Cleaning Industry: Vietnam’s Rising Role in Sponge Material Manufacturing

Introduction

Sponge materials are the unsung heroes of the cleaning world. From scrubbing dishes to removing stubborn stains off walls, they are present in every home, restaurant, and commercial facility. Behind every sponge product lies a complex manufacturing process, where the choice of material, cutting precision, and finishing techniques matter.

While China has long dominated this market, Vietnam is now carving out a solid position as a competitive sponge manufacturer — not just for domestic use, but for global export. In particular, Vietnamese companies are becoming reliable OEM/ODM partners for brands seeking cost-effective, high-quality, and customizable sponge products for the cleaning industry. This essay explores how Vietnam is emerging as a global sponge supplier, what materials are in play, and what opportunities — and challenges — lie ahead.

New Edge sponge products

1. Understanding the Materials: What Makes a Sponge 'Good' for Cleaning?

Not all sponge materials are created equal. Their composition determines not just how well they clean, but how long they last, how safe they are, and whether they meet environmental standards.

Key Sponge Materials Used in Cleaning

Material	Characteristics	Common Uses	Strengths	Weaknesses
PU (Polyurethane)	Soft, porous, flexible	Dishwashing, kitchen cleaning	Durable, cheap, customizable	Synthetic, not biodegradable
Cellulose Sponge	Made from wood pulp, high water retention	Kitchen wipes, body care, biodegradable	Eco-friendly, good absorption	Breaks down faster, costlier
Melamine Foam	Ultra-fine structure, micro-abrasive	Magic erasers, wall and shoe cleaning	No chemical needed, high cleaning power	Brittle, can disintegrate with use
Composite Sponges	PU base + abrasive layer (fiber pad or scouring net)	Heavy-duty scrubbing, dual-purpose sponges	Dual-action, tough on grease	Lower eco-friendliness

Vietnamese factories are now capable of producing all of the above, with the flexibility to adjust density, color, size, and packaging for brand-specific needs.

New Edge specialize in cleaning sponge materials and have nearly 20 years of experience

2. Vietnam’s Manufacturing Strength in the Cleaning Sponge Industry

Vietnam's growing sponge production capacity is driven by three key factors: flexible manufacturing, strong OEM partnerships, and global export access.

Flexible OEM  Production

Vietnamese manufacturers — especially companies like New Edge — specialize in small-batch customization, rapid prototyping, and multi-material bonding. They can:

• Cut foam into precise shapes using CNC and die-cutting.

• Laminate sponges with scouring layers or printed cloth.

• Package products with brand labeling for retail or e-commerce.

Competitive Pricing with Consistent Quality

Thanks to lower labor costs and local production efficiencies, Vietnam offers highly competitive pricing compared to China or Korea — without sacrificing quality.

Export-Ready Infrastructure

Vietnam benefits from:

• Proximity to shipping ports in Hải Phòng, Cát Lái, and Đà Nẵng.

• Free Trade Agreements that lower tariffs.

• Trade relationships with key markets: Japan, Korea, the U.S., EU.

3. Sponge made in Vietnam: What Products Are in Demand?

Buyers from around the world are increasingly sourcing from Vietnam. Popular cleaning sponge products include:

• PU dishwashing sponges in various colors, densities, and shapes.

• Melamine foam blocks for chemical-free surface cleaning.

• Dual-layer sponges (PU + abrasive) for kitchen and industrial use.

• Compressed cellulose sponges for eco-conscious brands.

• Sponge mop refills and custom sponge rollers for cleaning equipment.

Vietnamese factories often serve as white-label manufacturers, meaning international retailers sell these Vietnamese-made sponges under their own brands — especially on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopee.

4. Why Vietnam is Gaining Traction

Vietnam brings more to the table than just lower costs:

✅ Customization-first mindset: Sponge shapes, colors, textures, and logos can all be tailored.

✅ Scalable capacity: From small test runs to bulk production.

✅ Eco-product development: Manufacturers are beginning to explore bio-based foams and sustainable sourcing.

✅ English-speaking export teams: Better communication with overseas buyers.

✅ Fast lead times: Production + packaging + shipping within 2–4 weeks. 

In a world increasingly focused on cleanliness, sustainability, and cost-efficiency, cleaning sponge materials are more than just household essentials — they are tools of innovation. Whether scrubbing dishes, wiping surfaces, or restoring walls with chemical-free erasers, sponges have become core components of the global cleaning economy.

