Chemicals, Materials & Packaging Manufacturing

From bottling, canning, and paper-based packaging to plastics, labeling, and converting, the materials and packaging sector is strong in Northern Kentucky. That strength increasingly overlaps with chemical manufacturing, because modern packaging and materials performance depend on chemical inputs like resins, coatings, adhesives, inks, and specialty formulations that help products protect better, last longer, and move through supply chains reliably.

Representing 4,674 jobs in 2024, the chemicals, materials, & packaging manufacturing industry is nearly 2.5 times more concentrated in Northern Kentucky compared to the U.S. average.

“We are pleased to be part of Kentucky’s expansive manufacturing presence. Our goal is to empower an inclusive and engaged community culture, and proudly bring manufacturing jobs to the region through our partnership with BE NKY and other city, county and community entities.” 

Adam C. Walker, CEO, Summit Packaging Solutions

Chemical manufacturing in Northern Kentucky supports and accelerates the materials and packaging cluster, especially companies that rely on consistent inputs, tight tolerances, and fast replenishment. When chemical and packaging capabilities are close together, manufacturers can reduce lead times, simplify procurement, and speed improvements to materials performance.

Typical chemical capabilities that support materials and packaging include:

• Specialty polymers and resin-related inputs used in plastics, films, and rigid packaging
• Coatings, inks, and surface treatments that improve durability, barrier properties, and branding
• Adhesives and sealants used in labeling, converting, assembly, and closures
• Industrial and maintenance chemistries that keep manufacturing operations running efficiently
• Contract blending, packaging, and fulfillment of chemical products

There are 25 four-year colleges/universities and 11 community and technical colleges located about 75 miles from Northern Kentucky. Business leaders cite the talent –dedication, education, and training combined with a willingness to learn– as a major asset for NKY.

In 2024, Forbes named the Cincinnati region as the #1 city for young professionals to live. The talent pipeline features 6,000 engineering graduates per year within a 75-minute drive of NKY and rapidly growing manufacturing technician programs at Gateway Community & Technical College. The Northern Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NKY FAME) program at Gateway offers students the opportunity to work at a manufacturing company while attending classes and earning a degree at Gateway, which is paid for by the manufacturing company.

With low student-to-faculty ratios, commitment to undergraduate research, and prioritized faculty guidance, Northern Kentucky University’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides a high-quality experience for students with a passion for solving real-world problems with cutting-edge science. Between 2021-2023, NKU’s share of university R&D expenditure in chemistry was 13.5%, compared to 2.2% across all United States institutions.