Helping to Fund a New R&D Center in Northwest Ohio to Advance Zero-Waste Packaging Innovation
Bowling Green, OH – October 28, 2025 – SmartSolve Industries, a leading zero-waste packaging technology company, announced today that it has been selected for the JobsOhio Research and Development Grant, a $1 million investment toward its $3.6 million project to establish a new Research & Development Center in Northwest Ohio. The investment is expected to create at least 30 new jobs over the next five years and accelerate SmartSolve’s mission to pioneer sustainable, microplastic-free packaging technologies.
Earlier today, SmartSolve celebrated this critical milestone with a public event at its Bowling Green headquarters, where community leaders, industry partners, and economic development professionals gathered to commemorate the announcement. Guests enjoyed facility tours, networking, and live demonstrations of SmartSolve’s patented water-soluble paper technology in action.
A $1 Million Investment in Sustainable Innovation
The JobsOhio R&D Grant will support SmartSolve’s expansion and strengthen its ability to innovate in water-soluble materials—helping industries move away from traditional plastics toward more circular and environmentally responsible solutions.
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 SmartSolve’s continued growth is fueled by a strong product development pipeline and increasing global demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
Event Highlights and Remarks
The announcement event featured remarks from a lineup of distinguished speakers, including:
- Jonathan Jakubowski, CEO and Co-founder, SmartSolve
- Chase Eikenbary, Regional Growth Partnership
- Karthik Avadhanula, JobsOhio
- Kati Thompson, Bowling Green Economic Development
- Jeffrey Gayer, CEO, CMC Group
- Albert Caperna, Chairman and Co-founder, CMC Group
- Abigal Heaston, Administrative Assistant to the Chairman
- Greg Rogers, Chaplain, CMC Group
Each speaker emphasized the importance of collaboration between private industry, economic development organizations, and research partners in driving long-term environmental and economic growth.
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 J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO. “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.
Three Core Objectives of the R&D Center
Jakubowski shared that the Center is being built on three guiding objectives:
- Develop and commercialize at least one new alternative packaging solution each year
- Foster regional workforce growth through economic activity
- Raise public awareness through sustainability innovation
In addition to its direct goals, the Center will help onshore innovation from international competitors, create community education opportunities around sustainability, and foster new local research partnerships.
A Shared Commitment to Local and Global Impact
SmartSolve was founded in Bowling Green in 2016 under the umbrella of CMC Group and has since grown into a global leader in water-soluble materials for flexible packaging. The company serves a wide range of industries, including dish, laundry, personal care, industrial, and dry foods.
“Ohio has a long history as a hub of innovation,” Jakubowski said. “This legacy 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.”
Albert Caperna, Chairman and Co-founder of CMC Group, added, “The collaboration between SmartSolve, JobsOhio, and our local partners demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability and innovation come together. This project represents the kind of forward-thinking investment that will shape the next generation of manufacturing in Ohio.”
Community and Partner Collaboration
SmartSolve recognized the collaboration of numerous economic development partners in bringing the project to life, including Bowling Green Economic Development, the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP), CIFT, and JobsOhio.
Kati Thompson, Executive Director of 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,” said Thompson. “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.
The Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) serves as the lead economic development organization for 17 counties in Northwest Ohio and is JobsOhio’s regional network partner.
Celebrating a Special Day — Thank You to All Who Attended
We extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us for this exciting event, from our partners and customers to local leaders and community members. Your support continues to inspire our work as we push the boundaries of what sustainable packaging can achieve.
If you missed today’s event but want to learn more about our latest project or partnership with JobsOhio, visit smartsolve.com or follow us on LinkedIn for updates.
Together, we’re creating a future where innovation meets responsibility, and where every package has the power to make a positive impact. 🌎💧
Marketing Manager