SmartSolve receives grant for R&D center in Ohio

SmartSolve Industries, a zero-waste packaging technology company, has been selected for the JobsOhio Research and Development Grant. The grant is a 1m USD investment toward its 3.6m USD investment and will support the expansion of a new R&D center at its Northwest Ohio facility. The 3.6m USD investment is expected to create at least 30 new jobs.

SmartSolve celebrated by hosting an event at its Bowling Green, Ohio, location.

'The purpose of the new R&D center is to commercialize new and innovative zero-waste packaging technologies,' said Jonathan Jakubowski, CEO of SmartSolve. 'With rising concern over the harmful effects of microplastics on human health, this project positions SmartSolve as a global innovator and leading provider of microplastic-free packaging technologies that address one of the world’s most pressing environmental and health challenges.'

Jakubowski noted that the project is fueled by SmartSolve’s strong product development pipeline and the growing demand for sustainable packaging.

SmartSolve was originally founded in Bowling Green in 2016 under the umbrella of CMC Group. The company specializes in manufacturing water-soluble raw materials for flexible packaging, supported by custom blending and compounding, extrusion coating and advanced laboratory testing. SmartSolve serves a wide range of industries, including dish, laundry, personal care, industrial and dry foods.

The JobsOhio Research & Development Grant was created to accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies.

'SmartSolve Industries’ new R&D center is more than an investment in infrastructure — it’s a clear signal that Ohio is open for sustainable innovation,' said JobsOhio president and CEO JP Nauseef. 'This expansion in Bowling Green will bring cutting-edge equipment and efficiencies that will deliver the latest dissolvable waste technology to meet evolving market demand.'

Jakubowski added that the JobsOhio Grant significantly accelerated the original construction timeline. He explained that the center is being built on three core objectives: develop and commercialize at least one new alternative packaging technology each year, foster regional workforce growth through economic activity, and raise public awareness through sustainability innovation.

According to Jakubowski, additional indirect benefits of the center include the on-shoring of innovation from international competitors, the creation of community educational opportunities focused on sustainability and the establishment of new local R&D partnerships.

'Ohio has a long history as a hub of innovation,' Jakubowski said, explaining why the company chose to expand in Northwest Ohio. 'This legacy of ingenuity spans food, medical devices, consumer goods and technology, demonstrating the state’s enduring spirit of invention. SmartSolve is on its way to becoming one of Ohio’s most innovative companies, and this grant accelerates that aspiration.'

SmartSolve recognized the collaboration of numerous economic development partners in bringing the project to life, including Bowling Green Economic Development, the Regional Growth Partnership, CIFT and JobsOhio.

Kati Thompson, executive director at Bowling Green Economic Development, highlighted the importance of supporting innovation at existing businesses as a key driver for regional growth. 'It’s been an honor to work with SmartSolve to advance their mission and vision for the company in Bowling Green,' Thompson said. 'We have no doubt that through this new R&D center, SmartSolve will achieve their goals and become the global leader in microplastic-free packaging technology.'