Choosing the right OEM manufacturer for your cleaning products is an important decision that requires careful consideration. OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer” and refers to a company that produces components or products that are marketed and sold by another company. When bringing a new cleaning product to market, partnering with the right OEM manufacturer can ensure high quality, scalability, and cost efficiency. This guide will provide an overview of the key factors to evaluate when selecting an OEM partner for cleaning product manufacturing. Ensuring the manufacturer has the proper certifications, quality control processes, scalability capabilities, and ingredient sourcing will set your cleaning brand up for success. Taking the time to thoroughly vet potential manufacturers will pay dividends in producing consistent, high-performing products your customers will love.

Define OEM

OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” In the cleaning products industry, OEM manufacturing refers to a company that produces finished products or components that are marketed and sold by another company.

For example, an OEM manufacturer may produce laundry detergent, surface cleaners, or other cleaning products that are then packaged and sold under a brand name by a separate company. The OEM manufacturer is responsible for formulating, producing, and supplying the products to the brand owner.

OEMs enable companies to outsource the actual manufacturing while still maintaining control of their brand identity and quality standards. Hiring an OEM provides access to specialized expertise and economies of scale in production.

The OEM manufacturer typically handles raw material procurement, facility operations, quality control, packaging, and shipping. The hiring company then distributes and sells the finished goods under its own branding. This allows brands to focus on design, marketing, and sales rather than manufacturing logistics.

Certifications

It’s critical to partner with an OEM manufacturer that holds important certifications like ISO and GMP. These certifications indicate the manufacturer adheres to strict quality standards and regulations.

ISO Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides rigorous quality management standards that manufacturers can become certified to. Relevant ISO certifications include:

• ISO 9001 – Quality management system certification focusing on consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.
• ISO 22716 – Good manufacturing practices certification specifically for cosmetics and personal care products.
• ISO 14001 – Environmental management system certification indicating sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Choosing an OEM partner with key ISO certifications ensures they implement standardized processes and meet high quality benchmarks.

GMP Certification

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, a certification regulated in the United States by the FDA. GMP certification means the manufacturing facilities, equipment, staff training, test methods, and other processes adhere to quality standards.

GMP compliance indicates hygienic production conditions, accurate ingredient labeling, and stringent testing protocols are in place. Selecting a GMP-certified OEM partner is crucial for developing safe, high-quality cleaning products.

The right OEM manufacturer will hold globally recognized ISO and GMP certifications to validate their commitment to quality. These certifications provide assurance they can develop products consistently that meet industry guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Quality Control

Quality control is a critical factor when selecting an OEM manufacturer for cleaning products. The manufacturer should have rigorous quality control processes at every stage of production to ensure consistency, safety, and efficacy of the final product.

When touring potential OEM facilities, pay close attention to their quality control measures. Look for clean, organized production areas with modern equipment. Ask to see their quality control labs and product testing facilities. The manufacturer should test raw ingredients, in-process formulas, and finished products to verify they meet specifications.

Inquire about their quality control procedures, sampling rates, equipment calibration, and compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). Request to review their quality reports and internal audits. A meticulous OEM will test pH, viscosity, fragrance, color, packaging seal integrity, and other product characteristics at multiple points during production.

Strong quality control helps ensure each batch meets your formulas, packaging is defect-free, and products are safe for consumer use. Prioritize OEMs who make quality control a top priority at all levels, from supply chain to production line. Rigorous quality control gives you confidence in the safety and consistency of your brand’s products.

Scalability

When choosing an OEM manufacturer for your cleaning products, it’s important to consider their ability to scale production as your business grows. Look for a manufacturer that has the capacity and flexibility to increase or decrease production runs based on your evolving needs. Some key factors to evaluate include:

• Production capacity – What is the manufacturer’s maximum production output? Can they handle large volume orders if you experience rapid growth? Tour their facility to assess size and production lines.
• Warehousing – Does the manufacturer have adequate warehouse space to store raw materials and finished product inventory? This enables quicker fulfillment as your orders ramp up.
• Staffing – Does the manufacturer maintain enough staff to expand production? Or is there high turnover? A stable trained workforce enables them to add shifts or expand hours to meet your increased demand.
• Capital – Is the manufacturer financially stable and capable of funding equipment purchases necessary for growth? As you scale, more production lines or larger equipment may be needed.
• Supplier relationships – Does the manufacturer have established supply channels that can provide increased volumes of raw materials, packaging, and ingredients as your business scales? Reliable suppliers are crucial.

Selecting an OEM partner with proven scalability will provide flexibility and support as your cleaning product business grows and production needs change over time.

Product Testing

When selecting an OEM manufacturer for your cleaning products, one of the most important criteria is their product testing capabilities. The manufacturer should have in-house laboratories to rigorously test products during development and production. This helps ensure the products meet your specifications and quality standards consistently over time.

Look for a manufacturer that tests raw materials or ingredients before production to validate their quality. They should also test stability of the formulated product over time, under different conditions like various temperatures or humidity levels. This helps predict how the product will hold up on store shelves or in consumer’s homes.

The testing lab should be able to validate cleaning performance of your formulas to prove efficacy. For example, they may test how well a bathroom cleaner removes soap scum or a kitchen cleaner cuts through grease. Quantifying cleaning performance helps you make accurate marketing claims.

Ask the manufacturer if they have testing methods to simulate consumer use cases. This could include repetitive testing to validate sturdiness of packaging or dispensing pumps. Or longevity testing to ensure the product maintains its cleaning power after many uses.

