Every year, over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally, with packaging accounting for a staggering 40% of all plastic waste.
As brands and consumers search for sustainable alternatives, one material is breaking through the noise: water-soluble packaging that completely dissolves in water, leaving zero waste behind.
SmartSolve is pioneering this transformation with bio-based, water-soluble materials that are changing how products are packaged across industries, from powder laundry detergent pods to flushable feminine care wrappers. SmartSolve is dedicated to making packaging no longer trash.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover what SmartSolve is, how their water-soluble technology works, which industries benefit most from these plastic alternatives, and how your business can implement zero-waste packaging solutions with no compromise on quality.
What is SmartSolve?
SmartSolve is a leading manufacturer of certified, bio-based, water-soluble packaging materials headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio. Founded with a bold vision—to make packaging no longer trash—SmartSolve creates innovative materials that dissolve completely in water, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
SmartSolve produces three main categories of water soluble paper packaging products:
- Pouch stock: Heat-sealable materials for a range of applications like single-dose powder laundry detergent and dishwasher pods
- Face stock: Water-soluble paper for labels and wrapping applications
- Label stock: Dissolvable labels that support recyclability initiatives
What sets SmartSolve apart is their commitment to sustainability without compromise. Their materials are:
- 75% –100% bio-based: Made from responsibly sourced wood pulp and cellulose
- FSC-Mix Certified: Materials derived from responsibly sourced, renewable resources
- Fully dissolvable: Materials break down completely in cold or hot water
- Biodegradable: Tested to international standards for environmental safety
- 100% flushable: Drain-safe for household cleaning, industrial cleaning, cosmetics or feminine care applications
Unlike traditional plastic alternatives that simply replace one problematic material with another, SmartSolve’s water-soluble technology addresses the root problem: packaging waste itself. When SmartSolve materials come into contact with water, they dissolve completely, eliminating the need for special disposal, recycling sorting, or landfill space.The company serves diverse industries including household cleaning, feminine care, agriculture, data centers, healthcare, and cosmetics/personal care—empowering brands to meet sustainability goals while maintaining product quality and consumer convenience.
How is SmartSolve Water Soluble Paper Made?
SmartSolve’s water-soluble packaging is made using natural materials that completely dissolve without leaving microplastics or harmful residue.
SmartSolve water-soluble paper is a bio-based material made from Forest Steward Council (FSC) sourced wood pulp fibers and a natural cellulose ingredient. Once the material comes in contact with water, the cellulose ingredient dissolves and the wood pulp fibers separate and remain. Micro-organisms and bacteria then help to break down the wood pulp fibers even further, allowing it to fully biodegrade.
Every SmartSolve material undergoes rigorous testing including:
- ASTM D6866 for bio-based content verification
- OECD 301B for biodegradability
US EPA Ecological Risk Assessment
What products does SmartSolve offer?
SmartSolve offers four main product categories, each designed for specific applications and performance requirements.
PureNil™ 0
PureNil 0 represents a breakthrough in sustainable packaging. It’s the world’s first plastic-free, 100% bio-based, and flushable substrate. The flagship product, PureNil 0 3PN30, offers:
- Direct food contact capability
- Flushable, recyclable, and compostable
- 3mil thickness with 30 micron heat seal
- Zero plastic, marine biodegradable, REACH compliant
PureNil 0 applications are endless. Some of the most common industry applications include laundry and dishwasher pods, feminine care packaging, beauty and cosmetics packaging, and medical products.
X-Series Pouch Stock
The X-Series is SmartSolve’s line of heat-sealable pouch materials, perfect for creating single-dose packages:
- 2X15: 2mil paper with 15 micron heat seal coating
- 2X30: 2mil paper with 30 micron heat seal coating
- 3X15: 3mil paper with 15 micron heat seal coating
X-Series products are ideal for powder laundry detergent pods, dishwasher tablets, home and industrial cleaning portioning, and agricultural products. The heat-activated sealing creates secure pouches that protect dry products while completely dissolving during use.
Face Stock
Available in 2PT, 3PT, and 5PT thicknesses, SmartSolve face stock is water-soluble paper ideal for labels, wraps, and dividers. These materials work well for dry products and direct printing applications where water-solubility is needed but heat-sealing is not.
Label Stock
SmartSolve’s 3PT and 4PT dissolvable label stock helps brands enhance recyclability by providing labels that dissolve during the recycling process. This is particularly valuable for PET plastic bottles – the labels dissolve away during recycling, preventing contamination of the recycling stream.
