In the custom plastic manufacturing industry, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) are two common cooperation models.
Knowing the differences between them helps you choose the most suitable manufacturing solution for your business.
What is OEM?
OEM refers to a manufacturer that produces products based on the client’s complete design and specifications.
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Key Features:
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Client-led product design
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Suitable for brands with ready product designs
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Client retains patents and intellectual property rights
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Best For:
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Brands that have completed product development
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Products that require strict adherence to existing specifications
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What is ODM?
ODM refers to a manufacturer that designs and produces products which can be customized and rebranded by the client.
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Key Features:
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Manufacturer provides design concepts
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Shorter product development time
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Suitable for companies without full design capability
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Best For:
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Businesses wanting to launch products quickly
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Clients looking for ready designs to customize
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| Item | OEM | ODM |
|---|---|---|
| Design Responsibility | Client supplies full design & specs | Manufacturer provides design concepts |
| DesigDevelopment Time | Usually longer _ client-led development | Shorter _ ready-made designs speed up launch |
| Cost | Depends on design complexity _ potentially higher | Often lower _ development costs shared |
| Intellectual Property（IP） | Client typically retains patents & IP | Often owned by or shared with manufacturer by agreement |
| Best For | Brands with mature designs who value IP control | Companies needing fast market entry and design support |
| Typical Industries | Specialized brands & custom equipment | Private label & retail consumer products |
How to Choose?
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Choose ODM if you need to enter the market quickly while saving on design and development costs.
- Choose OEM if you already have a mature product design and want full control over the details and IP rights.
Why Choose Foryung for OEM/ODM?
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Quality Control：Meets international food-grade and industrial standards.
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Cross-Industry Experience：Food containers, outdoor products, fishing gear, industrial plastic products.
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Wide Range of Materials：PP , PS , AS , PE , PET , ABS , Tritan , biodegradable plastics , and more.
- Full-Service Support：Design → Mold Making → Prototyping → Mass Production.
📌 Whether OEM or ODM, Foryung can deliver high-quality, competitive custom manufacturing solutions tailored to your needs.