Plastilene Opens R&D Center, Establishes U.S. Operations in Washington Court House
Plastilene opened its first U.S. facility in 2023, cutting the ribbon on a new research and development center in Washington Court House. The Sustainable Food Packaging Innovation Center focuses on the development of recyclable food packaging that will help food producers reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Company Profile
The Plastilene Group is a global leader in the development and production of high-quality, responsible packaging for a variety of foods, beverages, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, home and personal care products and more. Plastilene has existing operations in Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala. Plastilene has four specialty focus areas in Packaging and Technical film, Industrial Products, Film for Agro-Industry, and Film Products with Recycled Materials.
Business Need
Plastilene’s extensive sustainability efforts in Latin American align with the company’s aggressive goals to move toward a circular economy, eliminating packing waste. They needed a U.S. facility to expand those efforts to North America.
The Sustainable Food Packaging Innovation Center will focus on the development and high-volume commercialization of game-changing recyclable food packaging. The research will seek to increase circularity, capture after-use material value, reduce leakage into natural streams, reduce fossil feedstock usage, and enhance sustainable economics, carbon footprint reduction and performance targets for multiple Ohio & National food industry companies.
Ohio Solution
Plastilene’s Ohio facility will conduct research as well as produce food packaging. Food and agribusiness is the largest industry in Ohio, and the state is home to hundreds of companies that cultivate, process, package, distribute and market food and drinks enjoyed by consumers around the world.
“Plastilene began looking at the North American market 15 years ago. We had a clear vision, and took the time to find the right location,” said Plastilene Group President Stefano Pacini. “In Washington Court House, we’ve found a welcoming community and supportive partnerships that allow us to work with leaders in our industry to help Ohio’s food producers deliver fresh products in a sustainable way.”
Project Statistics
- Location: Washington Court House
- Collaborators: Plastilene, JobsOhio, Dayton Development Coalition, State of Ohio, City of Washington Court House, CIFT
- Total capital investment: $47 million
- Jobs committed: 58
