Manufacturing logistics and procurement – October 2025
ISTA 3H for logistics packaging updated
Maintaining a clear understanding of packaging standards is critical for ensuring product integrity and optimising the supply chain. The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 3H Standard, which is a general simulation performance test representing packaged-products in mechanically handled bulk transport containers, has received key technical and editorial updates. A concise article by Smithers provides an overview of these changes, helping you apply the most current and accurate testing protocols.
GreenBotAI cuts robot energy consumption by more than a quarter
Smaller batch sizes, increasingly complex production lines, rising competitive pressure, unstable supply chains: the German-French project GreenBotAI, led by Fraunhofer IWU, has tackled these challenges by focusing on robotics, with impressive results. Technically, the project focused on improving reaction and latency times of industrial robots, optimising path planning, and enabling task execution even during robot movement. The algorithms developed by GreenBotAI allow industrial users to implement tasks such as rapid on-the-fly bin-picking, tracking, assembly, and quality control—without requiring deep robotics expertise.
New Infinity Lab aims for the stars and beyond in manufacturing
On 2 October, KU Leuven and VIVES University of Applied Sciences opened the Infinity Lab in the Flanders Make building in Kortrijk. This new research lab focuses on the further digitalisation of the manufacturing industry through the use of digital twins: virtual copies of machines, vehicles, or products that monitor, analyse, and optimise their performance throughout the entire lifecycle.
US prepares for novel industrial revolution, says PWC
In PwC’s new Future of Industrials Survey (7.44 MB) of 500+ American industrials and energy C-suite leaders, 93% say manufacturing is on the brink of the next industrial revolution, even “when political winds change”. The convergence of pandemic-era supply chain failures, geopolitical conflicts and automation breakthroughs has locked in a long-term industrial reset. The deeper commitment is to prosperity and security through making critical goods “at home”, i.e. in the USA.
NVC analyses packaging logistics at Logistica NEXT 2025
From 4 to 6 November 2025, NVC will once again be teaming up with the leading logistics event in the Benelux: Logistica Next 2025 at Jaarbeurs Utrecht. NVC will inform visitors about all the latest developments in packaging and logistics, with an NVC information point and a series of special NVC tours of the exhibition, during which visitors can get to know inspiring suppliers of logistics packaging solutions. Be sure to come to Utrecht and find out how you can prepare your logistics for the future! Visitors can register via this link.
A concise publication will be made after the show, highlighting the main impressions from the NVC presence. Ask for your personal copy by sending an e-mail to the NVC association office.
NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411