Abstract: The process for manufacturing a multi-element sponge consists of mixing together a polymer and a reagent to form a mixture to be expanded to produce a spongy mass, casting the mixture in a mould, depositing an insert onto said mixture and allowing the mixture to expand while maintaining the insert pressed against it, so that on termination of expansion the insert is directly connected to the spongy mass.

Abstract: The sponge production process consists of heating a mould of Teflon or silicone to a temperature between 60° C. and 70° C., feeding a mixture comprising a plastic material and a reagent into the mould, allowing the mixture to rise for a time less than 30 minutes, and extracting the finished sponge from the mould. In this manner an absorbent sponge is obtained without an impermeable surface skin. The plant comprises a conveyor for conveying a mould to mould heating means, followed by feeding means. The plant then comprises rising means arranged to retain the mould for a time such that the mixture contained in the mould undergoes rising, followed by means for discharging the sponge.