News

Merrillville-based MonoSol opens new plant in Lebanon

Merrillville-based MonoSol, which makes water-soluble film for Tide Pods and other popular products, welcomed Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb for a grand opening celebration of its new $72 million facility in Lebanon just out side Indianapolis Thursday.

Governor, mayor attend grand opening of MonoSol

Governor Eric Holcomb, Mayor Matt Gentry and several others raised a glass to the new MonoSol plant in Lebanon on Thursday. The grand opening, complete with a toast and “film”-cutting ceremony, was supposed to take place in May with a week’s worth of celebrations. But with the pandemic, the festivities had to downsize and reschedule […] Read more

The future of plastics

Explore the latest in polymer chemistry and discover what the future holds for the plastics industry  

MonoSol supporting local restaurants with ‘Takeout Takeover’ employee appreciation program

MonoSol aims to show employees appreciation during this stressful and challenging time and to support local restaurants through its “Takeout Takeover” program.

Kickstart: There’s more than one way to support communities

MonoSol, a maker of water-soluble films used in products such as laundry pods, has launched a “Takeout Takeover” program to reward workers and help local restaurants in Indiana.

MonoSol Launches “Takeout Takeover” to Honor Employee Safety Efforts and Support Local Restaurants

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., May 6, 2020 – To recognize its employees’ health and safety efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and help support local restaurant owners and their staff, MonoSol launched a “Takeout Takeover” appreciation program this week. The effort provides needed funds to restaurants in communities where MonoSol has a facility and, in turn, its nearly […] Read more

MonoSol CEO Says Demand ‘Soaring’ for Dissolvable Products

MERRILLVILLE – The chief executive officer of Merrillville-based MonoSol says keeping up with the demand for its dissolvable hospital laundry bags has been a challenge, but one the company has adapted to meet. P. Scott Bening says the company, which also produces water-soluble films for laundry and dish detergents, took early steps to ensure the health […] Read more

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH)

Discovered in 1924 by a Nobel Laureate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resin was  developed and commercialized three decades later by Japanese chemical manufacturer, Kuraray. It first gained notoriety in 1989 when PVOH film was used to package pesticides in unit-dose, water-soluble pouches that protected farmers from accidental chemical exposure. This concept then revolutionized the cleaning industry, […] Read more

MonoSol making dissolvable laundry bags for hospitals, seeing ‘unprecedented demand’

MonoSol has been making water-soluble films for cleaning materials and dissolvable laundry bags for hospitals at a time of “unprecedented demand.” The Merrillville-based company is producing health care laundry bags for customers all over the world, counting the National Health Service in the United Kingdom as its biggest customer, spokesman Matthew Vander Laan said.

Message from MonoSol’s CEO in Response to COVID-19

April 10, 2020 Dear Friends, I hope this note finds you safe and in good health. I wanted to let you know how MonoSol has been working through the COVID-19 crisis to support our people, customers and communities. As a trusted brand and business partner, MonoSol people are overcoming every challenge and finding new ways […] Read more

MonoSol becomes founding sponsor small business economic relief fund

MonoSol recognized as one of the country’s best and brightest

MonoSol Honored as one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in 2019

Marks fourth consecutive year company earns distinction

Kuraray to establish MonoSol production facility in Poland

Japanese company Kuraray has announced plans to establish a new MonoSol production facility in Poland for manufacturing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) water-soluble films. According to the company, the demand for PVA water-soluble films is expanding across the world for use as packaging for unit dose detergents, cosmetics, foods, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. The market is also […] Read more

MonoSol Continues Progress on New Poland Facility

CAPEX Approved, Land Secured and Project Timelines Confirmed for European Expansion Project; MonoSol also Begins Production at New Plant in Lebanon, Indiana MERRILLVILLE, Ind., February 13, 2020 – Kuraray’s MonoSol Division advanced plans for construction of its new manufacturing facility in Poland. MonoSol is the world’s leading producer of biodegradable, water-soluble films and part of […] Read more

Did You Know? You Can Eat the Package

Chances are that you have “eaten” a package or two already today, that is, if you take any pill or supplement in a capsule. Both hard and soft gel caps have been around since the mid-1800s. So, though the concept of eating a package is well established, recently, the growth of edible – or almost […] Read more

Monosol helps out Krueger’s ‘Care Closet’

Krueger Middle School received a donation of feminine products, deodorant and lotion recently from MonoSol, a Merrillville-based company that manufactures biodegradable films and other products. MonoSol’s recently formed women’s group, 4>WARD, donated the items as part of its community outreach mission.

