The idea for a new book dedicated exclusively to soaps emerged from looking at material published in

three prior books and at unpublished lectures from two previous conferences. I hope this book will be a
useful reference guide for those already in the soap industry and for newcomers as well.
The first book I edited and coauthored, entitled Soap Ecbnolugyfor the 1990;,published by AOCS
press in 1990, is currently out of print. Soaps and Detergents, which followed in 1996, is also out
of print. My most recently edited and coauthored book, SODEOPEC, published in 2004, is still in
print.
This new publication, Soap Manufacturing Technology, contains revised versions of the most
important chapters from previous books. Soap related lectures that were presented in the 2006 and
2008 SODEOPEC (Soap, Detergents, Oleochemicals and Personal Care Products) conferences are
included. Additional new material completes the book.
I wish to extend my appreciation to AOCS Press for publishing this updated book dedicated solely
to the soap industry. My coauthors and I are pleased that this book will be introduced at the AOCS
100th Anniversary Conference and Expo on May 3,2009, in Orlando, Florida.
I especially appreciate the work of all the authors who updated their selected chapters from previous
books. ?hanks also to the new contributors. The writers‘ sharing of their knowledge will benefit us all.
O n a personal note, I feel fortunate to have been involved in the field of soap and to have worked
with a product which preserves and enhances people’s health, well-being, and beauty. I am grateful for
the opportunity the industry has given me to be of service.

Luis Spitz

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