From the first steam-powered olive oil and soap production factory in Lesvos in 1870 to the largest soap manufacturing industry in Europe — this is Papoutsanis!
With over 155 years of heritage and advanced expertise in everyday wellbeing, Papoutsanis remains a proudly Greek company, with a rich history and achievements that have shaped the use of soap in Greece and its evolution into modern products and categories.
1870
Η εταιρεία ιδρύεται στο Πλωμάρι της Λέσβου από τον οραματιστή επιχειρηματία, Δημήτριο Παπουτσάνη. Με εκλεκτές πρώτες ύλες τα αγνά φυτικά έλαια, ανοίγει το δρόμο για τη δημιουργία μιας ιστορικής εταιρίας που συνεχίζει την επιτυχημένη της πορεία μέχρι σήμερα.
Λέσβος
Δημήτρης Παπουτσάνης
The company relocates its operations to Piraeus. A new chapter beginswith the construction of one of the first soap factories in Greece and the production of the first green laundry soap in cube form.
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
The company relocates to Kato Kifisia and expands into new production units for fatty acids-glycerin, cosmetics, and edible oils and fats.
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, the company introduces the Natura refill pouch to the Greek market.
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.
A new management team takes over, initiating a comprehensive restructuring and revitalization of the company.
2010
ΝΕΑ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΗ
Papoutsanis enters the Specialty Soap Bases market, establishing its fourth business division.
2015
ΣΑΠΩΝΟΜΑΖΕΣ
During the Covid-19 crisis, the company prioritizes the production of biocides and antiseptics to meet urgent public health needs. A strong period of innovation and sustainable growth begins.
2020
ANTISEPTIC
The company acquires Malikoutis S.A., entering the household and laundry care categories under the Arkadi brand.
2023
