Procurement
Shoppers’ e-commerce packaging priorities shift in 2026: Ryder
Ryder's 2026 e-commerce consumer study shows a shift in packaging priorities: sustainability and premium unboxing experiences are gaining importance, while value-seeking has declined. Boxes remain preferred over mailer bags, but reasons have evolved, with eco-friendliness up six points. Discounts still lead loyalty drivers but have dropped, while packaging sustainability rose. Returnless refunds also emerge as a key loyalty factor.
Supply Chain Dive Trendline on Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive
U.S. President Trump signed an executive order on June 3, 2026, to strengthen customs enforcement. The new rules will impose stricter asset and disclosure requirements on foreign record importers and raise minimum fines. Experts advise cargo owners to assess IOR arrangements in advance, enhance supply chain visibility, and watch for rising compliance costs.
Manufacturing growth slows in August as economic concerns loom: ISM
The latest ISM report shows that the U.S. August manufacturing PMI was 54.6%, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion but down 1 percentage point from July. The new orders index fell by 3 percentage points, while the prices index remained flat at a high of 71.1%. Surveyed companies generally cited uncertainties brought by the Iran war, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions. The ISM committee chair stated that this is the first time seeing declines of more than 3 percentage points in three important areas, signaling the start of warning signs.
Williams-Sonoma to spread tariff refunds to vendors, employees
Kitchenware and home goods retailer Williams-Sonoma disclosed in its second-quarter earnings report that it plans to share part of the approximately $200 million in tariff refunds it has received with suppliers and employees. Of this, $47.5 million will be used to compensate suppliers for discounts provided during the International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs, and an additional $10 million will be contributed as a one-time payment to some employees' 401(k) accounts.
Where Walmart’s packaging ended up on 2025 sustainability targets
In its FY2026 ESG report, Walmart confirmed that it did not meet some of its 2025 private brand packaging sustainability goals. Data shows that the proportion of recyclable/reusable/industrially compostable packaging decreased from 68.2% in FY2024 to 66.1% in FY2025 and 64.3% in FY2026; virgin plastic usage remains higher than the FY2021 baseline, but the increase has narrowed; the proportion of PCR content has continued to rise. The company stated that it will continue to advance packaging optimization and listed three guiding principles.
ADM plans to invest $100 million to expand four US oilseed crushing plants
ADM announced on its August 4 earnings call that it will invest approximately $100 million to expand four US oilseed crushing plants, expected to be completed by 2028 or 2029, aiming to meet growing demand for renewable fuels and vegetable oils.
Birkenstock production network expansion progressing as planned, 2027 target achievable
Birkenstock executives stated during the August 13 earnings call that global manufacturing capacity expansion is progressing as planned to support the goal of achieving 10% annual production growth by 2027. The expansion and renovation projects involve factories in Germany and Portugal.
Kimberly-Clark Tests Hesperaloe Fiber to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability
Kimberly-Clark has initiated a proprietary alternative natural fiber program, constructing a pilot facility in Yuma, Arizona, to assess the hesperaloe plant as a potential year-round fiber source for hygiene products. The initiative is expected to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce cost volatility, and advance the company's forest fiber-free ambitions, according to an Aug. 3 press release and an Aug. 4 earnings call.
Pentagon Inks Over $2B in Agreements to Secure Battery Cells and Critical Minerals
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed multiple agreements valued at $2.03 billion to secure battery cells and critical minerals, according to a White House fact sheet. The deals include conditional loan commitments with Sila Technologies, Niron Magnetics, and Sunrise Energy Metals, plus an equity investment in Strategic Bauxite USA. The moves aim to stabilize supply chains and complement workforce development initiatives.
Supplier Scorecards: A Strategic Tool for Apparel Brands Seeking Transparency and Accountability
Supplier scorecards are becoming essential for apparel companies to gain visibility into their supply chains, standardize performance metrics, and foster transparent communication. This article explores how brands like Patagonia, Brooks Running, and Estée Lauder use scorecards to measure quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, while also addressing challenges such as data gaps and supplier compliance.