Cold Processed Soaps (110grams)

1. Natural Ingredients

Cold processed soaps are typically made from natural, biodegradable ingredients such as plant oils (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil) and lye (sodium hydroxide). These ingredients are often sourced from renewable resources and can be sustainably harvested. Natural ingredients decompose more easily, reducing environmental impact.

2. Minimal Processing

The cold process method involves mixing oils and lye at low temperatures, which requires less energy compared to other methods like hot processing or commercial soap production. This results in lower carbon emissions during manufacturing. The saponification (soap-making) reaction occurs naturally without the need for external heat sources, further reducing energy consumption.

3. Reduced Packaging

Many cold processed soap producers emphasize minimal and eco-friendly packaging. They often use biodegradable or recyclable materials, which helps reduce waste and the carbon footprint associated with packaging production and disposal.

4. Small Batch Production

Cold processed soaps are often made in small batches by artisans or small businesses. This localized production model can reduce transportation emissions compared to mass-produced soaps that are distributed globally. Local production also supports local economies and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.

5. Longer Lasting

Cold processed soaps tend to be more concentrated and last longer than commercial soaps, reducing the frequency of purchases and, consequently, the environmental impact of production and disposal.

Scientific Explanation and References

1. Energy Efficiency
   • The cold process method is energy-efficient because it does not require the high temperatures needed for hot processing or industrial soap production. This directly translates to lower energy consumption and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Reference: Energy and Environmental Science, a journal that publishes research on sustainable energy.
2. Biodegradability of Natural Ingredients
   • Natural oils and fats used in cold processed soaps are biodegradable, meaning they break down more easily in the environment compared to synthetic detergents.
   • Reference: "Biodegradability of Surfactants" in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
3. Reduced Chemical Use
   • Cold processed soaps do not require synthetic chemicals or preservatives, which can have harmful environmental effects. The absence of these chemicals in production also reduces the potential for environmental contamination.

   • 1. Raw Materials

     Let's consider a typical cold processed soap recipe using the following ingredients:
     • 500g olive oil
     • 300g coconut oil
     • 200g palm oil
     • 130g sodium hydroxide (lye)
     • 380g water

     Carbon Footprint of Ingredients

     • Olive Oil: Approximately 6.1 kg CO2e per kg of olive oil .
     • Coconut Oil: Approximately 1.92 kg CO2e per kg of coconut oil .
     • Palm Oil: Approximately 3.7 kg CO2e per kg of palm oil .
     • Sodium Hydroxide: Approximately 2 kg CO2e per kg of sodium hydroxide .
     • Water: Negligible for small quantities.

     Calculation

     • Olive oil: 500g = 0.5 kg → 0.5 kg * 6.1 kg CO2e/kg = 3.05 kg CO2e
     • Coconut oil: 300g = 0.3 kg → 0.3 kg * 1.92 kg CO2e/kg = 0.576 kg CO2e
     • Palm oil: 200g = 0.2 kg → 0.2 kg * 3.7 kg CO2e/kg = 0.74 kg CO2e
     • Sodium hydroxide: 130g = 0.13 kg → 0.13 kg * 2 kg CO2e/kg = 0.26 kg CO2e
     Total Carbon Footprint of Raw Materials: 3.05 + 0.576 + 0.74 + 0.26 = 4.626 kg CO2e

     2. Soap-Making Process

     The energy used in the cold process method is minimal, typically limited to mixing and possibly a short curing period under ambient conditions.

     Energy Consumption

     Assuming 0.1 kWh of electricity for mixing and preparation:
     • Average carbon intensity of electricity (global average): 0.475 kg CO2e per kWh .
     • Energy used: 0.1 kWh → 0.1 kWh * 0.475 kg CO2e/kWh = 0.0475 kg CO2e

     3. Packaging

     Assume the soap is packaged in recyclable paper, with a negligible carbon footprint per bar.

     4. Transportation

     Assume local distribution within a 50 km radius, with an average delivery carbon footprint of 0.1 kg CO2e per bar.

     Total Carbon Footprint Per Bar of Soap

     • Raw materials: 4.626 kg CO2e
     • Soap-making process: 0.0475 kg CO2e
     • Packaging: Negligible
     • Transportation: 0.1 kg CO2e
     Total: 4.626 + 0.0475 + 0.1 = 4.7735 kg CO2e per batch of soap If the batch yields 10 bars of soap: Carbon Footprint per Bar: 4.7735 kg CO2e / 10 = 0.47735 kg CO2e (or approximately 477 grams CO2e per bar)
   • Reference: "Environmental Impact of Synthetic Chemicals" in Environmental Pollution.
4. Packaging and Waste Reduction
   • Many cold processed soap makers use minimal and sustainable packaging. Studies have shown that reducing packaging waste can significantly lower the overall carbon footprint of a product.

 

• • Reference: "The Environmental Impact of Packaging" in the Journal of Industrial Ecology.

Conclusion

The sustainability and low carbon footprint of cold processed soaps can be attributed to their natural ingredients, minimal processing, eco-friendly packaging, localized production, and long-lasting nature. These factors collectively reduce the environmental impact compared to conventional soap production methods.