Mettler’s history

In 1929, a Swiss gentleman called Gotthilf Mettler, returned from a long journey to the United Kingdom, where he met an interesting British doctor and brought home a notorious glycerin soap recipe. Seduced by the properties of the glycerin, ingredient practically unknown in Europe at the time, Mr. Mettler with his visionary spirit decided to build his own production site producing glycerin soap since 1930. His first soap, the « Soap for Doctors », is still available today in Swiss pharmacies and abroad.

What is glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a clear and odorless liquid with a sugary taste. Vegetable glycerin is made by heating vegetable fats, such as sustainable soy, palm or coconut oil, under pressure or together with a strong alkali. Under these conditions hydrolysis occurs, the glycerin splits from the fatty acids and mixes with water, forming a syrup-like liquid.

Glycerin is a key ingredient for Mettler because of its numerous virtues. It helps keep the natural moisture of the skin locked in and improves its elasticity. Not only is glycerin able to provide lasting hydration to dry and damaged skin, but due to its gentleness, it can also be used on sensitive skin. Moreover, its texture does not clog pores, making this ingredient ideal for combination, oily and acne-prone skin. Other advantages of this wonder-ingredient are that it helps boost cell regeneration, helps repair the epidermis, accelerates healing, protects the skin against irritation and external aggressors.

Tailor-made solution

As a company with 90 years of experience in soap manufacturing (glycerin and regular soaps), Mettler offers its know-how as a full-service contracting partner to third parties in Switzerland and abroad. This includes the entire project management: raw material sourcing, development of the formula, manufacturing, design creation for the soap and the packaging, according to the needs and requirements of each client and his/her market. The R&D department and the Marketing team will advise you throughout the project and guide you step by step through the process.

Our soaps are 100% made in Switzerland in our own facilities. Mettler offers the «Swiss made» quality and label that promotes a brand internationally.

A long history of collaboration

As illustrated below with some examples, we develop soaps for hotels, perfumery chains, notorious brands and companies that offer branded soaps to their employees. We also supply universities, polices and armies with ballistic soap (block of glycerin soap).