As brands worldwide search for more flexible and efficient manufacturing partners, Vietnam — and New Edge in particular — are emerging as trusted names in the sponge supply chain. With nearly two decades of experience in foam conversion, packaging, and OEM/ODM services, New Edge offers tailored, export-ready sponge solutions built for performance and logistics savings.

New Edge is proud to have been a trusted OEM partner for clients across Asia and America for many years

At New Edge, we specialize in converting and producing a wide range of sponge types, including:

Material	Description	Common Applications	New Edge Capabilities
PU Foam (Polyurethane)	Soft, porous, flexible foam	Dishwashing, kitchen, multipurpose	Cut-to-shape, color-matching, adhesive bonding
Compressed Cellulose Sponge	Plant-based, absorbent, expands in water	Eco cleaning, body care, premium packaging	Compressed cutting, moisture control, retail-ready
Melamine Foam	Micro-abrasive, no detergent needed	Magic sponge erasers, scuff and stain removal	Block cutting, private labeling
Dual-Layer Sponge	PU + fiber or mesh abrasive for scrubbing	Dish pads, industrial cleaning	Lamination, heat bonding, shape tooling

5. Edge’s Advantage: Compressed Sponges that Cut Your Costs

A standout offering from New Edge is our compressed cellulose sponge production. This eco-friendly material is shipped flat and expands when wet, making it perfect for brands focused on:

• Reducing transport and storage volume by up to 70%

• Creating unboxing satisfaction with a surprising sponge reveal

• Offering biodegradable, natural materials for eco-conscious markets

We deliver compressed sponges in custom shapes, sizes, and packaging designs, tailored for retail, promotional kits, or cosmetic cleaning products. Whether for a boutique brand or a global chain, New Edge ensures smooth, scalable production and efficient logistics. At New Edge, our international clients appreciate our ability to adapt quickly, scale gradually, and deliver on time — no matter the market.

Our sponge materials serve a broad spectrum of cleaning needs:

• Household: Dishwashing, kitchen cleaning, bath sponges

• Magic Cleaning: Wall erasers, shoe cleaners, bathroom detailing

• Commercial & Janitorial: Sponge mop refills, large-format cellulose

• Retail Packaging: Custom compressed sponges for eco-luxury brands

• OEM Kits: Bundled sponge items with custom branding and instruction leaflets

We provide full-service support — from material recommendation to final packaging design and export documentation.We're not just producers — we're partners in product evolution.

6.Why Choose New Edge as Your Sponge Material Partner

When you work with New Edge, you’re not just buying sponge products — you’re tapping into material guidance, product development, and export-ready manufacturing.

Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Material Flexibility

From soft PU to tough melamine or green cellulose, we help you choose and blend materials that suit your cleaning goals and market.

✅ Compressed Sponge Production Experts

We help reduce your shipping and storage costs by offering compressed cellulose sponges, a unique format that expands when wet but ships flat and lightweight.

Our innovative compressed sponges are designed to help valued customers reduce transportation and storage costs

✅ Precision Manufacturing

We use CNC cutting, die cutting, laminating, heat compressing and custom printing to turn raw sponge materials into finished products — exactly as your market demands.

✅ OEM & Private Label Ready

Whether you’re building your own brand or fulfilling large orders for retailers, we offer:

• Full product design and prototyping

• Custom packaging (boxes, wraps, sleeves)

• Export documents, compliance certifications, and short lead times

✅ Trusted by Global Buyers

We’ve shipped to clients across Japan, the US, EU, and Southeast Asia — and we’re known for clear communication, consistent quality, and on-time delivery.

7.Conclusion: Let’s Build Smarter Cleaning Products Together With New Edge

The sponge market is evolving — faster, cleaner, greener. Brands today need materials that not only perform but also align with environmental values, shipping goals, and consumer trends.

At New Edge, we combine material knowledge with manufacturing expertise to bring your vision to life — from a simple kitchen sponge to a custom eco-friendly product line.

If you're looking for cost-effective solutions, compressed formats, and a partner who truly understands sponge materials from the inside out — talk to New Edge. We’re here to help you clean up the market. If you’re looking for a sponge partner who understands both material science and market demand, choose New Edge — where smart foam solutions meet global ambition.

P/S: New Edge News