De Amsterdamsche Zeepfabriek

At the Amsterdamsche Soap Factory everything revolves around artisanal soap and social involvement. In their soap workshop in the east of Amsterdam they make sustainable, handmade soaps and at the same time offer a place for people who need routine and structure. Working with high-quality ingredients and creating a valuable product offers a soothing experience for those looking for a fresh start or a social workplace.

About the Maker
The Amsterdamsche Soap Factory was founded in 2014 by Toetsie Zwitserlood. After a seventeen-year career in youth care, she decided to take a new path due to cutbacks and changes. With a lasting concern for others, Tootsie is now committed to both the production of fair trade soap and providing work to people at a distance from the labor market. Her goal is to grow the factory into a social enterprise where part of the profits can ultimately go to volunteers.

Production Process
The soaps are made with certified organic oils, fats and fragrances from NHR Organic Essential Oils. The process begins by mixing oils and fats with a lye solution, which causes saponification. After 24 hours the soap is ready to be cut and a month-long maturation process begins, during which the pH value slowly changes to make the soap safe and caring. The result is a gentle, nourishing soap that is suitable for hands, face, body and feet.

Sustainability
Sustainability is an important aspect of the Amsterdam Soap Factory. They avoid palm oil, use recycled paper for their packaging and make soaps that offer an environmentally friendly alternative to liquid products with unnecessary additives. The organically grown oils and fats strengthen the ecological responsibility of the product. In addition, the factory contributes to a more social economy by charging fair prices, part of which goes to the social work project.