The company from Canovelles, in Barcelona, is the only industrial soap factory in Catalonia and produces 350,000 kilos of solid cosmetics a year.
The only industrial soap factory in Catalonia, NicePack has decided to diversify its production and in the last year has decided to consolidate the manufacture of solid soap for third parties and expand it with solid shampoo and hair conditioner, with very good acceptance. The company, located in Canovelles (Barcelona), manufactures around 350,000 kilos of solid cosmetics a year. Ninety-five percent of its raw materials and ingredients are of natural origin.
NicePack is a second-generation family soap factory, founded in 1995. Its general manager, Joaquim Bernat, explains that ‘traditionally we were linked to the manufacture of soap for hotels, but as a result of the pandemic, and due to market changes, we began a plan to transform our business and have diversified into solid cosmetics, with shampoo and hair conditioner and all the proposals that come our way’, he announces. The new product ranges for third parties already represent 50% of turnover.
It manufactures and it packs for different companies and marks that wish a solid and personalised cosmetic. Bernat aims that, among others, elaborate "natural solid soaps of dresser and of treatment (sulphur, clay, exfoliantes natural, Áloe edge, rose mosqueta)", as well as the ones to shave classical, of glicerina, mini natural solid soaps for samples-promotions and amenities of hotel, as well as geles solids and syndets pharmaceutical (breads dermatológicos). "We investigate, we develop and we invest, constantly, in different types of machinery to be ready, according to the requirements of the market in the manufacture and packaging of solid cosmetics". The company has recovered the figures of previous sales to the pandemia and has arrived to 1,5 million euros of turnover. 15% comes from of the export.
Bernat argues that in his company does "a suit to measure". In NicePack have a laboratory suitable for making the control of quality and the proofs of study of new products in his pilot plant. "We are flexible and adapt us to the applications and interests of the market, developing cosmetic solids to measure of the requirements of the customers", puntualiza the director.
Sustainable cosmetic
NicePack is aware that solid cosmetics "are much more sustainable, as the use of water and packaging is reduced". It is a natural cosmetic because they use solid cosmetic shavings as raw material, "without detergents or phosphates. In addition, if the client asks us to do so, we can dose different perfumes, either our own or external", the company points out.
The solid format is the most natural and ecological option on the market and reduces environmental impact. "This type of product needs no packaging. There are no glass, plastic or aluminium jars, just a small absorbent paper. There is hardly any water. It is made with a low percentage of water that practically evaporates during the drying process", the laboratory explains. The soaps they make at NicePack are free of parabens and silicones. "These ingredients are usually used because they are very cheap preservatives and prevent the presence of microorganisms in liquid cosmetic products, but our solid soaps do not need them.
In addition, solid soaps, shampoos and conditioners have a longer shelf life. "They can last twice as long as a cream conditioner, which makes them more economical," says Bernat.