Following completion, the liquid soap is put into bottles, sachets, or plastic containers.
It is crucial to remember that safety precautions, such as donning protective gear and making sure there is adequate ventilation, must be done during the production process.
COST OF MATERIALS FOR PRODUCING LIQUID SOAP
Due to the rising demand for hygiene and cleaning products, liquid soap production has become a well-liked economic endeavor in Nigeria.
A practical and adaptable cleaning solution used in homes, workplaces, and other public spaces is liquid soap.
The cost of raw materials used in Nigerian liquid soap production is a significant issue that affects the company’s profitability.
Depending on the amount of liquid soap to be manufactured, different materials cost different amounts in Nigeria. However, the estimated costs of the components needed to make 30 liters of liquid soap are as follows:
- N3,000 for caustic soda
- N9000 for palm kernel oil
- N3,000 for soda ash
- N3,000 for Silicate of sodium
- N2,000 for colorants
- 2,500 for fragrance
- Water: N100 (though considered to be easily accessible)
- Cost in total: N22,600
Depending on the amount of liquid soap to be made, the accessibility of raw materials, and the location of the production, different materials have different costs in Nigeria. The main ingredients needed to make liquid soap are as follows, along with an estimate of their price in Nigeria:
Caustic Soda
Caustic soda is a potent alkali used in the production of soap. It is used in the process of saponification, which turns fats and oils into soap. In Nigeria, the price of caustic soda varies according to the location and the quantity bought. Caustic soda typically costs between N200 and N400 per kilogram. One kilogram of caustic soda, which would cost between N200 and N400, is required to make 30 liters of liquid soap.
Palm Kernel Oil
Palm kernel oil is the primary oil used in the manufacture of liquid soap in Nigeria. It is a common byproduct of the extraction of palm oil in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the price of palm kernel oil varies according to the location and the quantity bought. Palm kernel oil typically costs between N600 and N700 per liter. It takes about 10 liters of palm kernel oil to make 30 liters of liquid soap, and that oil will set you back between N6,200 and N7,000.
Soda Ash
In order to counteract the effects of the caustic soda, soda ash, an alkali, is used in the manufacturing of liquid soap. In Nigeria, the price of soda ash varies according to the location and the quantity bought. A kilogram of soda ash typically costs between N200 and N400. One kilogram of soda ash, which would cost between N200 and N400, is required to make 30 liters of liquid soap.
Sodium Silicate
To provide liquid soap a thick and smooth texture, sodium silicate, a thickening ingredient, is used in soap manufacture. In Nigeria, the price of sodium silicate varies according to the location and the quantity bought. A liter of sodium silicate typically costs between N1000 and N2000. 2.5 liters of sodium silicate are needed to make 30 liters of liquid soap, and this material costs between N2,550 and N4,000 per liter.
Colorant and fragrance
To give liquid soap a pleasant hue and perfume, colorants and fragrances are added. In Nigeria, the price of colorant and scent varies according to the kind and quantity purchased. A 100ml bottle of colorant or scent typically costs between N500 and N1,000. About 100ml of colorant and fragrance are needed to produce 30 liters of liquid soap, and this would cost you between N500 and N1,000.
Overall, the cost of the raw ingredients used to produce liquid soap in Nigeria is fairly low, making it a profitable business enterprise.
To guarantee a high-quality completed product that satisfies client demands, however, the quality of the raw materials utilized and the production process must be at the highest standards. Before starting to produce liquid soap, entrepreneurs and small company owners must do in-depth market research and price analysis to assure profitability and sustainability.
CONCLUSION
Production of liquid soap is a lucrative business potential in Nigeria. Making liquid soap is a reasonably easy and uncomplicated process, and the components needed are inexpensive. Nigeria’s expanding need for liquid soap presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to launch a successful venture. To prevent mishaps and guarantee product quality, it’s crucial to follow the safety guidelines when making liquid soap.