CHAPTER 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION:
Soap is the traditional washing compound made from oil fats and caustic alkali. It is an item
of daily necessity as cleaning agent. There are few specialty soaps like the washing soaps,
castile soaps, sandal soaps, humam soaps, lux soaps, Medimix soaps, specially flavored
soaps, medical soaps, toilet soaps and baby soaps. Population growth, especially households
with children has a proportional impact on the growth of the manufacturing sector of the
industry. The soap industry is vivacious, varied, creative and tricky, and has the prospective
to provide a gratifying career.

With increasing popularity there has been increase in potential competitors but it still has the
opportunity of further exploitation. Today with increase in disposable incomes all around the
world, demand for these products expected to increase because consumers are moving up
towards premium products. With increasing awareness of hygience standrad, the market for
the soap is growing at a rate higher than 8% annually. People have become more creative in
trying to find new ways in which they can make soap ethier for domestic use commerical
purposes. This book will provide all the basic facts and information you need to get started.
You will be able to slowly build your way upto compelety master the art of soap making.
Soap is undoubtedly the oldest product to be produced specifically as a surfactant and in its
many forms continues to play a major role today. Within this highly competitive market place
soap is present in a multitude of forms both solid and liquid. The soap industry in india is at
high growth rate and many new entrants are planning to launch their product in this category.
The overall soap industry is worth at 60000 crores. India with a huge population has a
household penetration of soaps at 98%. People belonging to different income levels use
different brands,which fall under different segments, but all income levels use soaps, making
it the second largest category in india. Rural consumers in india constitute 70% of population.

Rural demand growing, with more than more soap brands being launched in the discount
segment targeting the lower socio-economic strata of consumers. Soap manufactures
originally targeted their products to the lowest income strata in urban as well as rural areas,
positioning their brands as a way to remove dirt and clean the body. The book contains
processes formulae, photographs of plants & machinery with suppliers contact details,
addresses of raw material suppliers and providing information regarding manufacturing
method of different washing and toilet soaps. Some of the fundamentals of the book are raw

1
material oil fats, fatty acids, manufacture, various formulations soaps, soap perfumery,
management of soap factories, analyical methods.

This book will be a mile stone for its readers who are new to this sectors, will also find useful
for professionals, entrepreneurs, those studying and researching in this important area. Soap
is a necessary item for good hygience. Ingredients for making soap can be found almost
anywhere and the process is simple. Making homemade soap allows people to make soap that
suits their needs and preference and can also be a business opportunity for local entrepreneur.

 WHAT IS SOAP:
Soap is a cleaning agent made of a combination of fats, a base and water. It comes in
different varieties such as bars,liquid, and power.

 HOW DOES SOAP WORK?

Soap causes particles that cannot be dissovled in water to become water –soluble. they
attach to soap.

 HOW TO MAKE SOAP:

There are 3 key ingredients in soap: oil or fat, lye water.

2
MEDIMIX SOAP

Medimix Ayurveda is an Indian brand of ayurvedic/herbal soap manufactured and

marketed by AVA Cholayil Private Limited and Cholayil Private Limited, a Chennai-
based company. The brand was founded by Dr. Valiparambil Padmanabhan Sidhan
from Valapad, Thrissur, Kerala. The company has a global presence and is present in
over 35 countries worldwide.

In 1969 Dr. Sidhan combined a recipe 18 herbs to make a skin care soap. Medimix is
currently available in four types of soap, three of body wash, five facial cleansers and
hygiene products like hand wash and sanitizers.

In 2011, Medimix was judged the 87th-most trusted brand in India and the 15th-most
trusted brand in the personal care category according to the Brand Equity Survey
conducted by the Economic Times.

Medimix has grown synonymous with ‘skin care, the natural way’ and for generations
of women, indeed entire families, have placed their trust on the Medimix range of
products. Currently available in eight variants of ayurvedic soap, six variants of Herbal
body wash, six variants in the face wash, herbal hand wash, ayurvedic hair shampoo &
conditioner, and a few other products, Medimix is expanding its range and bringing
natural skin care to more people across the world.

3
1.2 QUALITIES OF GOOD BATH SOAP :
When it comes to making a good bar of soap there are fives qualities that most soap makers
formulate their soap recipe for: Bubby,Cleansing, Hardness, Conditioning and creamy. In
most ,not all ,soap recipes that you find online you will see three soap making oils over and
over again: olive oil, plam oil and coconut oil, I live to call them the staple soap making oils.
There is a reason that these three were chosen in many soap recipes and still today are the
core soap making oils.

