History of company and products
Saponia is a modern company built on over one hundred years of tradition and its employees innovation. The company has developed from a family soap production workshop into one of the largest cleaning and detergent manufacturers in this part of Europe.
Samuel Reinitz establishes a family soap production workshop in Osijek.
Samuel Reinitz's workshop begins cooperation with the world famous company of George Schicht. New products are implemented and production is increased.
Production of VIM, an abrasive cleaning agent, has begun.
The Schicht soap factory merges with the Lever Brothers company from Rotterdam.
After World War II, the factory is nationalized and continues to operate as the 'First Soap Factory Osijek'.
Production of personal hygiene products has begun.
The factory receives the name Saponia which it carries to this day.
The first synthetic laundry detergent for white and coloured garments, called Plavi Radion, is produced.
Production of liquid detergents under the brand name BIS begins. Saponia is one of the first companies in the region to implement marketing activities.
Production of a synthetic laundry detergent for fine garments and creation of the Nila brand has begun.
Factory for the production of detergent and soap undergoes reconstruction; as a result production is modernized.
The company establishes its own research institute.
Library in Saponia was founded as a department within the Research Institute.
Faks helizim has been produced, the first product in this region developed on the basis of biodegradable surfactants and the first to contain enzymes.
An agreement is signed on technical cooperation with Unilever. Factory for the repurchasing and processing of plants called Dalmacijabilje Dubrovnik is annexed.
Zirodent toothpaste brand introduced to the market.
The factory for laundry detergent is reconstructed and the annual production capacity increased to 110,000 tonnes.
Saponia introduced three new strategic brands to the market: Rubel, a universal laundry detergent, Ornel, a fabric softener, and Tipso, a liquid dish detergent.
Saponia creates the Likvi brand, a liquid dish detergent, as well as the Arf brand, a liquid household cleaning agent.
A new modern factory for liquid detergents and personal hygiene-cosmetic products begins operations at a separate location in Nemetin; this factory includes an impressive distribution centre.
During the Homeland War, Saponia suffers large damages to its facilities and is one of the greatest war victims.
Regular post-war production is established and renovation of the factory begins.
The production of PET packaging materials begins.
Saponia is privatized. A strong investment and development cycle begins.
The vechile fleet is renovated with 20 new large vehicles for the transport of finished products.
Toothpaste with active capsules is produced.
The factory for the production of powdered detergents undergoes reconstruction, and production technology is modernized in line with the most modern trends.
Finished products warehouse in Nemetin is renovated to 13,000 cubic meters of useful warehouse space.
Faks helizim, with encapsulated scented sticks and active cleaning grains, is produced.
The automatic factory for the packaging of liquid and powder detergents and toothpastes begins operations; this factory includes robotic palletisers.
Colourful toothpastes produced. Saponia celebrates 110 years of successful business.
A new plant for production of plastic packaging is opened. Saponia recived the ISO 14001 Certificate, verifiying that Saponia has established an environmental management system.
Lifestile line of products incorporated our leading brands: Faks, Ornel, Likvi and Arf.
Eurocompact standard of production introduced.
Faks helizim celebrated 40th anniversary.
Natural & Sensitive line of products is dermatologically tested and designed for consumers with the most sensitive skin. Active Nature line of cleaning products.
Brand Zirodent is replaced by a new brand of toothpaste Kalodont.
Faks helizim celebrated 45th anniversary.
Saponia celebrates 120 years of successful business.
Ornel celebrated 40th anniversary and for this occasion is created new line, Exclusive, which unites brands Ornel, Faks helizim, Nila, Likvi and Bis.
New line Lifestyle unites our most popular brands: Faks helizim, Ornel, Arf, Likvi, Nila and Bis.
Arf and Likvi celebrate 4oth anniversary.
Saponia celebrates 125 years of successful business. A new Eco Active Nature product line is introduced
Saponia launches a new product line with Neofresh® technology.
In the midst of a pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, Saponia enters the market with BIS HANDYSEPT and ARF DEZI-CLEAN products for disinfection and provides institutions and citizens with the necessary means to protect their health.
Saponia takes over the distribution and sale of Kandit and Koestlin products. Beginning of the project for the construction of a logistics and distribution center in Zagreb.
New market launch product lines Hello sunshine, Shu Shu, Ornel detergents, Bioaktiv compact and Kalodont Clean Beauty
Market launch of new products and new product lines: Rubel compact expert, Ornel – Ornel Lifting, Detox and Deofresh, Arf Professional Protect formula, Kalodont Cool & White and Majushka Baby & Kids line.
Faks helizim is celebrating 55 years, and on this occasion a new Radiance line was created, which unites the Faks helizim, Ornel and Bis brands.