Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are preparing for a new era—one defined by rapid digital transformation, heightened sustainability standards, and emerging technological disruptions, such as AI. These shifts are accelerating, especially across the food, beverage, cosmetics, and personal care segments.
Below, we explore three major trends reshaping the industry and spotlight how a new partnership between a leading PLM provider and a digital supply chain integrator can offer a consolidated path forward.
In the face of shrinking product lifecycles and evolving consumer demands, many CPG businesses are realizing that piecemeal approaches—like standalone spreadsheets, email threads, and disparate software tools—cannot keep pace. A truly consistent digital strategy from the shop floor to the factory floor goes well beyond digitizing a few paper processes. It requires end-to-end integration that unites every aspect of product creation and launch.
Another key trend that is affecting CPG companies in 2025 is sustainability. For years, sustainability was often relegated to compliance checklists, especially under mounting regulatory pressure from entities like the European Commission. Today, however, brands recognize that sustainability can help sales, boost consumer loyalty, and open new markets.
The upcoming EU directives—such as stricter waste management targets and more rigorous labeling under the Circular Economy Action Plan—make it clear that eco-friendly practices will soon be table stakes.
While artificial intelligence (AI) dominates the headlines, other once-hyped technologies—particularly blockchain and industrial IoT (smart manufacturing)—are on the cusp of a resurgence. Their earlier “hype cycle” in the mid 2010’s may have led to inflated expectations, but the sustained push for transparency and operational efficiency has provided fresh impetus for these tools.
Amid these technologies, AI serves as an overarching integrator—automating compliance checks, predicting consumer trends, and optimizing supply chain logistics. When orchestrated within a well-designed PLM framework, these various digital tools can complement one another, rather than becoming isolated pilots with limited impact.
Stepping into 2025, CPG brands can no longer defer digital transformation or treat sustainability as an afterthought. By elevating PLM to a strategic focal point, companies create a unifying thread that ties R&D innovation, data governance, and future technologies together into a coherent, proactive strategy.
Whether it’s expanding clean-label lines, launching eco-friendly packaging, or integrating IoT for real-time production insights, a robust and flexible PLM ecosystem helps ensure every initiative is backed by accurate data, effective workflows, and seamless collaboration. As blockchain, AI, and other powerful tools gain traction, forward-looking firms will be the ones who embrace a holistic digital mindset—one that empowers them to outpace market demands and build deeper trust with consumers.
In the end, the CPG companies that thrive will be those that invest now in a consistent, future-ready approach—marrying the power of PLM with smart integrations and emerging technologies. It’s the ideal way to stay ahead of regulatory pressures, foster brand differentiation, and push the boundaries of product innovation in an ever-evolving global marketplace.