Olive oil provided the conditioning quality of the soap.it”s what made the soap not drying but
moisturizing. Cocount oil is used to give the soap its hardness after saponification, the
cleansing quailty we all want our soap to do in the first place and it also lends in the
providing the bubble factor of the soap. Lastly, palm oil also helped with hardness of the soap
bar but it also gave the lather it”s creaminess.

With just these three soap making oils you can formulate a balanced bar of soap. Now, that
would make for a boring bar of the soap especially with all the wonderful oils out there to add
which can make each formulation unique.

1.3 FORMULATION:
Soap is made when a part of an oil molecule (or fatty acid) binds to a sodium ion in a full
chemical process. It”s feasible to achieve the outcomes we desire in our soaps by selecting
oils with specified molecular qualities (in other words, selecting the right fatty acids) and
blending them in the precise quantities. Bath soap is made either in a batch or in a continuous
process. These cleaning products contain a variety of chemicals that help them clean more
effectively.

1.4 INGREDIENTS:
Some of the essential ingredients of bath soap include-Tac powder, Soap Noodle, color, olive
oil, almond oil, grape seed, safflower, oatmeal, clay cormeal salt, aloe vera gel, or perfume &
DM water any other item which you might want to use.
Soap – making materials use can be purchased for a very low price. It is even less expensive
if you buy them in bulk. If you can get the price correct up front, the remainder of your
business will be a breeze later on. As a result, we recommend wholesale raw materials.

4
Alkali and fat are the two main raw components needed to make soap. The most frequent raw
ingredient used in soap production is sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide, on the other
hand, can be used, The latter produces a soap production in sodium hydroxide. Potassium
hyroxide, on the other hand, can be used. The latter produces a soap that is more water
soluble. As a result, potassium hydroxide producces “soft soap”.Locally, raw resources are
sold at a lower cost.

1.5 MARKET ANALYSIS:

The global bath soap market is being driven by the growing global population. The industry
is especially being aided by the large millennial population who are a significant industry
driver for the overall consumer sector. Millennials account for nearly 30% of the total
population and from the largest demographic group, globally. India accounts for the largest
millennials population who makes up almost 34% of the country‟s population make a major
part of the workfroce. The expanding disposable incomes, espescially in emerging countries
like China and India, leading to chaning lifestyles and higher standards of living, are aiding
the bath soap industry.
The industry is being driven by the diversification of the product. The consumers are also
seeking out soaps with different fragrances and moisturising abilities. With rising pollution
levels, globally, the industry is finding further impetus for its growth as key players are
launching new products aimed at protecting the skin from pollutants. The increasing hygience
consciousness among the consumers is further aiding the industry growth. Aggressive
marketing campaigns by major manufacturers along with celebrity endorsements, are
propelling the industry forward. However, the industry growth might be hampered by the
rising availability of alternatives like shower gels and bath powders, among others.

5
1.6 SOAP MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
Soap are the product of the reaction between a fat and sodium hydroxide.
Fat + 3NaOH → glycerine + 3 soap

1.6.1 Saponification:
 The chemical reaction between any fat and sodium hydroxide is a saponification
reaction.
 The process of making soap by the hydroxide of fats and oils with alkalies.
 In saponification, a mixture of tallow b (aminal fat) and coconut oil is mixed with
sodium hydroxide and heated.
 The soap produced is the salt of a long chain carboexyic acid.
1.6.2 Glycerine Removal:
 Glycerine is more valuable than soap, so most of it is separated.
 Some is left with the soap with aids the soap to become smooth.
 Soap are not soluble and does not gives lather or foam in salt water, while glycerine
is,so salt is include in the wet soap causing it to exclude out into soap and glycerine
in saltwater.
1.6.3 Soap Purification:
 Any remaining sodium hydroxide is now neutralized using a weak acid example citric
acid and two-thirds of the remaining water is separated.
1.6.4 Finishing:
 Additives like preservatives, color, and fragrance causing agents are added and mixed
in with the soap and are them molded into bars for selling purposes.

1.7 CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR:

 The term consumer behaviour refers to the behavior that consumers display in
searching for, purchasing, using, evaluating, and disposing of products and services
that key expect will satisfy their needs.
 Consumers behaviour can also be defined as those acts of comsumers directly
involved in obtained using and disposing of economic goods and services, including
the decision processe that preceeded and determine these ects.

6
  The study of consumer behaviour is study of how individuals make decisions to spend
their available resources (time, money, effort) on consumption-related items. It
includes the study of what they buy it, when they buy it, where they buy it, how often
they buy it and how often they use it.
 To successfully market to different segments the marketing manager needs
appropriate marketing strategies which he can design only when he can understand
the factors which account for these differences in consumers behaviour and faster.

