Innovation is critical for cleaning products manufacturers seeking to differentiate their offerings, meet evolving consumer needs, and drive business growth. This Maturity Model provides a structured framework to assess and enhance innovation capabilities. It enables cleaning products companies to evaluate their current innovation proficiency objectively and identify areas for improvement.
The model outlines five maturity levels with distinct criteria covering innovation strategy, portfolio management, culture, processes, and metrics. Each level represents a progression in innovation expertise. By mapping practices against the criteria, companies can determine their maturity grade and create targeted plans to reach the next level.
The aim is to provide cleaning products manufacturers with an actionable tool to maximize innovation performance. The principles and best practices within this model will allow companies to elevate their innovation game and deliver breakthrough products and services.
Specialist roles that will benefit include:
- Head of Innovation
- VP of R&D
- Senior Product Developer
- Packaging Technologist
- Fragrance Chemist
- Consumer Insights Manager
- Design Lead
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Supply Chain Director
Underlying Principles for Innovation in Cleaning Products
This Maturity Model for Innovation in the Manufacture of Cleaning and Polishing Preparations Industry is driven by five founding principles, as follows:
- Strategic Orientation – Innovation efforts must align with overall business strategy and market trends.
- Consumer Centricity – Deep consumer insights must inform all innovation initiatives.
- Portfolio Balance – The innovation portfolio should comprise incremental and breakthrough innovations.
- Enabling Culture – Innovation thrives in cultures that encourage experimentation and learning.
- Measurement Rigor – Innovation success hinges on robust metrics tied to strategic goals.
Example Maturity Model for Innovation
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Level 1 – Basic
Assessment Criteria
- No formal innovation strategy
- Ad hoc product development
- Lacks dedicated innovation resources
- No portfolio management
- Innovation not measured
Progressive Elements
At this level, innovation happens sporadically, driven by individual bright spots instead of an overarching strategy. While serendipitous wins may occur, there is no consistent innovation cadence or commitment. Key is to formalize innovation goals, allocate resources, and introduce portfolio management.
Suggested Benchmarks / Metrics
- Innovation investment as % revenue – 0.5% (Low investment in innovation activities and resources)
Example: Company X invests $250,000 in innovation initiatives, with $50M total revenue, so innovation investment is 0.5% of revenue.
- New product revenue as % total – 5% (Few impactful innovations make it to market)
Example: Company X generates $2.5M from new products launched in past 3 years. Total revenue is $50M. New product revenue is 5% of total.
- Innovation training coverage – 10% of staff (Limited skills and experience in innovating)
Example: Company X has 50 employees. Only 5 employees have received formal innovation process training in the past year. So training coverage is 10%.
Action Plan
- Appoint innovation leader
- Define innovation strategy
- Introduce stage-gate process
- Build innovation team
- Create project portfolio
Level 2 – Developing
Assessment Criteria
- Basic innovation strategy
- Inconsistent execution
- Limited portfolio management
- Emerging metrics
- Building capabilities
Progressive Elements
At this level, the foundations of an innovation discipline are forming. But execution is uneven, and innovation is not yet ingrained. Focus is on strengthening strategic alignment, portfolio management, and building internal capabilities.
Suggested Benchmarks / Metrics
- Innovation investment as % revenue – 1-2% (Increased but still limited investment)
Example: Company X invests $500,000 in innovation initiatives, with $50M total revenue, so innovation investment is 1% of revenue.
- New product revenue as % total – 10-15% (Some successful innovations, but many fail)
Example: Company X generates $5M from new products launched in past 3 years. Total revenue is $50M. New product revenue is 10% of total.
- Innovation training coverage – 25% of staff (Capabilities growing, but gaps remain)
Example: Company X has 50 employees. 15 employees have received formal innovation training in the past year. So training coverage is 25%.
Action Plan
- Refine innovation strategy
- Institute portfolio reviews
- Enhance stage-gate process
- Build cross-functional teams
- Implement innovation metrics
- Expand training
Level 3 – Defined
Assessment Criteria
- Documented innovation strategy
- Portfolio management routines
- Stage-gate process adherence
- Dedicated innovation team
- Defined metrics
Progressive Elements
At this level, a structured innovation program is in place. But governance and metrics require refinement to maximize returns. Efforts should focus on strengthening portfolio management, metrics, and fostering culture.
Suggested Benchmarks / Metrics
- Innovation investment as % revenue – 3-5% (Increasing investment in innovation)
Example: Company X invests $1.5M in innovation initiatives, with $50M total revenue, so innovation investment is 3% of revenue.
- New product revenue as % total – 20-25% (Innovation outcomes improving but uneven)
Example: Company X generates $10M from new products launched in past 3 years. Total revenue is $50M. New product revenue is 20% of total.
- Innovation training coverage – 50% of staff (Half of staff now innovation capable)
Example: Company X has 50 employees. 25 employees have received formal innovation training in the past year. So training coverage is 50%.
Action Plan
- Institute innovation KPIs
- Formalize portfolio governance
- Develop innovation culture plan
- Refine stage-gate criteria
- Build external networks
- Expand training
Level 4 – Advanced
Assessment Criteria
- Aligned innovation strategy
- Rigorous portfolio management
- Seamless stage-gate execution
- Multidisciplinary teams
- Sophisticated metrics
Progressive Elements
At this level, world-class innovation practices are being applied. Efforts should focus on accelerating innovation velocity, fostering breakthroughs, and driving exponential value.
Suggested Benchmarks / Metrics
- Innovation investment as % revenue – >5% (Significant investment in innovation)
Example: Company X invests $3M in innovation initiatives, with $50M total revenue, so innovation investment is 6% of revenue.
- New product revenue as % total – 30-50% (Innovation delivering substantial value)
Example: Company X generates $20M from new products launched in past 3 years. Total revenue is $50M. New product revenue is 40% of total.
- Innovation training coverage – 80%+ of staff (Most staff skilled in innovation methods)
Example: Company X has 50 employees. 40 employees have received formal innovation training in the past year. So training coverage is 80%.
Action Plan
- Connect innovation strategy to growth goals
- Stress test portfolio
- Accelerate development cycles
- Launch innovation accelerator programs
- Seek external partnerships
- Share best practices
Level 5 – Optimized
Assessment Criteria
- Cutting-edge innovation strategy
- Fluid portfolio management
- Rapid prototyping capabilities
- Dynamic innovation networks
- Advanced metrics frameworks
Progressive Elements
At this level, the company has achieved innovation excellence. But constant evolution is still required via new techniques, technologies and partners.
Suggested Benchmarks / Metrics
- Innovation investment as % revenue – >10% (Massive investment in innovation)
Example: Company X invests $8M in innovation initiatives, with $50M total revenue, so innovation investment is 16% of revenue.
- New product revenue as % total – >50% (Business growth led by innovation)
Example: Company X generates $30M from new products launched in past 3 years. Total revenue is $50M. New product revenue is 60% of total.
- Innovation training coverage – 100% of staff (Entire staff skilled in innovation)
Example: Company X has 50 employees. All 50 employees have received formal innovation training in the past year. So training coverage is 100%.
Action Plan
- Pioneer new innovation models
- Accelerate commercialization
- Craft breakthrough vision
- Lead industry transformation
- Leverage AI
How can cleaning products companies unlock breakthrough innovation?
This Maturity Model provides a clear roadmap for systematically enhancing innovation performance. But realizing innovation excellence also requires bold vision and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Companies must be relentless in understanding consumer needs, explore cutting-edge technologies, and accelerate idea-to-launch velocity. With the right framework and fearless mindset, cleaning products brands can deliver truly game-changing innovations.
