The manufacturing trends of 2022 are starting to take shape, and businesses in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space need to stay up-to-date. Sustainability is becoming more important than ever, supply chain challenges are mounting, labor shortages are increasing. By understanding these trends and how they are impacting CPG businesses, manufacturers can make the necessary pivots to stay ahead of these industry curves.

Sustainability

The pressure is on businesses to operate more sustainably, which is especially true for manufacturers. Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of the products they purchase, demanding that businesses do better. In response, many manufacturers are working to reduce their carbon footprint and use more sustainable materials.

However, this is easier said than done as sustainable manufacturing can be costly and complex. But the benefits – such as reduced environmental impact, improved brand reputation, and lower costs in the long run – make it worth the investment.

Supply Chain Challenges

The global pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of supply chains around the world. Manufacturers are now challenging to ensure that their supply chains are agile and resilient enough to withstand any future disruptions.

This is no easy task, but it is essential to the success of businesses in the manufacturing industry. By working with suppliers to map out the entire supply chain and identify potential risks, manufacturers can be better prepared for future challenges.

Labor Shortage

The labor shortage in the manufacturing industry is an ongoing obstacle. An aging workforce and a lack of skilled workers are leaving many manufacturers struggling to find the talent they need.

This is a major challenge that will require businesses to get creative in their recruiting and retention efforts. By offering training and development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and other perks, manufacturers can attract and retain the talent they need to stay competitive.

Automation

As the labor shortage worsens, manufacturers are turning to automation to fill the gap. This trend is only going to continue in the coming years as businesses look for ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The value of automation is undisputed, but it is important to remember that it is not a cure-all. It should be used in conjunction with other manufacturing trends, such as sustainability and supply chain management, to create a well-rounded and effective manufacturing strategy.

In 2022, automation will help CPG businesses by:

• Resolving labor shortages: By automating certain tasks, businesses can reduce their reliance on human labor. This is essential in our current environment where the labor shortage is a major challenge for manufacturers.
• Improving efficiency: Automation can help businesses streamline their operations. For example, by automating the packaging process, manufacturers can reduce waste and increase efficiency with less downtime.
• Reducing costs: Automating certain tasks can help businesses save money on labor costs. In addition, automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks can free up employees to work on more value-added tasks that can’t be automated.
• Speeding up production: Automation can help businesses increase their production speed without sacrificing quality. This is essential for businesses that need to be agile to respond to changes in the market and keep up with the high demand from consumers.

By understanding these manufacturing trends, businesses can make the necessary changes to stay ahead of the curve. Automation will be a key driver of success in the coming years, but it is important to remember that it is just one piece of the puzzle. Businesses need to take a holistic approach to their manufacturing strategies to succeed in the ever-changing landscape.

What do you think will be the most critical manufacturing trend of 2022? Contact the experts at RIVIR to discuss how to stay ahead of the curve in the coming years.