1.8 NEED FOR STUDY:

 Medimix soaps despite their divergent brands, are not well differentiated by the
consumers.
 It is, therefore, not clear if it is the brand loyalty or experimentation lured by high
volume media campaign, which sustain them.
 A consequence is that the market is fragmented.
 It is obvious that this must lead to a highly competitive market.

1.9 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:

 To see the awareness level of the consumer in reference to soap market.
 To find out brand and colour and shape preference among surveyed consumers.
 What are the additional features required their brand and thier loyalty.
 To know the reson for a switch over from one brand to another.
 To study the influence of various sources of infromation on consumers buying
behaviour.
 To evaluate the extent of expenditure of soaps.
 To check consumer reliablitiy on soap adverisements and appeal of advertisement for
soap.

1.10 SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

 Related to coverage geographical area
 The scope of the study is restricted to the area.
 The respondends are the true representatives of the population related to product
selection.
7
1.11 NATURE OF STUDY:
 The study can be classified as a social research since it deals with the behaviour
pattern of respondents. A social research may not be as precise or accurate as the
researchers in physical sciences in making predicition. However, techniques have
been developed to reduce as far as possible the inaccuracy is studying social
phenomenon.
 It is an exploratory research: The basic aim of the exploratory research study is to
gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insight into it. In this particular
study an attempt made to comprehend and gain insights into the buying behaviour of
consumer with reference to soaps.
 It has an applied base: The result obtained from this study and the references drawn
from it will be used and applied to the field of marketing of soaps.

8
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The brand was founded by Dr. Valiparambil Padmanabhan Sidhan from Valapad, Thrissur,
Kerala. The company has a global presence and is present in over 35 countries worldwide.

In 1969 Dr. Sidhan combined a recipe 18 herbs to make a skin care soap. Medimix is
currently available in four types of soap, three of body wash, five facial cleansers and
hygiene products like hand wash and sanitizers.

In 2011, Medimix was Judged the 87th-most trusted brand in India and the 15th-most trusted
brand in the personal care category according to the Brand Equity Survey conducted by the
Economic Times.

9
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 METHODOLOGY:

Research methodology is a way to systematically represent are search on any problem. It

tends taken by the researcher in studying the research problem along with the logic behind
them. It tends to define the methodology for the solution of the problem that has been
undertaken. for the purpose of the study.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN:

A research design is the overall description of all the steps though which the project have
preceded from the setting of objectives to the writing of the project report. The success of the
project depents on the soundness of the research design, which includes problem definition,
specific method of data collection and analysis and time required for the project.

3.2.1 Types of Research Design:

The research desgins is formulated after the formulated of objectives and according to the
rquirement of the study. The following types of reseacrh design are used for the purpose of
study with different objectives to frame of mind.

3.3 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:

Sample design is the theoretical basis and the practice mean by generalizing from
characteristics of relatively few of the comprising population. It is the method by which the
sample is chosen.

3.3.1 Non-probability sampling:

Non-probability sampling is defined as a sampling technique in which the researcher selects

samples based on the subjective judgment of the researcher rather than random selection.

3.3.2 Convenience sampling:

A convenience sample is a type of non-probability sampling method where the sample is

taken from a group of people easy to contact or to reach.

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3.4 SOURCES OF DATA:

Sources of Data begins with figuring out what sort of data is needed, followed by the
collection of a sample from a certain section of the population. Next, you have to utilize a
certain tool to gather the data from the chosen sample.

The two types of sources of data are:

3.4.1 Primary data:

 The Primary data for this study was collected through questionnaire.

3.4.2 Secondary data:

 Secondary data was collected from external sources like Websites, Journals etc.

11
 CHAPTER 4
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

S.NO AGE NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)

1 15 to 20 5 10

2 21 to 25 18 36

3 26 to 30 22 44

4 31 to 35 5 10

TOTAL 50 100

INTERPRETATION :
44 % of the consumers are in the Age Group of 26-30 Years, 36% of the
consumers are in the Age Group of 21-25 Years, 10%% of the consumers
are in the Age Group of 15--20 Years, 10% of the consumers are in the Age
Group of 31-35 Years.

