A deliverable from the deep-dive Department of Defense project will be a free, online Supply Chain Relationship Trust Assessment Tool.

The real challenge in 2026 is closing the gap between when risks emerge, and executive awareness.

The idea that a supplier can be “cleared” indefinitely is no longer sustainable. Supplier relationships evolve. 

In 2026, brands need to plan for the convergence of trends by linking product reformulation, packaging resilience, and faster demand-sensing into one strategy. 

Manufacturers that plan with flexibility and act on real-time insight will weather the next disruption more smoothly.

Accessible and accurate returns data, collaboration between retailers and returns partners, and advances in software and AI, are all helping to tackle the growing problem of returns fraud.

The major factory investments being made now and over the next few years will ensure not only state-of-the-art manufacturing quality, but also superior protection of the valued staff. 

Long before ESG became a political flashpoint, companies invested in efficiency, waste reduction and resource optimization.

Three major policy and market forces are shaping the pharmaceutical landscape in 2026.

The next decade will see a redefinition of transportation networks, risk management and supply chain response to volatility.