Common Applications for SmartSolve Water Soluble Paper Packaging
Because of their versatility, SmartSolve products have almost endless use cases for packaging in diverse industries. Here are some of the most common:
Household Cleaning & Laundry
SmartSolve enables single-dose laundry detergent pods and dishwasher tablets that eliminate plastic waste. Major brands like Grove Collaborative use SmartSolve for their toilet bowl cleaner pods, offering consumers convenience and sustainability in one package. The materials dissolve completely in the wash, leaving zero residue.
Feminine Care
PureNil 0 and other SmartSolve products have revolutionized feminine care packaging with truly flushable tampon and pad wrappers. Daye, a feminine care brand, partnered with SmartSolve to create wrappers that are “safe to flush, leave no trace.” This innovation offers privacy, convenience, and environmental responsibility – a combination brands can’t get in traditional plastic.
“We moved to the SmartSolve wrapper because it fits more neatly with customer behavior. The water-soluble option is so great. Since people aren’t recycling or composting their wrappers, we found another natural way to dispose of them with SmartSolve.”
– Valentina Milanova, CEO, Daye
Agriculture & Water Treatment
Agricultural companies can use SmartSolve’s PureNil 0 for seed treatment packaging, crop protection portioning, and water treatment chemical delivery. The water-soluble packaging reduces contamination risk, ensures precise dosing, and improves worker safety by eliminating direct chemical handling.
Healthcare
Healthcare and medical product manufacturers benefit from SmartSolve’s solutions for applications like coagulant powder packaging. Safetec incorporates SmartSolve materials in their acute care spill control solidifier line, simplifying disposal while reducing cross-contamination risks. The dissolvable packaging improves infection control and streamlines waste management.
“It’s safe, easy to use, and fast. It also has the potential to cut costs for the healthcare system.”
– Ken Bianchi, Executive VP, Safetec
Beauty & Personal Care
Beauty brands like Plus Products use SmartSolve’s dissolvable paper products as a flushable packaging for cosmetics and beauty products. From bar soap to bath bombs, SmartSolve’s dissolvable nature makes it a natural fit for beauty and personal care brands seeking a more sustainable alternative.
How to Get Started With SmartSolve
Ready to implement a game-changing sustainable packaging innovation into your product line? Getting started with SmartSolve is easy:
Every application is unique, so our team of consultants works with you to find the right solution based on your needs and budget. SmartSolve’s team works directly with you to:
- Assess your specific needs – Product type, weight, regulatory requirements
- Recommend the optimal solution – Selecting the right product line and specifications
- Provide samples for testing – Ensuring compatibility with your product and equipment
SmartSolve Pricing
SmartSolve provides tailored pricing based on your specific application, order volume, and technical requirements. Every industry and product has unique requirements, so pricing reflects those customizations. Contact us today to get your custom consultation and quote.
FAQs About SmartSolve
What is water soluble paper made of?
SmartSolve water soluble paper is made from natural wood pulp fibers and cellulose. Heat-sealable products include a biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) coating. Unlike traditional paper that breaks into pulp, SmartSolve materials completely dissolve in water without leaving microplastics or residue.
Is SmartSolve packaging really flushable?
Yes! SmartSolve products are designed to be safely flushable and drain-safe. Specifically, PureNil 0 passes the FG502 Slosh Box Disintegration Test and dissolves rapidly without harming municipal wastewater treatment systems or septic tanks.
How long does it take for SmartSolve materials to disperse?
Most SmartSolve materials disperse within 5-10 seconds in water. PureNil™ 0 typically disperses in about 7 seconds. Unlike sugar, which fully dissolves, SmartSolve paper breaks apart into tiny wood pulp fibers — so while people often say it “dissolves,” it’s more accurately described as dispersible. Dispersion time varies based on water temperature, agitation level, and material thickness.
Can SmartSolve be used for powder laundry detergent?
Absolutely! SmartSolve X-Series and PureNil 0 are ideal for powder laundry detergent single-dose pods. The heat-sealable coating creates secure pouches that protect dry powder while dissolving completely in the washing machine – hot or cold water.
Learn more about SmartSolve products for laundry
How is SmartSolve different from traditional plastic alternatives?
Unlike “biodegradable” or “compostable” plastics that may require industrial facilities and still leave residue, SmartSolve materials are 100% bio-based from the start and dissolve completely in ordinary water. No special disposal is needed.
Digital Content Coordinator