Celebrating 75 Years of Plastics History and Progress at M. Holland Company
Summary
Celebrating 75 years in the global plastics industry, M. Holland Company, a leading thermoplastic resin distributor headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, has grown from a small U.S. compounder into an industry-leader in polymer distribution. With operations across North America and Latin America, M. Holland delivers resin solutions for customers in packaging, automotive, healthcare and more. This blog post explores the company’s journey, milestones and ongoing leadership in plastics distribution and sustainability.
World War II was a catalyst for the plastics industry. Plastic innovation and production boomed during this time, creating opportunities for plastics to replace in-demand but scarce materials such as glass, steel and rubber. Plastics were in mass production for the first time when, in 1950, Marvin founded M. Holland Company, as a small compounding company.
M. Holland entered the market at just the right moment to help shape the industry’s future. Over the next 75 years, M. Holland Company has grown from a small operation in Illinois into a leading distributor of thermoplastic resin across the U.S. and Latin America.
The 1950s-60s: New Materials and Mass Production
The post-war period provided the opportunity for manufacturing companies to pivot away from the war effort and into consumer goods. The discovery of melamine-formaldehyde resins made plastic furniture and tableware a common household item. Polyester and nylon increased in popularity over natural fibers for clothing and upholstery. Polypropylene was discovered, forever changing the packaging and molded products markets. These new applications made plastic into a household staple and brought about an era of convenience that has continued to modern day.
As new formulations like PET entered the market and plastics grew into medical, automotive and even more consumer goods in the early 1960s, M. Holland expanded its compounding operations to a new, larger plant in Northlake, Illinois. The facility housed 11 extrusion manufacturing lines until 1967, when M. Holland shut down its manufacturing business to focus on resin distribution.
“Originally producers would sell direct to customers and work with brokers to move excess resin,” reflected Ed J. Holland, former CEO, now Executive Advisor of M. Holland. “The industry changed with the introduction of distribution as a first-tier channel to market.”
The establishment of the distribution model allowed plastic resin suppliers to reach more customers, further enabling the mass production of plastics throughout the 1960s. By 1969, the material reached outer space when Neil Armstrong planted a nylon flag on the moon.
The 1970s-80s: Beginning to Balance Growth and Waste
By 1976 when Ed Holland joined his father’s resin distribution company full-time, plastics were the most used material in the world. Single-use plastic packaging was becoming common for health and beauty products and replaced glass soda bottles. The rise of plastic packaging led to a corresponding rise of environmental concerns. The first Earth Day was observed in 1970, and plastic recycling efforts grew in popularity over the following years.
The 1980s marked a transformative era for both the plastics industry and M. Holland Company. Globally, demand for plastics surged as industries discovered new ways to replace heavier or costlier materials with thermoplastics. Advances in polymer science led to the rise of engineering plastics like polycarbonates and ABS, making plastics lighter, stronger and more versatile. Automotive manufacturers increasingly substituted metal with plastic parts to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy, while consumer electronics and appliance markets exploded with new plastic-intensive products. The packaging sector also experienced major growth with the widespread adoption of PET and other lightweight materials. Plastics production surpassed 100 million metric tons globally to close out the decade in 1989.
During this decade of expansion and innovation, M. Holland strengthened its position in the market. The company added branded resin lines and expanded into the greater Midwest and Southeast. Strategic relationships with key suppliers were instrumental to this growth, as was the company’s early investment in digital systems to streamline operations.
The 1990s-2000s: Rising Quality and Sustainability
M. Holland continued to scale alongside the industry, laying down infrastructure like its 160,000-square-foot warehouse, which was acquired in 1990, and launching a dedicated Film Group in 1992 to focus on the growing market. The company emerged as a leader in thermoplastic resin distribution, but also material expertise. When metallocene was commercialized in 1991, M. Holland became an early advisor in its use for packaging. The company partnered with an extruder manufacturer to process and collect data on metallocene polyethylene with the goal of discovering how the product could be used to produce superior products for M. Holland’s customers and suppliers.