4.1.1 – AGE WISE CLASSIFICATION

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10 NO OF RESPONDENTS
0
TOTAL
Statisfied

Highly statisfied
Disstatisfied

Highly Disstatisfied

PERCENTAGE(%)

1 2 3 4

12
 4.2 USING MEDIMIX BRAND BY THE RESPONDENTS

S.NO USER NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)

1 YES 41 82

2 NO 9 18

TOTAL 50 100

INTERPRETATION :

The above table 4.2 shows that 82% are in the group of Yes, 18% are in the
group of No.

4.1.2 USING MEDIMIX BRAND BY THE RESPONDENTS

PERCENTAGE

27% 1 Statisfied
2 Disstatisfied
50% 3 Highly statisfied
3% 4 Highly Disstatisfied

16% 4 TOTAL

4%

13
 4.3 LEVEL OF STATISFACTION OF THE PRODUCTS

LEVEL OF
S.NO STATISFACTION NO OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Statisfied 27 54
2 Disstatisfied 3 6
3 Highly statisfied 16 32
4 Highly Disstatisfied 4 8

TOTAL 50 100

INTERPRETATION :

From the above table, 54% of the respondents this product statisfied, 6% of the
respondents this product disstatisfied, 32% of the respondents this product
highly statisfied, and 8% of the respondents this product highly disstatisfied.

27%
27% 1 Statisfied
2 Disstatisfied
50% 50% 3 Highly statisfied
3% 3%
4 Highly Disstatisfied

16% 4 TOTAL
4% 16%
4%

14
 CHAPTER 5

FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

FINDINGS:

The chapter presents of findings suggestions and conclusion derived from the
analysis in the preceding chapters. The major finding of the studied is given

Following is the main finding of the study

 A majority of the respondents (44%) in the age group of 26-30 A majority of the
respondents are female (64%) user.
 A majority of the respondents (76%) are unmarried
 A majority of the respondents (64%) are Degree Graduate user.
 A majority of the respondents (60%) are Private employee
 A majority of the respondents (82%) are using the Medimix product user.
 A majority of the respondents (58%) are using product Medimix brand selected.
 A majority of the respondents (80%) are kind of product only women.
 A majority of the respondents (38%) are to cosmetic users of products for stylish
 A majority of the respondents (36%) are grooming products in feel better.
 A majority of the respondents (32%) are using Medimix Soap.
 A majority of the respondents (58%) are in 1-3 years used.
 A majority of the respondents (46%) are consume the Medimix product monthly.
 A majority of the respondents (46%) are monthly expended to Below Rs. 100.
 A majority of the respondents (38%) are influencing factor for buying
 Medimix production Advertisement & Brand.
 A majority of the respondents (42%) are buying place for Medimix product in
Department Store.
 A majority of the respondents (52%) are mostly buying in 75gm .
 A majority of the respondents (54%) are level of statisfaction Statisfied.
 A majority of the respondents have the opinion about price of Medimix is product
Reasonable(20%)

15
5.2 CONCLUSION

The respondents felt price was at a medium level as per thier perception respective of the
brand and which indicates majority of the soap were not high ends brands when their
purchasing decision is made for 35% of lux users had felt price level was a high end.
Moreover Sandur, Rexona and dettol soap users had never felt that the brands were at a high
end since none respondents indicated that the price level was high for the above three brands.

The youngest and middle class peoples are highly. The coustomers buying various brand of
soap see that TV advertisement, newspaper, FM ratio various customer message passed and
buying way relationshin.

The single customer there is high wants various products used because single person any
were brand wants for various customers the maintenance for low level, high level of price for
any one product is purchase and the other people unlike of various a brands above details
indicates that the customers are more consious on preception of price & product
characteristics of the brand at the point of purchase. Therfore it can be recommended to
improve the skin protection attributes of the product while proving a considerable emphasis
to enhance the fragance of the product ,which will enable the brands to capture more market
share in the various beatuy soap segment.

Tv advertisements being the most influenced promotional activity of the respondents being
influenced by the customer.The respondents made thier purchasing due to discount & free
banded promotions of majority of the respondents purchased the soap from super markets and
other from fancy shops buying wanted. The recommendation can be made to introduce more
fee branded issue or discount time to time remind the brand to cnsumers. The all customer
buying various bath soap is well production, manufacture and protectively, all various use of
bathing soap is very satisfied of customer.

16
USER OF MEDIMIX SOAP PRODUCT

17
1.QUESTIONNAIRE:

1) Name :

2) Age :

a.15 to 20 b. 21-25 c. 26-30 d. 31-35

3) Sex:

a. Male b. Female c. Trance gender

4) Marital Status:

a. Married b. Unmarried

5) Education Qualification :

a. SSLC b. HSC c. Graduate d. Post graduate e. Other of Any

6) Occupational Status:

a. Students b. Government Employee c. Private Employee d. Self Employee

e. Un Employee

7) What is the frequency of purchase of the soap.

a.Weekly b. Monthly c. Bimonthly d.Quarterly.