Biodegradable, water-soluble materials draw interest in applications for single-use plastics

MONOSOL EXPANDS OPERATIONS LOCALLY AND INTO EUROPE

Kuraray’s MonoSol division announced plans to further expand its operations with the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Poland. Additionally, the company confirmed plans to increase manufacturing capacity at its recently completed plant near Indianapolis in Lebanon, Indiana. MonoSol is an integral part of Tokyo-based Kuraray Group, a leading global specialty chemical company.

MonoSol adds Polish to its portfolio

To meet increasing demand for its water-soluble and biodegradable films, Kuraray’s MonoSol Division is planning to build a new manufacturing facility in Poland and increase capacity at its recently completed plant near Indianapolis in Lebanon, Indiana (USA).

Demand for sustainable solutions drives expansion at MonoSol

As a manufacturer of water-soluble and biodegradable films, Kuraray’s MonoSol Division is in a good place today.   “The need for environmentally friendly solutions is growing at a rapid rate as companies across the globe take on the challenge to make everyday products simpler, safer and more sustainable,” said P. Scott Bening, President and CEO, MonoSol.

MonoSol to build new factory in Poland, expand in Lebanon

Merrillville-based MonoSol will build a new factory in Poland to meet growing global demand and will expand production capacity at its newly built plant in Lebanon in downstate Indiana.

MonoSol Expands Operations Locally and into Europe to Serve Growing Global Customer Base

New Poland Facility and Expansion of Lebanon, Indiana Facility Slated for 2020 MERRILLVILLE, Ind., November 4, 2019 – To meet rapidly increasing demand for its water-soluble and biodegradable films, Kuraray’s MonoSol Division today announced plans to further expand its operations with the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Poland. Additionally, the company confirmed plans […] Read more

Biodegradable, water-soluble materials draw interest in applications for single-use plastics

Materials used in single-use plastics all have their fair share of issues especially with regards to end-of-use which are leading to such plastics accumulating as waste.

ASK THE CEO: MELISSA HOCKSTAD

Melissa Hockstad, president and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute, answers questions from ACI member Matt Vander Laan

Where next for edible packaging? From dissolvable pre-workout protein packs to instant oatmeal

Tide Pods remain firmly off the menu, but individually portioned instant coffee, pasta, oatmeal and servings of protein powder encased in edible packaging that dissolves as soon as it hits water could become a staple in US households as firms seek to reduce packaging waste, boost convenience, and help consumers engage in portion control, says […] Read more

Single serving without the waste

The reputation of plastic drinking straws took a serious turn last year. Restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and governments banned them. Manufacturers were tasked with finding replacement materials, including paper and stainless steel. Overnight, straws became the poster child for everything that’s wrong with the way we eat and the enormous amount of plastic waste it […] Read more

Global marketplace offers opportunities for businesses adept enough to compete in rapidly changing arena

The global marketplace has been a hotbed of activity in recent months. From trade wars to proposed tariffs, as well as growing populations and increased industrialization of countries such as China and India, leaders from a range of sectors have been working around the clock to find strategies to best navigate the volatile situation.

MonoSol Begins Hiring for New Manufacturing Plant in Lebanon

Construction Nearly Complete, Job Fair Scheduled for August 8 MERRILLVILLE, Ind., July 29, 2019 – MonoSol, one of the fastest-growing companies in Northwest Indiana, is expanding to Lebanon and hiring up to 95 employees for its new manufacturing plant. To help fill those positions, the company is hosting a Career Fair on Thursday, August 8, […] Read more

The case for degradability’s place alongside the three Rs

Single-use plastics and plastic packaging are under increasing pressure today, as evidenced by the growing number of taxes or outright bans on everything from plastic bags to drinking straws.

PVOH with David Edwards

In a recent interview, Matthew Rogerson spoke with David Edwards to learn more about his technology, PVOH. As the industry gears towards more sustainable solutions we discuss the credentials of the material, and how it has so much more to offer the industry.

MonoSol, a division of Kuraray, has been named a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the nation for the third year by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR).

MonoSol named a Best and Brightest Company to Work For for third straight year

Merrillville-based MonoSol has been named a Best and Brightest Company to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources for the third straight year. The water-dissolvable film maker, a division of Japan-based Kuraray, was one of 512 employers nationwide to earn the distinction out of 2,400 nominations.