While the 1990s provided additional development of high-performance plastics like metallocene it also provided new insight into the impact of plastic waste. Bioplastics, including polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) were developed and biodegradable plastics entered the market.
During the 2000s, M. Holland reinforced its commitment to quality, earning International Standards (ISO) certification in 2003. The company’s geographic and product diversification accelerated as well, expanding into Canada in 2004 and segmenting its operations into six regional distribution centers by 2007.
The 2010s-2020s: A New Era with Global Reach
In the early 2010s, M. Holland initiated a period of strategic acquisitions and international growth. Its first acquisition of Christler Chemical & Plastics came in 2012, followed by Able International and Tril Export in 2016, and finally T&T Marketing in 2018. In 2015, M. Holland acquired the leading plastics and chemicals distributor in Mexico, Grupo Solquim. These investments opened doors to new markets in Mexico and greater Latin America and expanded the company’s ability to service international customers both in the U.S. and abroad.
In the wider industry, corporate sustainability initiatives were in full swing alongside the rise of the zero-waste movement. In 2018, M. Holland partnered with EcoVadis to measure the success of its own sustainability initiatives. The company has earned several positive ratings over the years, including a bronze rating in 2022, putting it in the top 50% of sustainable companies based on its environmental impact, sustainable procurement, labor and human rights treatment, and overall operational ethics. M. Holland established its Sustainability Group in 2019 to help customers navigate the rapidly changing landscape of recycled and bio-based plastics. The Sustainability team provides guidance to customers making complex sustainability choices through a culture of proactive learning and technical leadership.
As global awareness around plastic waste intensified throughout the 2020s, the industry entered a new phase marked by breakthroughs in advanced recycling technologies. Innovations like chemical recycling and closed-loop systems began reshaping how brands and manufacturers approached material selection and lifecycle design.
In 2023, M. Holland entered a new chapter when the Ravago Group acquired a majority interest in the company. Ravago’s family-owned culture and deep commitment to sustainable solutions and recycling excellence from its founding over 60 years ago complemented M. Holland’s legacy and commitment to Sustainability and customer service. The move strengthened M. Holland’s digital capabilities and global infrastructure while preserving the company’s independence and values-driven culture.
75 Years and M. Holland is Just Getting Started
From its founding in 1950 to its evolution as a leader in thermoplastic resin distribution, M. Holland has done more than keep pace with the plastics industry; it has helped define it. Along the way, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to people, partnerships, innovation and values.
“The plastics industry continues to transform to meet the needs of modern manufacturing,” said Marc Fern, Vice President and General Manager of M. Holland. “Plastics remain integral to global progress across countless sectors from healthcare and automotive to consumer goods and infrastructure. M. Holland is proud to invest in the industry’s future by advancing material solutions and driving innovation alongside our partners.”
Today, when plastics are both essential and under scrutiny, M. Holland stands out for operating with integrity, adaptability and a long-term view of the industry. Whether guiding its customers through sustainability transitions, helping suppliers bring new materials to market or supporting the next generation of plastics professionals through its Commercial Development Program, and sponsorship of the annual Plastics Pioneers Scholarship, M. Holland continues to lead with a purpose.
“The M. Holland name is globally recognized as a trusted partner,” Ed confirmed. “I think, over 75 years of operation, that’s what I am most proud of.”
Happy 75th Anniversary, M. Holland. Here’s to the next 75 years of taking plastics, and people, personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does M. Holland Company do?
M. Holland Company is a global distributor of thermoplastic resins, helping manufacturers source materials for applications across industries such as automotive, healthcare, packaging, electronics, and wire and cable.
2. Where is M. Holland Company located?
M. Holland is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, USA, and has offices in the U.S. and Mexico. It serves customers in more than 70 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
3. What makes M. Holland different from other plastic resin distributors?
M. Holland’s commitment to values, including trust, integrity and respect, sets it apart. The company is known for its strong industry relationships, knowledge, expertise and focus on sustainability.