Innovation
Technology, materials, manufacturing, research and operating models changing consumer products.
Chasing clarity: SB 343 uncertainty influencing labeling, packaging choices
The law’s go-live date is here, five years after California adopted this first-in-the-nation truth in labeling policy for recyclable packaging. But the situation is muddied by an ongoing court case.
Kraft Heinz Taps CPG Veteran Alvaro Cantillo to Drive North America Supply Chain Transformation
The shift simplifies the company's North America operating model by consolidating its supply chain and procurement functions to improve efficiency, aligning with a new global structure
Greif, Charter Next Generation, McKinley announced closures in September
Henkel also updated its plans for closing an adhesives manufacturing facility in Wisconsin.
Defense, data centers and AI driving private equity manufacturing investments
Defense-related companies made up 29% of private equity-led acquisitions in the first half of 2026. Another 29% came from data center and AI-related companies, according to the Private Equity Stakeholder project.
AI on the shop floor: Manufacturing’s physical AI moment
Physical AI is here. Is your IT/OT foundation ready for it?
Caterpillar and Ultium Cells make $1B facility investments
Additionally, Genentech and Avio USA broke ground on separate projects this week including a device fill-finish expansion and a solid rocket motor factory.
Packaging dealmaking: September 2026
Adherex Group, Lumson USA, PPC Flex and Specialized Packaging Group each announced acquisitions. Private equity firms Butterfly Equity and New Water Capital also made packaging additions to their portfolios.
IMTS 2026 highlights the evolution of AI and automation
Manufacturing Dive gathered insights from several sessions and interviews about additive manufacturing, robotics and other factors shaping the industry.
Wells, PopSockets, Buffalo Games Execs to Discuss Why AI Is Rewriting RGM at Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit
As commerce diversifies across direct-to-consumer platforms, digital wholesale and retail media networks, static analysis can no longer keep pace with market volatility.
Keurig Dr Pepper Hires Kimberly-Clark Exec as the CGs Finalize Leadership Orgs Ahead of M&As
Keurig Dr Pepper and Kimberly-Clark are finalizing their leadership structures ahead of their respective restructuring plans.
Molson Coors Names Matthew Hook Chief Supply Chain Officer, Americas
Over his 27-year tenure at the company, he has directed end-to-end supply chain operations across North America, including overseeing 11 regional breweries and packaging sites.
Tresalis acquires well-being fragrance brand Vyrao in debut beauty acquisition.
Tresalis has acquired well-being fragrance house Vyrao. The new owner-operator platform focuses on acquiring and growing brands.
Estée Lauder, Henkel, Ultimate Products and Others Invest in AI Optimizations
See how each of these consumer goods companies approached AI investment this past month and what it means for the industry.
Tapestry Is Scaling AI Across Commerce, Design, Operations
A new Google partnership is part of Tapestry's broader AI strategy, which focuses on driving company growth and enabling transformations across teams and operations.
L’Oréal clears Innovist deal, moving in on India’s digital beauty boom
L’Oréal’s acquisition of Innovist has cleared India’s competition regulator, as the country’s beauty market expands online.
Unilever sharpens global brand focus with Zwitsal sale
Unilever has received a binding offer from Dutch personal care manufacturer Royal Sanders for baby care brand Zwitsal.
