
5 Examples of Contract Manufacturing (Maklon): Business Opportunities Not Many Realize!
Briantama Afiq Ashari
Ever thought about having your own brand but confused where to start? Many people want to start a business, but are limited by high capital or not owning a factory.
This is where contract manufacturing (maklon) comes in as the solution. Maklon is a production cooperation system where you only provide the idea or concept, and the factory takes care of the entire process—from raw materials, production, to packaging.
That way, you can focus on marketing and sales strategy.
What is Maklon?
According to Wikipedia, maklon is a third-party contract production service, where the brand owner hands over production matters, ranging from procurement of materials to packaging, to the contract manufacturer.
You only need to focus on design and marketing. Several types of contract manufacturing include:
1. Cosmetic Maklon – Profit Opportunities from the Beauty Industry
The beauty industry continues to grow rapidly. Through cosmetic contract manufacturing, you can have your own skincare or makeup brand without mastering formulation techniques.
Maklon factories will help produce products such as serums, lipsticks, cushions, facial soaps, and body lotions. They also handle permits such as BPOM (Indonesian FDA) and halal certification.
The advantage: you can start with a small MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and increase production scale as your business grows. a small MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and scale as your business grows.
2. Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Suitable for Culinary Entrepreneurs
Source: Istockphoto
For those interested in the F&B sector, food and beverage contract manufacturing can be a promising gateway.
Examples include producing packaged chili sauce, instant spices, chips, bottled coffee, herbal tea, or healthy drinks like almond milk.
With maklon services, you only need to bring the recipe or concept, and the factory will mass-produce it according to industry standards.
3. Fashion Maklon – Own a Clothing Brand Without Sewing
Want to have your own T-shirt, hoodie, or dress brand but not skilled at sewing? Fashion maklon is the answer.
You only need to prepare the design, choose the fabric, and set the sizes. The contract manufacturer will sew and deliver the products according to orders.
Many local clothing brands and influencers use this service to launch unique fashion collections.
4. Herbal and Supplement Maklon – A Fast Track into the Health Industry
Source: Istockphoto
Awareness of healthy lifestyles is increasing. Herbal and supplement maklon services allow you to produce herbal tea, packaged honey, supplements, or essential oils—without owning your own laboratory.
This is suitable for businesses with lower risk, but legal and ready to sell, as the factory also helps process BPOM permits and other required certifications.
Read Also: 5 Reasons Why Culinary Entrepreneurs Should Try Seasonal Menus
5. Household Product Maklon – From Soap to Fabric Softeners
Household products have steady demand. Contract manufacturers can produce laundry soap, floor cleaners, or fabric softeners according to market needs.
You can even create eco-friendly products or offer signature scents that differentiate you from competitors. Add more value with refill packs or product bundling.
Why Start Using Maklon Services Now?
From cosmetics, food, fashion, herbal, to household products—all offer big potential. The key is creative ideas, market research, and the right marketing strategy.
Advantages of starting a business with contract manufacturing:
- Lower Capital – No need to build your own production facility
- Legalities Covered – Maklon providers usually handle permits like BPOM, trademarks, and halal certification
- Easy Scalability – Increase orders from 1,000 to 10,000 easily; flexible to market demand
- Focus on Branding & Marketing – You can channel your energy into promotion and brand development, not production.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1) What is contract manufacturing (maklon)?
A third-party production service based on the brand owner’s specifications. The brand owner focuses on design and marketing, not production.
2) Is maklon only for cosmetics?
No. It can be for cosmetics, food, beverages, fashion, herbal products, supplements, and household products.
3) How about legal requirements?
Most maklon factories handle BPOM, halal, and other certifications.
4) What are the main advantages?
Low capital, flexibility, operational efficiency, branding focus, and fast mass production.
5) How about taxation?
Maklon is subject to VAT (11%). Income tax may apply under Article 23 or Article 15 according to regulations.
Conclusion
Today, it’s not just about having a product, but about managing it smartly. Make your business more efficient, professional, and ready to grow.
Contact the ESB Team to learn more about our solutions—ranging from ESB POSLite, ESB POS, to automated inventory and finance management systems.