MonoSol Wins Indiana Innovation Award for Food Grade Film

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., October 11, 2018 – MonoSol joined nine other organizations winning a 2018 Indiana Innovation Award at a ceremony held today at Butler University in Indianapolis. The annual Day of Innovation celebration is designed to increase the recognition of Indiana as a growing global center for innovation. MonoSol, a Kuraray Company, won the award […] Read more

MonoSol Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Facility

Against a backdrop of massive earth-moving equipment and stacks of structural steel, Indiana’s manufacturing base took another step forward at the ceremonial groundbreaking for MonoSol’s new plant in Lebanon, Indiana, on September 12.

Monosol, Community Make Connection in Lebanon

MonoSol Breaks Ground on New Manufacturing Facility in Lebanon, Indiana

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., September 12, 2018 – Against a backdrop of massive earth-moving equipment and stacks of structural steel, Indiana’s manufacturing base took another step forward at the ceremonial groundbreaking for MonoSol’s new plant in Lebanon, Indiana. MonoSol and its customers continue to benefit from major capital investments by its parent company, Tokyo-based chemical manufacturer Kuraray […] Read more

MonoSol to break ground on Lebanon, Ind., plant

Merrillville-based MonoSol is breaking ground next month on a new manufacturing plant downstate. The water-soluble film maker, which achieved a huge success with Tide Pods and other single-use detergent packs, is investing $72 million in a new 150,000-square-foot facility in Lebanon in the northwest Indianapolis suburbs. The company, which also has plants in Portage, LaPorte and […] Read more

MonoSol pays tribute to veterans at employee picnic, raises funds for local causes

Nearly 1,000 people assembled at Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza for MonoSol’s employee appreciation picnic. MonoSol is a division of Japan’s Kuraray Group. “MonoSol has a deep sense of commitment to our people and the role they play in our success,” said CEO P. Scott Bening. “Events like our summer picnic and community involvement activities are […] Read more

Enterprise of the Year: MonoSol expects to double in size over five years

MonoSol has been around since 1953, but this last year the business has experienced breakneck growth most companies would envy. The Merrillville-based company has been hiring and building more manufacturing capacity since Proctor & Gamble introduced the Tide Pod in 2012. The single-use laundry detergent packets that use MonoSol’s patented water-soluble film became an immediate […] Read more

Hilltop Food Pantry gets big boost after flooding

VALPARAISO — MonoSol has donated $10,000 to help the Hilltop Food Pantry find a new home after it was driven out of its former site by the recent flooding.

MonoSol pack-a-thons benefit local nonprofits

Merrillville-based MonoSol recently partnered with Clean the World to host pack-a-thons at several of its facilities. Employees packed 1,000 hygiene kits that will be donated to local charities during events at Monosol’s corporate headquarters in Merrillville and its water-soluble film manufacturing plants in Portage and LaPorte as well as its facility in the United Kingdom.

MonoSol and its Employees Help Food Pantries

MonoSol Raises Funds to Support Food Pantry Flood Relief: Total assistance reaches $20,000

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., March 13, 2018 – To aid in flood relief efforts for the Hilltop Food Pantry in Valparaiso, Monosol, a Kuraray Division, and its employees contributed $10,000 to help the organization build a new facility. The agency lost 50 percent of its stock due to flood damage following recent heavy rains in Northwest Indiana. […] Read more

MonoSol to build water-soluble manufacturing plant in US

A division of Japanese chemicals manufacturer MonoSol is investing $72 million in the construction of a 150,000 sq ft water-soluble film manufacturing facility in Indiana, USA, with the potential to create 89 jobs by 2020.

Indiana ‘Pod’ Film Manufacturer Growing In-State

LEBANON – Merrillville-based MonoSol LLC is continuing to grow its Indiana footprint. The manufacturer, whose water-soluble films are used in products like laundry and dishwasher detergent pods, is planning to invest more than $70 million into a new Lebanon facility and create 89 jobs. Monday night, the Lebanon City Council approved tax incentives for the company. Mayor […] Read more

IN: MonoSol to Add $72M Facility, Create 89 High-Wage Boone County Jobs

MonoSol, a global manufacturer of water-soluble films, announced plans to expand its operations in Indiana, establishing a new, high-tech production facility in Boone County, which will house up to 89 new, high-wage positions when fully operational by the end of 2020.

Laundry packets are made to clean clothes. They should not be played with, whatever the circumstance.

Local employers named some of ‘Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For’

MonoSol, the Merrillville-based company that makes the dissolvable film for Tide Pods, and area employers Aldi and Arby’s were recognized as one of the National Association for Business Resources’s “Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.”

