After decades of slipping, bars of soap make a comeback

BARS of soap are increasing in popularity after decades of decline as consumers turn their backs on wasteful plastic dispensers.

Sales of barred soap have risen by nearly 3 per cent over the past year nationally – and by up to 7 per cent in some stores, data shows.

In the year to September 2018, supermarket shoppers spent £68.3million on soap bars – up from £66.4million the previous year.

The figures, from consumer experts Kantar Worldpanel, show sales grew faster than liquid soaps and shower gel products over the same period.

Growth appears to be highest in upmarket stores such as Waitrose, which reported a 7.1 increase. And

‘Unnecessary plastic packaging’

brands such as Jo Malone and Chanel are marketing their own luxury bars, which is helping to bring them back into fashion.

It comes just two years after a four per cent fall in solid soap.

Analysts said families are shunning products which come in plastic bottles due to an increased awareness of pollution in the environment.

The Daily Mail has highlighted how plastics are polluting the sea with its Turn The Tide On Plastic campaign.

Emma Priestland, of Friends of the Earth, said the rise of solid soaps was ‘great to see’, adding: ‘If more and more of us do it, it’ll put the pressure on those companies who continue to use unnecessary plastic packaging.’