GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS
RACE TO MODERNISE AMID
DISRUPTION, ACCORDING
TO LOFTWARE RESEARCH
Loftware, a leader in product
identification and supply chain
transparency, announced the
release of its 2026 Top 5 Trends
Report, revealing that businesses
worldwide are moving urgently
to modernise their supply chains
in the face of unprecedented
disruption, geopolitical uncertainty,
and increasing regulatory demands.

Drawing on insights from more
than 400 supply chain professionals
across 55 countries, the report
highlights a decisive shift toward
connected supplier networks,
real-time packaging intelligence,
and AI-enabled automation as
organisations work to strengthen
resilience and stay competitive in
an unpredictable global landscape.

“The future of supply chains will be
defined by agility and intelligence,”
said Jim Bureau, President &
CEO of Loftware. “Our research
shows that organisations adopting
connected networks, cloud
platforms, and AI-driven insights
are not just surviving disruption
but turning it into opportunity. By
modernising today, companies can
anticipate challenges, act in real
time, and create supply chains that
are smarter, faster, and ready for
whatever comes next.”
The research underscores how
volatility has become the defining
feature of today’s supply chains.

Yet many organisations remain
unprepared: according to Gartner
data, only 29% of companies are
ready to manage the next wave of
supply chain challenges.

At the same time, financial pressure
is intensifying. Among companies
surveyed with a revenue of $1bn
or more, 50% expect tariffs or
trade restrictions to cost them
over $1m in the coming year, with
nearly one in five anticipating an
impact exceeding $10m.

“Our research shows
that organisations
adopting connected
networks, cloud
platforms, and AI-
driven insights are
not just surviving
disruption but turning
it into opportunity”
- JJim Bureau
President & CEO
Loftware standards with trading partners
would help them respond faster
to disruptions; an indication that
the industry is moving quickly
toward more collaborative and
connected networks. Organisations
that have already adopted such
models report measurable gains,
including 48% citing faster problem
resolution and 37% citing reduced
operational costs.

The findings also reveal that
geopolitical uncertainty is forcing
businesses to rethink compliance
strategies. Many organisations
still struggle to adapt product
data and labelling processes to
new tariffs or regulatory changes,
with 63% of $1B+ companies
calling these adjustments “very”
or “somewhat difficult.” As supply
chains move through reshoring,
nearshoring, and multi-sourcing,
cloud-based labelling is essential
for accuracy and compliance across
shifting supplier networks, helping
companies avoid costly delays,
border holds, and penalties.

According to the report,
companies are responding
by accelerating investment in
solutions that unify supplier
ecosystems, ensure consistent and
compliant product data, and reduce
the operational friction caused by
siloed processes.

Consumer expectations are
driving transformation as well.

Smart packaging, powered by
real-time label data, dynamic QR
codes, and connected product
information, is emerging as
a critical tool for improving
engagement, sustainability, and
operational efficiency.

Nearly 70% of respondents
believe that sharing label data and
According to the research, 91% of
respondents believe real-time label
14 CHP PACKER INTERNATIONAL update



data helps reduce waste, errors,
and improves efficiency. Companies
view enhanced traceability
(64%) and improved consumer
engagement (44%) as the top
benefits of connected packaging,
illustrating how brands are
beginning to treat packaging not
just as a regulatory requirement,
but as a strategic channel for
data, transparency, and customer
experience. Authenticity and traceability are
now essential in modern supply
chains, accelerated by initiatives
like Digital Product Passports and
next generation 2D barcodes.

With consumers, regulators,
and trading partners demanding
verifiable product information, 88%
of respondents say cloud-based
product identification platforms
establish a single source of truth
to ensure accurate tracking,
traceability, and authenticity.

The research illustrates that
strengthened traceability improves
compliance (43%), visibility
(40%), audit readiness (34%), and
counterfeiting protection (27%).

Loftware’s report shows that
autonomous supply chain
technologies are gaining traction.

Powered by SaaS-based labelling
platforms, AI analytics, and
integrated data, these systems help
detect disruptions earlier, optimise
logistics in real time, and automate
error-prone processes. Seventy-
five percent of respondents use
SaaS-based labelling for resilience,
citing benefits like higher efficiency
(41%), fewer errors (37%), lower
waste (33%), and faster response
(30%). As companies face greater
complexity across supplier
networks, these capabilities will
play a central role in building
supply chains that are not just
connected, but intelligent and
self-optimising. The full report is available to read
on Loftware’s website:
www.loftware.com SÜDPACK MEDICA LAUNCHES MEDHUB
SÜDPACK Medica has introduced
a new service called MedHub.

Effective immediately, customers
can conveniently order high-
quality, pre-made pouches in
standard sizes and defined batch
quantities - by phone, email, or
online. Manufactured in ISO-
certified cleanrooms, the MedHub
packaging solutions are always in
stock and fulfill the stringent quality
requirements of the healthcare
industry. With a strong customer focus
and reliable delivery. whether on
a requested date or just in time,
MedHub is the go-to solution for
medical facilities and suppliers
needing standard pouches quickly
and with minimal effort for
efficient, secure product packaging.

At its newly extended facility
operated in ISO 7 in Coulmer,
France, SÜDPACK Medica has
streamlined its operations to
enable prompt order handling and
fast shipment of stocked products.

The pre-made pouches can be
used at various stages of the
pharmaceutical value chain - for
example, to package products such
as stoppers, filters, or connectors.

They are also frequently used as
simple transfer packaging for items
such as glass vials, ampoules, or
syringes, which are essential for
administering liquid parenterals
like infusions – and must therefore
remain completely sterile prior to
filling. In addition to Tyvek roll stock,
the current portfolio focuses on
three-side seal pouches made
from film and Tyvek – sterilisable,
puncture-resistant, and highly
resistant to moisture. These
pouches provide excellent barrier
properties for maximum product
protection and allow fast, clean
opening, even in high-pressure
environments, thanks to the
material’s superior peelability. For
heavier products, SÜDPACK also
offers three-side seal pouches
made of PA/PE in various sizes.

These pouches provide a
dependable microbial barrier
and are also suitable for gamma
sterilisation. The pouches, manufactured
under cleanroom conditions, are
permanently in stock and can be
ordered online at any time. To
ensure maximum quality, safety, and
regulatory compliance, SÜDPACK
Medica provides all relevant
certifications. More information
about MedHub is available at
SÜDPACK: MedHub.

The new service is targeted at
customers who require an ongoing
supply of standard products for
their daily packaging needs – and
who value convenient ordering and
short delivery times.

CHP PACKER INTERNATIONAL update 15