Private-label laundry detergent manufacturing: 5 steps from formula to finished product

Many online shops, retail chains and distributors want laundry detergent under their own brand but don’t want to invest in a factory. The common route is contract manufacturing: you use a factory with existing production lines, while you look after the brand and sales. Here is what to know before you start.

OEM vs ODM

	OEM	ODM
Formula	Choose one of the factory’s existing formulas	The factory develops a formula to your brief
Time to market	Faster	Longer, because samples must be made and tested
Suits	You want to launch fast or test the market	You want a distinctive scent or performance

Either way, the product carries your brand on the pack.

What to prepare before contacting a factory

• Product: laundry liquid, 2-in-1 detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner…
• Pack format: bottle, can or pouch, and the volume.
• Expected quantity for the first and following batches.
• Sales channels: e-commerce, shops or supermarkets. Each has different packaging and paperwork needs.
• Scent and colour you have in mind, with a reference product if you have one.

The 5-step process

1. Discuss your needs: product, pack format, expected quantity and where you plan to sell.
2. Choose a formula and make samples: pick an existing formula or develop a new one. The factory sends samples for you to try before you decide.
3. Packaging and documents: finalise bottles, cans, labels and the paperwork needed before production.
4. Production and testing: mixing and filling at the factory. Every batch has its own records and retained samples for reference.
5. Delivery: finished goods are delivered on the schedule agreed in the contract.

What to ask when choosing a contract manufacturer

• Quality management: is the factory ISO certified, and where are products tested before release?
• Raw materials: which suppliers provide the fragrances and active ingredients?
• Batch records and retained samples for reference when needed.
• Confidentiality: are formula and brand information covered in the contract?
• Minimum order, sampling time and production time: these depend on the product and pack format, so ask for figures for your exact product.
• Does the factory make this product every day? A factory that produces it daily for its own brands already has the lines and experience.

Contract manufacturing at Komlife

Komlife Vietnam offers OEM/ODM manufacturing of laundry liquid, 2-in-1 detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner, fabric spray and hand wash:

• A 20,000 m² factory in Hung Yen, opened in 2018, handling everything from mixing to packing.
• ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified.
• Capacity of 6 million products a year.
• Raw materials: fragrances from Mane and Givaudan; active ingredients from BASF and Kao.
• The same lines that make Komlife’s five brands: SPY, URA, Abby, Givebe and Eddy.

See the details and send your requirements on the OEM/ODM manufacturing page. Our sales team will call back within 24 hours with the minimum order and timings for your product.