From workforce shifts and commodity price swings to the evolving role of AI and new demands in manufacturing, August brought a wave of developments shaping bulk material industries. This month’s roundup highlights five key stories you may have missed—from survey insights on AI adoption and training in the skilled trades, to sugar market dynamics, the impact of the EV boom on plastics, bakery leaders weighing in on digital transformation, and pharma experts pushing for cost-efficient production.

NFPA Survey Focuses on AI Adoption, Training Trends

The National Fluid Power Association’s (NFPA) 2025 Workforce Survey highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) and training trends are shaping the skilled trades. An overwhelming 95% of professionals surveyed believe AI can support daily job functions, particularly by reducing workloads and appealing to younger, more tech-oriented workers. At the same time, many respondents emphasized that while AI has potential, hands-on skills and proper training remain critical to industry success.

The survey also revealed a mixed picture around certifications and training. Although fewer workers currently hold certifications compared to 2024, most employers still view them as important for hiring and career advancement, suggesting a gap between workforce supply and organizational demand. Persistent barriers to training—such as time constraints, costs, and a shortage of qualified instructors—continue to challenge companies, even as they recognize the need to upskill employees and adopt new technologies to remain competitive.

Read the full article here.

Raw sugar futures may have bottomed

At the International Sweetener Symposium on August 4 in Traverse City, Jeff Dobrydney of JSG Commodities said that raw sugar futures appear to have reached—or are nearing—their lowest point, following a steep slide to four‑year lows just under $0.16 per pound in early July. He pointed to a significant sugar surplus, sluggish domestic sales, reduced demand, and a series of industry shifts—including new import structures, policy changes, and consolidation within the sugar sector—that collectively limit any substantial upside in prices

Read the full article here.

What the EV Boom Means for Plastics

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging—reaching 17.6 million units globally in 2024 and topping 5.6 million in the first four months of 2025—a rapid expansion that is reshaping automotive design and materials use. Plastics and polymer composites now play essential roles in lightweighting for better range, thermal and electrical management within battery systems, structural integration in exterior and interior components, and even in the rapidly growing EV charging infrastructure.

As EV manufacturers prioritize energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the demand for high-performance materials—like flame-retardant thermoplastics, conductive polymers, and weather-resistant blends—is escalating. Meanwhile, evolving regulations (e.g., the EU's End-of‑Life Vehicles Directive and upcoming Battery Regulation) are pushing the industry toward greater transparency and recyclability, with some OEMs already targeting up to 25% recycled content in their plastic components.

Read the full article here.

The AI conversation focuses on the future for bakeries

Baking industry experts stress that while AI holds tremendous promise for bakeries—ranging from optimizing production lines to enabling predictive maintenance and streamlining operations—it must be implemented thoughtfully. Mark Maraj of MiT Systems advises bakeries to begin by identifying their most pressing business pain points and focusing AI efforts there rather than attempting to automate everything at once. Sanjay Jasoliya emphasizes that high‑quality, accurate data collection (through properly maintained and calibrated instrumentation) is essential to enable AI systems to deliver valuable insights.

At the same time, Ryan Thompson of CRB highlights that successful AI deployment requires more than just technology—it necessitates a holistic digital transformation with clear business goals and organizational readiness, since studies show 60%–80% of digital projects fail otherwise. Scott Hungerford adds, “If you come with a distinct problem to solve, you can build a great tool… If the problem statement is nebulous, you won’t get good results,” underscoring the need for well-defined objectives before engaging AI solutions.

Read the full article here.

Cost-Efficient Manufacturing a Top Trend, Prediction Among Pharma Industry Experts

Pharma industry expert Elizabeth Hickman of AustinPx highlights the rising demand for cost‑efficient manufacturing as a key trend among small‑molecule CDMOs, driven by pricing pressures from governments and patient groups, technological advances, and the need for clear differentiation. She points to advanced manufacturing methods like continuous manufacturing, process optimization, and early-stage agility planning—paired with simplification strategies such as “Keep It Simple” and bioavailability enhancements—as ways to deliver faster timelines, reduced waste, and enhanced scalability for clients.

Derron R. Stark of EY-Parthenon underscores that cost‑awareness in manufacturing is a dominant and enduring trend across biopharma, intensified by shifting dynamics like lower‑volume specialty launches, fragmented branded portfolios, tariff impacts, and the need to maintain competitive margins. Companies are responding with holistic strategies—lean manufacturing, network-level productivity optimization, automation, AI tools for quality reporting, and late-stage packaging customization—all aimed at simplifying operations while preserving quality and resilience.

Read the full article here.