8) How often do you change your soap brand?.

a.less than 1 month b. Weekly 1s c. More than

9) How many bath soaps do you personally require every month?.

a. 1 b. 2

10) Dose your overall family use same bathing soap.

a. Yes b. no

18
11) How many times a month you buy your bathing soaps?

a. once b. Twice c. Thrice d. More than 3 times,

12) How many days you use your one bathing soap?

a. 1-3 b. 3-6 c. 6-8 d.8 and more

13) In your opinion what is the reason for price hike of fuel in India.

a. super market b. Bazars c. Online d. Any other

14) Have you ever used homemade soap?

a. Yes b.no

19
2.QUESTIONNAIRE:

1) Name :

2) Age :

a.15 to 20 b. 21-25 c. 26-30 d. 31-35

3) Sex:

a. Male b. Female c. Trance gender

4) Marital Status:

a. Married b. Unmarried

5) Education Qualification :

a. SSLC b. HSC c. Graduate d. Post graduate e. Other of Any

6) Occupational Status:

a. Students b. Government Employee c. Private Employee d. Self Employee

e. Un Employee

7) What is the frequency of purchase of the soap.

a.Weekly b. Monthly c. Bimonthly d.Quarterly.

8) How often do you change your soap brand?.

a.less than 1 month b. Weekly 1s c. More than

9) How many bath soaps do you personally require every month?.

a. 1 b. 2

10) Dose your overall family use same bathing soap.

a. Yes b. no

20
11) How many times a month you buy your bathing soaps?

a. once b. Twice c. Thrice d. More than 3 times,

12) How many days you use your one bathing soap?

a. 1-3 b. 3-6 c. 6-8 d.8 and more

13) In your opinion what is the reason for price hike of fuel in India.

a. super market b. Bazars c. Online d. Any other

14) Have you ever used homemade soap?

a. Yes b.no

21
3.QUESTIONNAIRE:

1) Name :

2) Age :

a.15 to 20 b. 21-25 c. 26-30 d. 31-35

3) Sex:

a. Male b. Female c. Trance gender

4) Marital Status:

a. Married b. Unmarried

5) Education Qualification :

a. SSLC b. HSC c. Graduate d. Post graduate e. Other of Any

6) Occupational Status:

a. Students b. Government Employee c. Private Employee d. Self Employee

e. Un Employee

7) What is the frequency of purchase of the soap.

a.Weekly b. Monthly c. Bimonthly d.Quarterly.

8) How often do you change your soap brand?.

a.less than 1 month b. Weekly 1s c. More than

9) How many bath soaps do you personally require every month?.

a. 1 b. 2

10) Dose your overall family use same bathing soap.

a. Yes b. no

22
11) How many times a month you buy your bathing soaps?

a. once b. Twice c. Thrice d. More than 3 times,

12) How many days you use your one bathing soap?

a. 1-3 b. 3-6 c. 6-8 d.8 and more

13) In your opinion what is the reason for price hike of fuel in India.

a. super market b. Bazars c. Online d. Any other

14) Have you ever used homemade soap?

a. Yes b.no

23
4.QUESTIONNAIRE:

1) Name :

2) Age :

a.15 to 20 b. 21-25 c. 26-30 d. 31-35

3) Sex:

a. Male b. Female c. Trance gender

4) Marital Status:

a. Married b. Unmarried

5) Education Qualification :

a. SSLC b. HSC c. Graduate d. Post graduate e. Other of Any

6) Occupational Status:

a. Students b. Government Employee c. Private Employee d. Self Employee

e. Un Employee

7) What is the frequency of purchase of the soap.

a.Weekly b. Monthly c. Bimonthly d.Quarterly.

8) How often do you change your soap brand?.

a.less than 1 month b. Weekly 1s c. More than

9) How many bath soaps do you personally require every month?.

a. 1 b. 2

10) Dose your overall family use same bathing soap.

a. Yes b. no

24
11) How many times a month you buy your bathing soaps?

a. once b. Twice c. Thrice d. More than 3 times,

12) How many days you use your one bathing soap?

a. 1-3 b. 3-6 c. 6-8 d.8 and more

13) In your opinion what is the reason for price hike of fuel in India.

a. super market b. Bazars c. Online d. Any other

14) Have you ever used homemade soap?

a. Yes b.no

25