MonoSol Water-Soluble Film Manufacturing Plant Earns NSF Certification

“Achieving this rigorous certification is a testament to our ongoing commitment to manufacturing excellence and, more specifically, our dedication to those customers who require that their supply chain for food products meet NSF Guideline 229,” said P. Scott Bening, president and chief executive officer, MonoSol LLC. “Our customers choose pre-portioned packets made with dissolvable films, […] Read more

Sustainable Concepts

MonoSol’s water-soluble film is used to make unit-dose pods of shaving cream that dissolve with water. Created with Pacific Shaving Company, this packaging evolution replaces bulky cans and tubes and leaves no waste.

News-Packed HX, BDNY Wrap Up in Big Apple

MonoSol, a Kuraray Division, introduced products in single doses enveloped by water-soluble film. Personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, toothpaste, shaving gels and other products are available in small pouches. These, the company says, eliminate product waste and recycling costs. Similarly, the company featured premeasured, sealed packages for cooking. The entire […] Read more

MonoSol Team Recognised for Innovative Use of Water-Soluble Film in Personal Care Market

MonoSol, a Kuraray Division, is proud to announce its New Business and Innovations team was inducted into The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana on October 26, 2017. The team was recognized for helping bring transformational innovation to the personal care market with water-soluble film used to make unit-dose pods of shaving cream that dissolve […] Read more

New members inducted into Society of Innovators

The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana inducted 40 new members during the 13th annual Innovators Induction Ceremony at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond on Thursday.

MonoSol Team Inducted into The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana

MonoSol, a Kuraray Division, is proud to announce its New Business and Innovations team was inducted into The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana during its 13th Annual Innovators Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 26.

Water-soluble Film Changes Shaving

Single Use Shaving Cream Minis deliver shaving cream in a pod that dissolves with water in your palm to provide a moisturizing lather. Innovation from Pacific Shaving, San Francisco, California, is shaking up the wall of cans and tubes in the personal care aisle of Target stores nationwide.

MonoSol Welcomes Hobart Middle School Students for Manufacturing Day

MonoSol, a Kuraray Division, welcomed more than 30 students and staff from Hobart Middle School to its state-of-the-art production plant – the DuneLand facility – in Portage, Indiana, on October 3, to celebrate National Manufacturing Day, an initiative organized by the National Association of Manufacturers to connect with future generations of manufacturers and ensure the […] Read more

MonoSol installing new manufacturing lines, hiring 100 workers

MonoSol’s Employee Appreciation Picnic

Dissolvable Pods May Be the Future of Beauty Product Packaging

These New Shaving Cream Pods Are Pretty Epic

Last time we checked, shaving cream didn’t come in a bag. And it also didn’t come portioned out in a pod that looks like dishwashing detergent. Pacific Shaving Company’s Single-Use Shaving Cream Minis (pick them up for $7 at Amazon) manages to be both of these things. It’s the greatest grooming accessory we didn’t know we needed.

One shave per pod convenience

The company likes to shake things up with creative packaging approaches. In early 2017, Pacific Shaving began to roll out Single-Use Shaving Cream Minis, packaged in precisely measured one-pod-per-shave units. The pod dissolves with water in the palms to become a rich lather (go to pwgo.to/2754 to see a demonstration).

Zero-waste shaving cream pods are convenient and travel friendly

Dissolvable film has enabled single-use versions of many non-solid products that otherwise could only be packaged in bulk, including personal care and household products such as laundry detergent and shampoo, and foods like liquid flavorings.

NWI companies innovate, whether revolutionizing laundry or working with Elon Musk

MonoSol Hosts Clean the World Pack-a-Thon for Local Charities

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., February 21, 2017 – MonoSol, LLC, a Kuraray Division and the world leader in water-soluble film technology best known for its film used in detergent unit dose products, is helping clean the world in a different way. Partnering with Clean the World, a non-profit enterprise dedicated to saving lives by distributing recycled soaps […] Read more

Water-soluble pods get personal with shaving cream Minis

MonoSol Names New Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., February 14, 2017 – MonoSol, LLC, the water soluble film division of Kuraray, has promoted Christian Herrmanns to serve as senior vice president of marketing and sales. In this role, Herrmanns will report to P. Scott Bening, MonoSol’s president and CEO, and will lead the company’s global marketing and sales initiatives for water-soluble […] Read more

MonoSol and Pacific Shaving Company Change the Face of Shaving with Water-Soluble Minis

