April 2025 brought important updates across multiple sectors, from new tools helping food manufacturers meet sugar reduction goals to breakthroughs in data-driven plastics production, shifting consumer spending habits, renewed support for the chemical industry, and evolving drought conditions affecting U.S. wheat crops. In case you missed them, here's a roundup of five headlines that could have a big impact on the future of bulk materials and production industries.
In April 2025, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) introduced two new resources to assist manufacturers in meeting growing consumer and regulatory demands for reduced sugar content in food and beverages. These resources, Sugar Alternatives At A Glance and the members-only Sugar Alternatives Overview, provide critical information on 19 common sugar substitutes — including artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, and natural options like stevia and monk fruit. The guides cover factors such as regulatory status, sweetness levels compared to sugar, and considerations for formulation adjustments.
IFT's initiative addresses the rising need for healthier food choices by equipping developers with scientific insights and practical substitution strategies to streamline the product development process. According to IFT's Anna Rosales, finding the right sugar alternative remains a challenge, but these tools aim to make it easier for manufacturers to maintain taste appeal while cutting down on added sugars efficiently.
The plastics manufacturing industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by the adoption of data intelligence technologies. Integrating data collection, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and artificial intelligence is enabling companies to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations. Aleks Zlatic from eProductivity Software highlights that clear, accessible data allows manufacturers to define key performance indicators (KPIs) like waste and traceability, improving decision-making and preventing costly inefficiencies. In particular, strong data practices support sustainability efforts, helping companies meet recycling and environmental compliance requirements while avoiding greenwashing.
Furthermore, the article stresses that while many manufacturers invest in high-end machinery, they often fail to leverage its full capabilities due to poor data management. MES and AI can bridge the gap by connecting legacy and modern equipment, optimizing processes, and reducing material waste. To stay competitive and meet future regulatory demands, the plastics industry must prioritize investments in data analysis and visualization tools, positioning themselves for a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally-driven future.
Snack brands are facing declining sales as U.S. consumers, strained by high grocery prices, are cutting back on purchases of chips, cookies, and other indulgent foods. Companies like PepsiCo, Campbell’s, and JM Smucker have reported weaker earnings, with notable declines in their snack divisions. To adapt, some brands are seeking new retail channels; for example, Hain Celestial is expanding access to its better-for-you Garden Veggie Straws by partnering with Dollar General, aiming to reach budget-conscious shoppers more effectively.
The overall trend shows a slight drop in salty snack and cookie sales, and analysts suggest that moving into value-focused outlets could help brands offset the slowdown. However, new public health initiatives promoting reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods could further impact snack sales, adding uncertainty to how brands will perform in the near future.
At the 2025 GlobalChem conference, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) shared results from a Morning Consult poll showing broad public support for the chemical industry in the United States. The poll found that 68% of Americans believe policymakers should improve the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to foster continued innovation, and 72% agreed that expanding domestic chemical production would lead to more jobs and investment. Additionally, 74% said practical policies could both protect health and the environment while promoting U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
Americans strongly view the chemical sector as essential across key industries like medical devices, energy production, and technological innovation. There is also significant support for modernizing regulations and permitting processes to boost domestic manufacturing and R&D. ACC President Chris Jahn emphasized that voters understand the chemical industry's critical role in economic growth, energy security, and innovation, and called on policymakers to update regulatory frameworks to meet these evolving demands.
Although drought conditions have eased across many U.S. winter wheat production areas, dryness remains a significant concern, especially in Kansas — the top winter wheat-producing state. As of early April 2025, about 32% of U.S. winter wheat areas were still affected by drought, an improvement from the previous week but worse compared to a year ago. Kansas reported that 68% of its wheat was still in moderate drought, with conditions slightly better than the previous week but showing a week-over-week decline in the percentage of wheat rated good to excellent. Other major states like Texas and Nebraska also saw mixed conditions, despite some rainfall that has provided limited relief.
While farmers are cautiously optimistic as the wheat emerges from dormancy and greens up, the overall sentiment is cautious due to the lingering dryness and the need for more moisture. Soil profiles across the Plains remain dry, and although some areas like Kansas benefited from heavy rain last November, continued precipitation is necessary to support healthy crop development through the heading stage this spring.