Bar Soap

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical 125-gram bar soap consists primarily of saponified plant oils or animal fats that form the cleansing base, comprising approximately 75-80% of the total weight. The alkaline material, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide used in the saponification process, represents about 5-8% of the composition. Water content typically accounts for 10-15% of the finished product weight. Optional additives including fragrances and colorants make up the remaining 2-5% of the formulation. Packaging materials consist of paper or cardboard wrapping, weighing approximately 5-10 grams per unit.

Manufacturing Geography

Bar soap production occurs globally with significant manufacturing concentrations in Asia-Pacific regions, particularly India, China, and Southeast Asian countries where both raw materials and labor costs remain competitive. These regions benefit from proximity to palm oil and coconut oil sources, which are primary feedstocks for soap production. The weighted average grid intensity for major soap manufacturing regions is approximately 550 gCO2/kWh, reflecting the mixed energy sources used across different production facilities worldwide.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
Europe	300 gCO2/kWh	32	-16%
North America	400 gCO2/kWh	35	-8%
Asia-Pacific (Default)	550 gCO2/kWh	38	0%
South Africa	800 gCO2/kWh	44	+16%
Global Average	475 gCO2/kWh	36	-5%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Detailed raw material sourcing documentation including specific oil types, processing methods, and supplier locations with transportation distances
2. Manufacturing facility energy consumption data with breakdown of electricity sources and renewable energy percentage
3. Packaging material specifications including recycled content percentages and local sourcing verification
4. Production process efficiency metrics such as water usage, waste generation, and energy consumption per kilogram of finished product
5. End-of-life disposal or recycling data for both the product and packaging materials in target markets

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents total lifecycle emissions for one standard 125-gram bar soap unit from raw material extraction through consumer use and disposal
• Scope 1 emissions include direct manufacturing emissions from fuel combustion and chemical reactions during saponification
• Scope 2 emissions cover electricity consumption during production processes including mixing, heating, and forming operations
• Scope 3 emissions dominate due to hot water usage during consumer washing, representing approximately 80% of total lifecycle impacts
• The functional unit assumes typical consumer usage patterns with standard washing frequency and water temperatures
• Excluded from this assessment are capital equipment manufacturing, facility construction, and research and development activities
• Data gaps exist around regional packaging material variations and specific transportation mode selections for distribution