New shaving cream Minis made with water-soluble film dissolve in water for a convenient shave SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and MERRILLVILLE, Ind., February 9, 2017 – The newest innovation in shaving cream, introduced by Pacific Shaving Company, is shaking up the wall of cans and tubes in the personal care aisle. The new Single-Use Shaving Cream […] Read more

MonoSol Adding Jobs

MonoSol to hire 60 for jobs that pay up to $27.93 an hour

MonoSol Named One of Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2016

January 24, 2017 – MonoSol, a division of Kuraray, has been named a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the nation in 2016 by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For award recognizes organizations that represent best practices in human resources and strong commitments to […] Read more

MonoSol Introduces New Water-Soluble Film Technology for Personal Care Products and Cosmetics

October 25, 2016 – MonoSol, Kuraray’s WS Film Division and the global technology and innovation leader in water-soluble (WS) delivery systems, introduces new water-soluble film technology for the personal care and cosmetic industries. This food grade, water-soluble film improves convenience by delivering personal care and cosmetic products in easy-to-use, pre-measured pouches. It also offers a […] Read more

MonoSol Celebrates Parent-Company Kuraray’s 90th Anniversary

Top Left Junichi “Jack” Fujiwara, Vice President – Administration (on left) and P. Scott Bening, President & CEO – MonoSol, GM – Water Soluble Film Division (on right) – Portage, Indiana Facility Top Center Norihisa “Otis” Sato, Marketing and Sales Manager (on left) and Tim Boyle, Senior Vice President – Global Operations (on right) – […] Read more

MonoSol Rx and MonoSol LLC, a Kuraray Company, Announce IP License Agreement MonoSol RX Grants MonoSol LLC Access to Patents for Non-Pharmaceutical Uses

July 14, 2016 – MonoSol Rx LLC, a specialty pharmaceutical company leveraging its PharmFilm® drug delivery technology to improve patient outcomes and address unmet needs, and MonoSol LLC, the Kuraray Company’s water-soluble film division, announce an agreement through which MonoSol LLC will receive a perpetual license to MonoSol Rx’s intellectual property (IP) for use in […] Read more

MonoSol Launches New Food Grade Film Application with Dicoisa

June 28, 2016 – MonoSol, the world leader in water-soluble films, announces its newest food grade film customer – Dicoisa. A supplier of color additives based in Mexico City, Dicoisa is using MonoSol’s Vivos® film to package and deliver food colors to processors in Latin America. MonoSol’s film enables operational optimization via portion control by […] Read more

MonoSol Expands Production Capacity with the Opening of DuneLand Facility in Portage, Indiana

April 19, 2016 – MonoSol, the world leader in water-soluble films, announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art production plant – the DuneLand Facility – in Portage, Indiana. The $95 million dollar investment will expand MonoSol’s manufacturing capacity by 15 percent to meet increasing global demand for water-soluble films and unit-dose packaging. “Our business is growing. […] Read more

MonoSol Partners with Clean the World to Help the Local Community

MonoSol employees from around the world came together to assemble hundreds of Clean the World hygiene kits, which were donated to local charities Download hi-res photo Joseph Shudick, Trustee of the Ross Township Food Pantry; Donna Smith, Investigator with the Ross Township Food Pantry; Kimberly Stiener, Global Sales Support Manager at MonoSol Kuraray WSF Division; […] Read more

January 29 at ACI: MonoSol Executive previews next big wave in water-soluble unit dose film packaging

Merrillville, Indiana – January 21, 2016 – Anyone familiar with the phenomenal success of unit dose water-soluble film-packaged products in the detergent industry, won’t want to miss the first-ever ACI Innovations & Technologies Showcase on Friday morning, January 29, 2016, during the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Convention at Grande Lakes Orlando, Florida. Specifically, the 7:30-9:00 […] Read more

MonoSol Introduces New Water-Soluble Films for Pool and Spa Chemicals

October 19, 2016 – MonoSol, Kuraray’s WS Film Division and the global technology and innovation leader in water-soluble (WS) delivery systems, introduces new water-soluble film technology for delivering pool and spa chemicals. This Toss n’ Go application achieves exact portion control for each product, eliminates measuring and protects users from harsh chemicals by providing a […] Read more

MonoSol Creates Innovative Dissolvable Packaging To Combat Waste

Single-serve drink mixes and individually wrapped foods are a boon for landfill enthusiasts. Dissolvable-packaging maker MonoSol has a fix. Can you stomach it?