Natural soap from Nablus Nablus Soap (local partner) is a small company that produces soap on a small scale, traditional way. In 2010, the owner of Nablus Soap visited the Netherlands via the Matchmaking Facility. From that visit plans were developed between Terwel B.V. and Nablus Soap to increase the production and start export to the increasing market for natural soap in Western Europe. In the project the production will be increased to 220 tons a year in different flavours. The consortium will establish a joint venture for the production facility. For the distribution in export markets, Terwel B.V. will be responsible.The partners aim for certified products: initially the Hallal standards will be implemented but also organic and fair trade certifications will be added to the product range. Employment will increase from 12 people now to 36 at the end of the implementation period and will be doubled again two years after the project implementation.Chain effects will be effected by the project by sourcing the raw materials (olive and other oil) from the West Bank and by developing packaging supplies. The joint venture will pay fair salaries to the workers and provide adequate training within the project.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The partners are planning sufficient training for the employees to carry out the jobs properly. The wages will be fair; for the production workers at least 25% above minimum wages will be paid. Beside a social security package will be given to the employees. Working conditions will be good. The partners expect that minimum 12.5% of the workforce will be female and strive for a higher number of female workers.By applying an effective heat management system in the production equipment, environmental issues are addressed.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe number of jobs created by the project in the joint venture is 24 which means tripling the workforce presently employed by Nablus Soap. Salaries will be above the minimum and the partners will pay good attention to the working conditions in the factory. Besides social benefits and health services will be added to the benefits.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe quantity of knowledge that will be applied in the project is substantial. First the company workforce will be trained in modern production techniques, but also the knowledge on certified production will be applied.Between the partners also marketing and distribution knowledge will be transferred.•	Chain effectsThe chain effects will be substantial: a number of regional companies will be involved in the design and production of the packaging material. Preferably, the raw materials will be sourced from the region. Especially for organic and Fair Trade this means also development of the market of that type of raw material. The consortium however leaves it to their suppliers to stimulate increase of production on the specific raw materials.•	EnvironmentThe production process will be as environmental friendly as possible.The production process itself does not create a heavy burden for the environment. Energy consumption will be minimised by choosing the right equipment and the process itself requires little input of water.•	Position of womenThe inclusion of female workers in the workforce of the factory will be minimal. For cleaning and office personnel the partners can assure women will be employed; in case there will be suitable women candidates for other positions, the partner certainly are in favour of employing them. To develop a soap making factory in Nablus with a capacity of 220 tons annually to make exports to western markets under Fair Trade, organic and Hallal certifications.