MonoSol, a division of Japanese specialty chemical company Kuraray, is planning to expand capacity for water-soluble and biodegradable films in Poland and the US to meet rapidly rising demand.

The company will build a new plant in Ujazd, part of Poland's Katowice Special Economic Zone, a location chosen after a "comprehensive" European search. MonoSol said it selected the site for its excellent infrastructure, accessibility to key customers, strong skilled labor base, along with cost and operational advantages.

According to MonoSol, the addition of a facility in Poland has been prompted by strong growth of the unit dose concept in continental markets, particularly in the laundry and dish detergent categories. The company added that the plant’s physical proximity to customers will allow for better and faster collaboration, shorten the supply chain and help reduce the risks and costs associated with trade uncertainty.

MonoSol will provide further details on its plans and timeline once a groundbreaking ceremony takes place at the start of construction.

In the US, the Merrillville, Indiana-based company will raise output at its recently completed facility in Lebanon, near Indianapolis, which is anticipated to go into operation next month. MonoSol will now install additional equipment, doubling the plant's initial capacity. The extra output is expected to be commercially available in 2021.

“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 Scott Bening, MonoSol's president and CEO. “Kuraray’s continued commitment and investment in our customers’ future will allow us to transform brands globally and at an unmatched capacity.” 

Once completed, the expansions are expected to create around approximately 90 jobs in Poland and 90 new jobs in the US.