Top 5 Trends for 2025: The demand for supply chain visibility

The demand for transparency across industries is higher than ever. Both businesses and consumers, driven by the motivation for sustainability and safety, are increasingly invested in the entire supply chain journey of a product, including its origins, labor practices, and environmental impact.  

Loftware’s annual ‘Top 5 Trends in Labeling & Packaging Artwork’ report highlights the importance of embracing practices that ensure visibility at every stage of the supply chain. In fact, 68% of those organizations we surveyed stated that cloud technology has improved end-to-end visibility within their supply chain operations.   

Read on to learn why traceability is essential in today’s global supply chain and how cloud technology can elevate your organization’s track and trace initiatives.   

The impact of efficient traceability 

Efficient traceability is crucial for protecting brand reputation and financial health, especially in highly regulated industries, where product failures can pose significant risks to consumers. As noted in our survey, 47% of businesses believe that supply chain disruption and loss of products or inventory are the biggest risks of inadequate tracking through their global supply chains.  

In response, companies are prioritizing supply chain transparency with cloud technologies that provide real-time visibility, not only giving stakeholders secure access to raw material data but also enable swift product recalls. Rapid issue identification and effective recall management are essential for cost reduction, compliance, and consumer safety, making collaboration within supply chains vital. 

Changing the game with blockchain technology 

One of the most promising advancements in this domain is blockchain technology. Once regarded as hype, blockchain is now revolutionizing supply chain management. Notably, 57% of organizations surveyed believe blockchain technology will impact supply chain transparency and traceability within the next three years.  

Blockchain technology records transactions in a verifiable, permanent manner, offering unprecedented visibility into a product's end-to-end journey and creating a complete history of each handoff from manufacture to sale. For example, organizations in the food and beverage industry can leverage blockchain technology to trace contaminated food products back to their source, minimizing health risks and reducing recalls. This level of transparency allows anyone to track a product’s journey, fostering greater trust among consumers.  

The influence of online shopping 

The surge in online shopping has amplified the demand for supply chain transparency. As consumers move away from traditional retail, they expect swift service and clear insights into product origins, adding complexity to supply chains and requiring greater collaboration among suppliers and third-party logistics providers.  

In fact, 78% of those businesses surveyed stated consumer demand for visibility is shaping business and supply chain strategies. Labeling and packaging are crucial for achieving this visibility, serving as the tangible identifiers of a product that enhances traceability. Companies are now turning to configurable cloud labeling solutions to standardize processes and connect trading partners, ensuring full traceability, brand consistency, and reduced errors.  

Embracing the trend for supply chain success 

The demand for supply chain transparency is transforming the landscape of global commerce. By adopting innovative cloud technologies and fostering collaboration, businesses can meet consumer expectations, build trust, and enhance their brand reputations. While the journey to transparency is complex, it is essential for companies to thrive in a competitive landscape. 

For more insights into the trends we've identified for 2025, download our report for free. Additionally, you can watch our 2025 Top 5 Trends webinar on-demand now!