From the first steam-powered olive oil and soap factory on Lesbos in 1870 to Europe’s largest soap manufacturer. This is Papoutsanis.
With more than 155 years of heritage and deep expertise in the art of daily living, it remains a purely Greek company, with a history and achievements that shaped the soap category in Greece and paved the way for modern personal care products.
1870
Lesbos, 1870. The olive-covered island in the North Aegean inspired the visionary and entrepreneur of the time, Dimitris Papoutsanis, to build the region’s first steam-powered olive oil and soap factory. Using pure vegetable oils as select raw materials, he began producing green olive oil soap, paving the way for the creation of a historic company that continues its successful journey to this day.
Λέσβος
Δημήτρης Παπουτσάνης
In 1913, the company moved its production facility to Piraeus, marking a new chapter in its history. There, it built one of the first soap factories in Greece, where green laundry soap and Marseille soap bars were produced for widespread use.
1913
Παναγιώτης Παπουτσάνης
Πειραιάς
1936
Once again at the forefront of innovation, the company enters the fragrantsoap market with pioneering products for the era: a lilac-scented soap and Flora – the first soap in gelatin packaging in the Greek market.
In the early 1950s, amid rising living standards in Greece, Papoutsanis introduces the iconic Karavaki– a fragrant soap that enjoys timeless popularity
to this day.
1950
1967
In 1967, the company built a new, modern factory in Kato Kifissia. A fatty acids and glycerin unit was established at this factory, and a modern cosmetics division (and later edible oils and fats) was added.
Κηφισιά
In the early 1970s, the Kifisia plant manufactures the first glycerin soap under the Papoutsanis brand.
1970
1972
The company’s upward trajectory is marked by its listing on the Athens Stock Exchange.
A highly creative decade begins with the launch of the Aromatics shower gels, featuring addictive, luxurious fragrances.
1990
AROMATICS
1994
Well ahead of its time, Papoutsanis introduced the Natura refillable pouch to the Greek market, bringing the concept of refills to personal care for the first time. In this way, she educates consumers to refill their products and reduce plastic use—long before sustainability became part of the public discourse.
NATURA
2001
In February 2001, Papoutsanis inaugurates its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Ritsona, Evia, where its products continue to be produced today.
The company is transitioning to new management, marking the beginning of a new era. Through a comprehensive restructuring and strategic transformation plan, the groundwork is being laid for the dynamic growth that lies ahead.
2010
ΝΕΑ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΗ
Leveraging its deep expertise in soap-making, Papoutsanis is entering the specialty soap market, developing a new strategic business pillar.
2015
ΣΑΠΩΝΟΜΑΖΕΣ
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Papoutsanis is responding immediately to society’s needs by prioritizing the production of biocides and antiseptics. At the same time, the company is embarking on a new era of innovation and growth, with a focus on sustainability.
2020
SANITISERS
With the acquisition of Malikoutis S.A. and the addition of the Arkadi brand to its portfolio, Papoutsanis is expanding aggressively into the major home and laundry care categories.
2022-2023
Today, Papoutsanis continues to grow rapidly, investing in innovation and sustainability. It creates products that bring responsible choices closer to everyday life, responding to modern needs.