Rigorous product testing during development and manufacturing is crucial for ensuring your OEM cleaning products deliver consistent quality and meet your specifications. Prioritize working with a manufacturer that has strong in-house testing capabilities.

Ingredient Sourcing

When choosing an OEM manufacturer for your cleaning products, it’s important to understand their ingredient sourcing and supply chain. The quality of your final product depends heavily on the quality of the raw ingredients.

Look for a manufacturer that sources ingredients directly from reputable suppliers. Ask about their supplier qualification process – do they audit and inspect suppliers regularly? How do they verify ingredient quality and purity? Avoid manufacturers that use brokers or distributors, as this can introduce more variability in ingredient quality.

The manufacturer should have established, long-term relationships with key ingredient suppliers. This helps ensure a steady, reliable supply of ingredients. Be wary of manufacturers that frequently change suppliers to get lower prices – this could compromise quality.

Traceability is also key. Make sure the manufacturer can provide full documentation on where each ingredient came from, for every batch of product. This is crucial in case any issues arise that require tracing an ingredient back to its source.

Ideally, the manufacturer should use the same network of approved, trusted suppliers that they have developed over many years. Consistent sourcing helps achieve consistent product quality and minimizes risk of contamination or adulteration.

When visiting a potential OEM partner, ask to tour their ingredient warehouse. Check that they store all ingredients properly, safely, and in sanitary conditions. This will provide insight into how seriously they take ingredient quality control.

Thoroughly vetting an OEM manufacturer’s ingredient sourcing and supply chain will ensure you choose a partner capable of delivering high quality, consistent products using top-notch materials. This protects your brand reputation and provides peace of mind.

Manufacturing Equipment

An OEM manufacturer’s equipment is a key factor when selecting a partner. The manufacturing equipment used impacts production capacity, efficiency, and quality control capabilities. When vetting an OEM, investigate the types of equipment they utilize such as:

• Mixing vessels – Stainless steel mixing vessels are ideal for producing cleaning products at scale while maintaining consistency and sanitary conditions. The number and size of mixing vessels indicates production capacity.
• Filling lines – Automated filling lines allow for efficient, high-volume filling of products into containers while minimizing errors. Look for manufacturers using advanced filling technology.
• Labeling machines – Automated label applicators provide consistency in label placement and efficiency. Manual labeling slows down operations.
• Conveyor systems – Conveyors seamlessly move products from station to station, optimizing workflow. This enables high output with fewer workers needed.

The sophistication of the equipment correlates with the manufacturer’s ability to produce high-quality products at scale. Visiting the facility to observe operations firsthand is recommended.

Location

When choosing an OEM manufacturer for your cleaning products, it’s important to consider the location and proximity of their facility. Having a manufacturer that’s close by can provide several advantages:

• Reduced shipping costs and lead times: Choosing a manufacturer located near your company’s headquarters or distribution centers cuts down on the distance products have to travel. This can reduce freight expenses and ensure faster delivery of finished goods.
• Easier collaboration: Physical proximity enables more opportunities for in-person meetings, production monitoring, and quality inspections. Being able to frequently visit the facility allows for better oversight and collaboration.
• Quicker issue resolution: If any problems arise with an order, it’s easier to get them addressed promptly when the facility is located nearby. Your team can visit in person to troubleshoot problems as soon as they’re discovered.
• Local regulations knowledge: A manufacturer located in the same region is more likely to be familiar with local business regulations. They can ensure your products meet all requirements for selling and distributing in your geographic area.
• Time zone alignment: When there are fewer time zone differences, real-time communication is easier. This improves responsiveness for urgent requests or priority issues.

While a more distant manufacturer may offer cost savings, weigh that against time and travel expenses. Locating a capable OEM partner closer to your operations can facilitate better partnership and product quality.

Cost

When selecting an OEM manufacturer for your cleaning products, cost is an important consideration. OEMs have various pricing models that can impact the overall cost of your products. Some key factors to evaluate include:

OEM Pricing Models

• Volume-based pricing – OEMs often provide discounts based on order quantities. The more volume you order, the lower the per-unit cost. However, this requires larger minimum orders.
• Tiered pricing – OEMs may have set pricing tiers based on order sizes. For example, 0-1,000 units costs $X per unit, 1,001-5,000 units costs $Y per unit. This allows more predictable costs.
• Custom formulations – Unique product formulas may carry premium pricing from OEMs depending on complexity and ingredient costs. Simple formulas tend to be more affordable.
• Packaging – The type of packaging (bottles, tubes, caps, labels) impacts cost and minimums. Standard packaging tends to be more economical.
• Shipping/logistics – Your location and delivery requirements affect shipping fees. Overseas shipping can add substantial costs.

Cost Optimization Tips

• Leverage large order quantities for the best volume pricing, if cash flow allows.
• Minimize customization and stick to standard packaging when possible.
• See if formula adjustments can reduce costly ingredients.
• Consider overseas manufacturers for significant cost savings, balancing shipping fees.
• Negotiate pricing tiers and minimum order quantities to optimize costs.
• Review all line item costs to identify savings opportunities.

The most affordable OEMs balance quality and capabilities with competitive pricing suitable for your budget and business needs. Carefully evaluating all cost factors allows you to maximize value.

Finally, as an manufacturer in household cleaning products over 10 years, MR.Siga can provide all the OEM service for you! Contact us if you need any cleaning products service!