This study looks at all companies registered in the United Kingdom where they identify themselves as manufacturers of soap and detergents.

This study includes companies that are dormant or non-trading some of which might be latent while others may operate under their owners’ names but incorporate to protect the business name. In addition, all newly incorporated companies are included. The study will exclude those companies that do not specifically identify themselves as manufacturers of soap and detergents.

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the key movers and shakers in the UK manufacture of soap and detergents sector. Only key data has been isolated, particularly the company’s net worth and total assets, but also its full name, date incorporated, registered office, other activities, shareholders, directors (with date of birth, occupation and nationality) and number of employees.

Two indicators of size are used: net worth and total assets. These are preferable to turnover which is influenced by profit margins and whether the companies are capital or labour intensive.

In the years 2016, 2017 and 2018, new company incorporations in the manufacture of soap and detergents sector were 32, 108 and 174 respectively.

The index of production for 2010-2018 was as follows: -0.5, 15.1, 8.1, 3.7, 0.1, -2.3, -6.3, 5.7 and 5.0 respectively.

The UK Cleaning Products Industry Association (UKCPI) is the leading trade association representing UK producers of cleaning and hygiene products. It represents companies that manufacture or market cleaning products in the UK and its membership includes over 98% of UK consumer product manufacturers and over 60% of UK industrial and institutional product manufacturers.

The UK sector generates over GBP4.5 billion in sales annually and directly employs over 30,000 people.

Soap, detergents and other cleaning products make up a fifth of chemical exports.

L'Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Detergence et des Produits d'Entretien (AISE) based in Brussels, represents the industry in the EU. Its members are the 29 national associations in Europe. It represents over 900 companies supplying household and professional cleaning products and services across Europe.

72% of UK consumers use liquid soap regularly, compared with just 55% using bar soap. However, more consumers are becoming concerned about single-use plastic. In 2018, sales of bar soap was GBP68.3 million, up GBP2 million. Sales are growing at 3%, faster than liquid soaps and shower gel products.