What is contract-manufactured laundry detergent? Is it any good, and how is it different from big brands?

Contract-manufactured laundry detergent is detergent that a factory produces for someone else’s brand: the factory mixes, fills and packs it, while the packaging carries the ordering brand’s name. This is called OEM (using the factory’s existing formula) or ODM (the factory develops a formula specifically for the brand).

Is contract manufacturing common?

Very common, and not just for detergent. Many consumer brands, including large ones, have other factories make part or all of their range so they can focus on building the brand and selling.

Is contract-manufactured detergent any good?

Quality doesn’t depend on the words “contract manufactured”. It depends on:

• The formula: concentration of cleaning agents, softeners, enzymes, fragrance.
• The factory: equipment, mixing process, batch testing.
• The raw materials: where surfactants and fragrances come from.
• The ordering brand: whether it chooses a good formula or chases the lowest price.

A good factory can make contract-manufactured detergent of the same quality as its own brands, because it uses the same lines and processes.

How to spot trustworthy contract-manufactured detergent

• The label clearly states the manufacturer’s name and address and the responsible company.
• It has production date, expiry date and batch number, with instructions in the local language.
• A quality standard is printed on the label.
• It’s sold through clear channels, with someone accountable if there’s a problem.

If you want detergent made under your brand

When choosing a factory, ask:

1. Does the factory manufacture itself, or is it a middleman?
2. Does it have a quality management system?
3. Will it make samples for you to test before production?
4. Does every batch have records and retained samples?
5. How does the contract handle confidentiality of your formula and brand?

See also: Contract manufacturing near Hanoi: how to choose a factory

Contract manufacturing at Komlife

Komlife offers OEM/ODM laundry detergent and 2-in-1 laundry liquid manufacturing at its 20,000 m² factory in Hung Yen, Vietnam. Private label orders run on the same production lines and batch checks as Komlife’s own SPY, URA and Abby brands. See inside the factory: Inside Komlife’s 20,000 m² factory

Read next: What determines contract manufacturing prices for laundry detergent?