To start a wet wipes factory you need to: choose your product and market, check local registration rules, pick a pack format and the matching machine, prepare a clean production space with the right power, compressed air and purified water, source nonwoven fabric, film and lotion, train a small team, and run trials before full production. A first line with one packing machine usually needs about ___ m² of floor space and _–_ people per shift.
The 8 steps
Choose your product and market
Decide what you will sell first: baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, household or kitchen wipes, restaurant wet towels, alcohol wipes or pet wipes. Look at what sells in your local shops, the pack sizes and the price per pack. Starting with one product and doing it well is easier than launching five at once.
Check registration and labelling rules
Rules differ by country and by product type. Cosmetic wipes, baby wipes and alcohol or disinfecting wipes are often regulated differently, and some need product registration before sale. Check with your local health, cosmetics or standards authority before you buy equipment, because the rules can affect your lotion formula, labels and factory setup.
Pick your pack format and machine
Your pack decides your machine. Single sachets (1 wipe) run on a single wet wipe packer such as the JBK-260. Small and pocket packs (2–30 wipes) run on lines such as the JBK-260B or JKB-550. Large packs (30–80+ wipes) run on a multi-piece machine such as the JBK-400. See the What You Can Produce section for examples.
Prepare the space and layout
Plan separate areas for raw material storage, liquid preparation, production and packing, and finished goods. Keep the flow one way, from raw materials to finished cartons, so clean and dirty materials do not cross. Allow room around each machine for operators, maintenance and moving pallets. For reference, the JBK-400 measures 5000 × 1000 × 1800 mm. For baby and cosmetic wipes, many producers build a clean room around the production area.
Set up power, air and water
Check each machine's power needs: for example, the JBK-260 uses 220 V / 3.5 kW, while some lines need 380 V three-phase. Some machines also need compressed air at 0.4–1.0 MPa, so you will need an air compressor and dryer. Wet wipes lotion is mostly water, so a water treatment system that produces purified water (for example reverse osmosis) is important for product quality and shelf life.
Source raw materials
You need spunlace nonwoven fabric in the right width and weight, printed packaging film, plastic lids or resealable stickers for large packs, lotion ingredients (preservatives, mild cleansers, fragrance) and cartons. Order samples first and test them on the machine during your trial run. We can help you source raw materials in China. Confirm whether you offer raw material sourcing
Hire and train your team
A typical small line needs a machine operator, a helper for loading materials and packing cartons, and someone responsible for quality checks and lotion mixing. You also need one person who learns basic maintenance during training. Ask your supplier for training at the factory in China or on site, plus video support after start-up.
Install, test and start production
Before shipping, ask for a factory acceptance test with your own materials and pack size. After installation, run trials, check seal strength, folding, liquid amount and packing, and fix settings before you scale up. Keep records of every batch from day one.
Planning a new factory? We can suggest a layout for your space and output.
Ask on WhatsAppStart-up checklist
| Area | What you need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | Packing machine for your pack format | JBK-260, JBK-260B, JKB-550 or JBK-400 |
| Liquid | Mixing tank and dosing system | Stainless steel, food or cosmetic grade |
| Water | Purified water system | For example reverse osmosis |
| Utilities | Power supply, air compressor and dryer | 220 V or 380 V depending on model; 0.4–1.0 MPa air for some lines |
| Space | Storage, liquid room, production, packing, warehouse | Typical total: ___ m² |
| Materials | Nonwoven fabric, printed film, lids or stickers, lotion, cartons | Test samples before ordering in volume |
| People | Operator, helper, QC and lotion mixing, maintenance | Typical: _–_ per shift |
| Paperwork | Business licence, product registration, labels | Check your local authority |
Starter machines
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start a wet wipes factory?
You need a packing machine for your pack format, a liquid mixing and dosing system, purified water, suitable power and compressed air, a clean production space, raw materials (nonwoven fabric, film, lotion, lids, cartons), a small trained team and the registrations your country requires.
How much space does a small wet wipes factory need?
A first line with one packing machine usually needs about ___ m² including raw material storage, liquid preparation, production and finished goods. A single machine such as the JBK-400 measures 5000 × 1000 × 1800 mm, plus working space around it.
How many workers does a wet wipes line need?
A small line usually runs with _–_ people per shift: a machine operator, a helper for materials and cartons, and someone for quality checks and lotion mixing.
Do I need a clean room?
It depends on your product and local rules. Many producers of baby and cosmetic wipes use a clean room or a controlled clean area for production. Restaurant towels and household wipes often have simpler requirements. Check your local regulations.
Can you help with factory layout and raw materials?
Yes, we offer clean room and factory planning advice. Add details of your layout and raw material sourcing service.
Get a plan for your new factory
Send us these details and we'll reply with a machine recommendation and a written quote:
- The wipes you want to make and pack sizes
- Target output per day
- Your floor space (m²) and voltage
- Your country and destination port