The increasing reliance on technologies — from AI, IoT, augmented reality and robotics — in manufacturing means more companies need to update their training programs. 

The need for a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of prospective employees has never been more crucial. The use of a Post-Offer Employment Test (POET) has increasingly become a critical component of many organizations' hiring processes.  

The new Intertek Alchemy frontline worker lean training courses close that gap by training both frontline workers and their managers to understand the “why” behind the “what” of lean manufacturing, encouraging them to adopt and accelerate lean principles.

This article delves into the components of a horizontal lifeline system, their application, and why it's often best to consult with a fall protection expert before making your final choice.

While the presence of risk is unavoidable, it’s how your business addresses hazards that really makes a difference. 

Although it seems to make perfect, intuitive sense that people would get hurt when they are doing the most dangerous things, that isn’t what actually happens to more than 95 percent of us. So, what does this mean in terms of the old risk assessment matrix?

The intent of a “stop work authority” (SWA) when included in a safety program is to empower employees to take action when they see a situation that is unsafe or think a worker may get injured. Though the SWA process and practice may seem as beneficial at many levels in dealing with operational risk and worker safety; there potentially may be some unforeseen barriers or challenges to its actual utilization.

Workplace mental health and well-being are critical in every industry and company. Unfortunately, not all companies take the need for mental health support and resources seriously. The manufacturing industry, in particular, has been deemed one of the worst for mental health and wellness support.

Those working in industrial jobs face unique physical and mental health challenges that employers should be aware of. Most companies care about the well-being of their workers.

How people react to risk can be imprinted in their DNA, and many of the qualities which help leaders reach their senior position, can also prove to be a weakness when it comes to health and safety. 

This shift towards eco-conscious construction responds to escalating environmental concerns, evolving regulations, and growing consumer demand for sustainable living spaces. 

A 27-year-old rigger suffered fatal injuries after falling approximately 30 stories.

Consumers are seeking out plant-based products for a variety of reasons, but the two most popular factors being that such options are better for their health and better for the planet, experts note.

With no shortage of contributing factors for Americans’ rising stress levels, ingredient suppliers are turning to holistic ingredients that promote relaxation and stress relief to help beverage-makers meet consumers’ growing need states.

As consumers rapidly switch to healthier alternatives and embrace prevention as a tool for living a better lifestyle, experts note that interest in botanicals and adaptogens is on the rise. 

Experts suggest that beverage brands can further innovate their portfolios by offering plant-based protein-fortified alternatives within various beverage categories. 

Given the popularity of the tea market, suppliers note that ingredients are just as much in demand as the natural, functional benefits that resonate with consumers.

Coffee trends are prompting beverage-makers to adapt to new consumer demands for the staple American beverage. However, as consumers seek out organic, functional attributes in coffee solutions, experts see more opportunities beyond the traditional coffee category.

With the price of Oktoberfest brews higher than other beers, Oktoberfest beers, festivities bring big sales opportunities that many operators can capitalize on.

As many consider tequila to be more of a vibe than just a drink, retail company Fashion Nova recently dove into finding out consumers’ tequila habits and preferences, surveying more than 3,000 Americans across all 50 states.

Looking forward, Drizly highlights which drinks trends are poised to have the biggest impact on the beverage alcohol industry, surveying 1,000 adults about the drinks they plan to purchase most in 2024.

The readers of Beverage Industry have selected their favorite new product released in January and the results are out.

A recent report from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) shows that consumers were more intrigued by store brands in the past year.

As demand for energy drinks continues to rise across the globe, Mintel highlights how evolving consumer trends are impacting the global market.

As more Gen Zers reach the legal drinking age, experts highlight how this younger generation is driving variety and innovation in the beverage alcohol market.

In the consumer packaged goods space there’s no shortage of celebrity-backed products, particularly beverages. Although proliferating across all segments, alcohol brands are seeing the most activity.

Recent IWSR analysis highlights some key reasons millennials are the age cohort boosting the non-alcohol segment in the United States, noting that the generation is consuming non-alcohol products with greater frequency than other age cohorts.

In a video interview with Beverage Industry, Justin Solomon, category marketing director of alcoholic beverages at ADM, discussed what’s driving innovation in beverage alcohol not only in terms of the products but how consumers are approaching alcohol consumption. 

Three Chord Bourbon announced the highly anticipated release of its 2024 Backstage Series with The Allman Brothers Band, a blend of straight bourbon whiskey finished with toasted peach wood.

Colgate Optic White and the McBride Sisters Collection introduced the McBride Sisters Collection x Colgate Optic White Limited-Edition Set, designed to help everyone “Live Life to the Brightest” this red wine season. 

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), along with SOVOS ShipCompliant, a beverage alcohol compliance company, released a 2024 consumer data report, highlighting consumers’ desire for buying craft spirits legally through DTC shipping.

Consumers have the chance to win an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears on Nov. 17 with Simone Biles, whose husband plays for the Chicago Bears and formerly played for the Packers.

As consumer package companies are increasingly designing more products with sustainability in mind, experts note that within the label industry, more companies are recognizing the need for labeling equipment that also supports a circular economy.

When it comes to beverage manufacturing and packaging practices, OEMs are creating the machinery necessary to help beverage-makers conserve and reduce their energy output. For plastic bottle manufacturing, it’s not just the increasing adoption of rPET plastic bottles, but also reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that it takes to power these machines, experts note.

Beverage operations are juggling SKU proliferation, varying pack sizes and a changing workforce. Packing machinery is helping these manufacturers minimize disruptions to those operations.

AstroNova Inc. introduced a variety of new digital printer solutions under its flagship QuickLabel and TrojanLabel product brands. 

Packaging machinery manufacturer Deitz Co. has produced a neck banding machine that automatically applies tamper-evident shrinkbands onto tiny bottles. 

Inflation has accelerated the trend of higher-income consumers shopping at dollar stores, experts report.

The value proposition presented by warehouse clubs — offering lower average costs per item through bulk buying — prompts a jump in sales share for major warehouse club stores, research shows.

Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group.

The Slurpee drink is “an exciting spin on the fan-favorite Coca-Cola Slurpee, combining the classic taste of a crisp and fizzy Coca-Cola with flavorful, OREO sandwich cookie-inspired hints,” the company notes.

New beverages today are turning more and more to natural colors as clean label and holistic views of health connect with an increasing consumer base.

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated consumer interest in vitamins and minerals. Experts note that more of today’s consumers are awakening  to “better-for-you” (BFY) beverage trends as they continue to seek drinks that provide fortification

Consumers are more knowledgeable nowadays; therefore, they hold their food and beverage choices to higher standards, experts note.

With more consumers seeking reduced-sugar or sugar-free drinks, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and allulose to deliver products without sacrificing on taste.

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.

Experts share insights on why consumers are drawn to clean label and non-GMO beverages, as well as what beverage-makers can do to appeal to such preferences.

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

Breckenridge Brewery, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, unveiled its Oktoberfest Lager.

American Metal Whiskey, an extension of American Metal Customs shop celebrated for its custom cars and motorcycles, unveiled its new whiskey innovation: The Disciple.