From AI copilots to shifting trade flows, September brought no shortage of headlines shaping the future of manufacturing and materials. Global flour trade forecasts revealed surprising declines, while the chemical industry sharpened its focus on sustainability and digitalization. Polymer science stepped into the spotlight with new applications for battery-as-a-service models, and U.S. factories continued to face economic headwinds amid tariffs. Here are five key stories you may have missed this month.

What AI-powered industrial copilots mean for the future of skilled labor in manufacturing

A new report shows how artificial intelligence “co-pilots” are helping manufacturers overcome workforce challenges. Instead of replacing people, these tools assist technicians and engineers by analyzing sensor data, surfacing repair insights, and guiding troubleshooting in real time. The approach speeds up training, reduces downtime, and helps scale expertise across facilities.

Early adoption in complex industries like electric vehicle production highlights the value of AI copilots in high-precision environments. By automating routine information retrieval and supporting smarter decision-making, they allow skilled workers to focus on innovation and problem solving. The result is a stronger, more resilient workforce ready to close today’s talent gaps.

Read the full article here.

IGC forecasts 9% dip in global flour trade

According to the International Grains Council’s latest Grain Market Report, global wheat-flour trade is projected to fall to about 15.5 million tonnes (wheat equivalent) in 2024-25 - a drop of roughly 9% from 2023-24’s 16.9 million tonnes. The decline is largely driven by a sharp drop in Iraqi flour imports, as Iraq boosts its own wheat production and moves to restrict flour imports via tariff hikes and support for domestic milling. Turkey, historically the largest flour exporter, also saw shipments plunge nearly 40%, while Egypt rose as a key supplier to sub-Saharan buyers. Looking ahead, the IGC expects a strong rebound in 2025-26, forecasting global flour trade might climb to 17.3 million tonnes, which would mark a nine-year high if achieved. Key gains are expected to come from increases in Iraq’s imports, the easing of Turkish wheat import restrictions, and stronger demand in Asia and Africa. 

Read the full article here.

Chemical industry pivots for a future of resilience, digitalization & sustainability

As the chemical sector enters the closing years of this decade, leaders are rethinking traditional models in response to volatile markets, tightening regulations, and emerging global players. Supply chains are being retooled for regionalization and robustness, while digital tools like AI, digital twins, and blockchain are being deployed to add transparency, agility, and predictive insight.

At the same time, sustainability has moved from a niche initiative to a core business imperative. Companies are accelerating efforts in green chemistry, circular economy models, and bio-based feedstocks to meet stricter environmental standards and investor demands. Meanwhile, the industry is also betting on growth in emerging markets - especially in India, Southeast Asia, and Africa - as new hubs of chemical demand.

Read the full article here.

Polymers power “Battery-as-a-Service” systems with precision engineering

Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) models demand exacting standards for modular battery swapping - heavy, high-voltage packs must align with sub-millimeter precision across thousands of cycles. Polymer science is emerging as a critical enabler, contributing dimensional stability, low friction, sealing, and functional integration. 

Materials like amorphous polycarbonate, polysulfone, and polyetherimide help control warpage and shrinkage; internally lubricated thermoplastics with PTFE or graphite reduce wear in moving components; and overmolded elastomers, molded interconnect devices, and thermally conductive composites enable compact, robust, multifunctional battery units.

Read the full article here.

US manufacturing contracts for sixth straight month amid tariff drag

In August, U.S. factories continued to struggle, with manufacturing contracting for the sixth straight month as the ISM’s manufacturing PMI remained at 48.7, signaling ongoing sector weakness. Many manufacturers point to rising tariffs and tariff-related uncertainty as major headwinds, making planning, investment, and supply chain management more difficult. 

Still, there’s a glimmer of upside: new orders edged into expansion territory at 51.4, marking the first positive reading in months. Meanwhile, manufacturers are leaning harder into AI and tech investment to offset some of the drag from tariffs. 

Read the full article here.