sustainability

Kimberly-Clark Pursues Sustainable Wood Fiber Alternative

Kimberly-Clark, maker of well-known brands like Kleenex, Scott, and Huggies, has committed $100 million to build a plant in Yuma, Arizona to scale up production and testing of hesperaloe as an alternative fiber for wood pulp in its hygiene products.

This plant is part of a groundbreaking, long-term sustainability effort for its products such as toilet paper and paper towels.

Video Spotlight:

Kimberly-Clark to build new U.S. facility in Yuma (Aug 24, 2026, News 11 Yuma)

This […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2026-09-29T06:52:36+00:00September 30, 2026|Tags: manufacturing, product design, quality, reshoring, sourcing, strategy, sustainability|

Levi’s Continues Supply Chain Optimization Initiatives

Levi Strauss & Co. is seeking to transition to a unified enterprise resourcing planning (ERP) system across its global operations by mid-2027.

Levi’s recently migrated its Asia business operations and Beyond Yoga brand onto the global platform after integrating North America units three years ago. With Asia integration now complete, the company is integrating European and Latin America business units onto their global platform. The legendary denim maker once had thirteen different ERP platforms but is targeting one global unit to […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-08-24T04:11:10+00:00August 30, 2026|Tags: ERP, global platform, integration, optimization, sustainability|

Hershey Shifting Chocolate Production Back to Original Recipe

Hershey’s recently announced a shift back to its original chocolate recipes.

Years of escalating cocoa prices and other input costs led to smaller bars, extra wafers and cocoa alternatives. Now, a slump in cocoa bean prices has driven down the cost of chocolate production, and Hershey’s is bringing back the cocoa.

With cocoa futures down nearly 70% since late 2024, the shift is expected to lead to lower shelf prices for consumers, a demand recovery for cocoa farmers, and a partial reversal […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-07-16T04:16:04+00:00July 15, 2026|Tags: bill of materials, pricing, product design, production, sustainability|

Air Taxis May Soon Offer Fast and Sustainable Transportation

Joby Aviation’s first electric taxi flight in the busiest metropolis in the United States has launched the future of passenger transport.

Test flights are providing data for the FAA to use as it considers rules for safe implementation and navigation of these air taxis. With a design reminiscent of “The Jetsons” aircraft, Joby is poised to revolutionize how people navigate busy urban areas.

Some are hopeful that the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles will be approved by the FAA for […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2026-06-24T06:16:09+00:00June 24, 2026|Tags: logistics, product design, reliability, sustainability, transportation|