Vanya Tekwani, Year 6

Do you know how soap is made? Well, the Year 6 and 7 students went to the Ste OMSA Sarl soap factory. It was amazing and we got to learn about the resources used in making soap and how soap is made. We were accompanied by our teachers, Mrs. Gajwani and Mrs. Mbaka. It was a 45 minutes drive, but we were still full of energy when we arrived there.

There were many different machines for soap making. Most of the ingredients such as palm kernel oil, red palm oil, ethanol and water are bought locally, while a few others come from other countries.

The first container has water, silicate and caustic soda. The second container contains palm kernel oil and red oil. The mixture in container 2 is poured into container 1. This process is called saponification. It is left to rest for 24 hours to harden and dry. After drying, it is taken to a grinder, crushed again and mixed with perfume, colour and ethanol. The final product goes through a rolling, printing and cutting machine and SAI Soap is made.

We acquired so much knowledge. I used to think the process of soap making was complex and difficult until we visited Ste OMSA. Now I realise that it is indeed simple and fun to make soap.

Priyanshi Tahilramani, Year 7

Monday 2nd March 2026 was indeed an interesting day for us, as we visited Ste OMSA Sarl-a soap-making factory at Seme Podji, Cotonou.

On arrival, they gave us nose masks for safety and showed us all the natural resources used in making soap, such as water, ethanol, caustic soda and others.

According to our host, the first step in the making of soap involves the following raw materials: palm kernel oil and red oil being mixed in a rectangular box.

Next, they mix caustic soda, water and silicate and then pour this into the first container. It is allowed to dry and harden, in a process called Saponification. The hardened soap is taken to a grinding machine for proper crushing. It is after this that you add colour, fragrance and ethanol.

Finally, the soap passes through a rolling machine where it is cut into the desired shapes, the name of the soap printed on it and the soap packaged,

Sai soap is eco-friendly and made from locally produced resources. It is affordable. The field trip was fun and very informative. In addition, there are many workers, so SAI soap also provides jobs for many people in Benin.