Formerra will distribute Techmer PM color masterbatches, high-performance additives, and pre-colored compounds across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Formerra, a leader in performance materials distribution, today announced the addition of Techmer PM color masterbatches, high-performance additives, and pre-colored compounds to its expansive portfolio of materials. With this partnership, Formerra advances its application-specific lineup, aligning its material portfolio to customers’ evolving needs across North America.
A U.S.-based plastics compounder, Techmer PM specializes in value-added color and additive masterbatches and engineered compounds for high-performance plastics and fibers. These products are used in various industries such as medical, automotive, packaging, and consumer goods applications. Techmer PM has consistently invested in its optical and color capabilities, including the recent acquisition of OptiColor Inc. and Colors for Plastics.
“Techmer PM’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence aligns perfectly with Formerra’s mission to deliver best-in-class materials and responsive service,” said Cathy Dodd, CEO at Formerra. “Backed by our expert technical guidance, this partnership lets us provide customers with a portfolio of masterbatches and pre-colored compounds that drives performance and sustainability.”
Mike Ellison, VP, Product Management, adds, “The extensive pre-colored compound, additive, and color masterbatch offerings from Techmer PM cover processing, aesthetic, bio-based, regulatory, and performance needs.”
Highlights of the distributed Techmer PM products include:
Regulated Medical Color Systems: ISO 10993-tested palettes with regulatory statements; proven in PPSU, PA, PP, and ABS.
Aesthetic Effects & Laser Functionality: Full spectrum from metallics and color-shifting to photochromic and Techsplatter, a proprietary visual effect; full laser additive line covers multiple needs.
Circularity & Sustainable Material Solutions: PLA/alt-resin colors, HiTerra® rPET Revive to repair PET, NIR-sortable blacks (APR “preferred” in HDPE), and more.
“Formerra’s deep expertise in applications, requirements, and materials makes them an ideal partner to expand our market reach,” said Craig Foster, CEO at Techmer PM. “By combining our strengths, we’ll help customers accelerate their speed to market with the assurance of proven technologies.”
Key Details:
Formerra will distribute Techmer PM’s pre-colored compounds, colorants, additives, and masterbatches across North America.
Techmer PM brings a deep portfolio of color and additive masterbatches: Medical/regulatory-ready palettes, aesthetic effects (including Techsplatter), sustainability solutions (HiTerra® rPET Revive, NIR-sortable blacks), and performance/processing additives (TechSperse™, FR/UV systems).
The partnership pairs Formerra’s technical support and supply reliability with Techmer PM’s specialized materials and color/additive expertise to help customers launch better products faster.
About Formerra Formerra is a preeminent distributor of engineered materials, connecting the world’s leading polymer producers with thousands of OEMs and brand owners across healthcare, consumer, industrial, and mobility markets. Powered by technical and commercial expertise, it brings a distinctive combination of portfolio depth, supply chain strength, industry knowledge, service, leading e-commerce capabilities, and ingenuity. The experienced Formerra team helps customers across multiple industries to design, select, process, and develop products in new and better ways – driving improved performance, productivity, reliability, and sustainability. To learn more, visit www.formerra.com.
About Techmer PM Techmer PM is a leading designer and producer of engineered materials and polymer solutions such as concentrated color or additive masterbatches that provide specific performance and/or functional requirements. The company collaborates with plastics processors, fabricators, designers, specifiers, and brand owners to enhance product function and appearance in numerous end-use markets. Founded in 1981, the company operates plants across North America and has extensive expertise across resin technologies and with virtually every plastic- and fiber-related process, including additive manufacturing, blown film, nonwovens, and injection molding. For more information, visit www.techmerpm.com.
Formerra has been named distributor for Techmer PM pre-colored compounds, colorants, and additives for a wide range of applications (left). Techmer PM production facility in Clinton, TN (right).
OMPis helping McCormick & Co., the global leader in flavor, with an AI-driven and autonomous operational planning initiative. This partnership enables McCormick to manage both assembly-to-order (ATO) and make-to-stock (MTS) production within the Unison PlanningTM platform.
The initiative tackles key challenges, including balancing ATO and MTS production on shared lines, improving inventory projections through quality-based stock releases, and managing capacity amid fluctuating demand. Addressing these challenges requires close collaboration across regions with North American and EMEA teams working in parallel, and seamless integration of SAP with the operational planning functionality within Unison Planning™. The first implementations will roll out in Canada and the United States before expanding to the EMEA and APAC regions.
Through its partnership with OMP, McCormick is implementing autonomous, decision-centric planning powered by agentic AI to transform how production and inventory are managed. The solution enables McCormick teams to plan more effectively for both custom and standard products, rapidly adjust to shifts in demand or supply, and make smarter sourcing decisions. The result is a more responsive supply chain that delivers optimized cost and cash by improving alignment between market demand and production timelines, as well as supporting lower cost of goods through waste reduction. These enhancements are also expected to indirectly result in higher service levels and improved top-line growth.
“We’re really excited about this technology as part of our roadmap of digital transformation,” says Whitney Shlesinger, VP of Global Planning and Logistics. “We’re embracing AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen our supply chain against volatility.”
“McCormick is showing how autonomous planning, planner empowerment, and leadership alignment can strengthen resilience,” said Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial & Markets Officer at OMP. “Together, we are embedding AI in a way that supports agility, collaboration, and innovation across their supply chain.“
Disclaimer SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.
About McCormick McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With over $6.7 billion in annual sales across 150 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments and flavors to the entire food and beverage industry including retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands with trademark registrations include McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Stubb’s, OLD BAY, Lawry’s, Zatarain’s, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, Gourmet Garden, FONA and Giotti. The breadth and reach of our portfolio uniquely position us to capitalize on the consumer demand for flavor in every sip and bite, through our products and our customers’ products. We operate in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions, which complement each other and reinforce our differentiation. The scale, insights, and technology that we leverage from both segments are meaningful in driving sustainable growth.
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is guided by our principles and committed to our Purpose – To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor. McCormick envisions A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable, and delicious go hand in hand.
About OMP OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow, and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries benefit from using OMP’s unique Unison Planning™.
Contact Information Philip Vervloesem Chief Commercial & Markets Officer pvervloesem@omp.com +1-770-956-2723
CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL) (the Company or CBL), the listing vehicle of the Banle Group (Banle or the Group), is proud to announce that it has been awarded the CGMA Excellent Sustainability Award at the prestigious CGMA Annual Awards 2025. The award was presented at a gala ceremony held on November 26, 2025, in Shanghai.
The CGMA Annual Awards are highly respected in the industry, recognizing excellence and innovation in management accounting and business leadership. The “CGMA Excellent Sustainability Award” specifically honors organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding, strategic commitment to sustainable development, successfully integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their core business strategy to create long-term value.
After being shortlisted from a competitive field of leading companies, CBL was selected as the ultimate winner for its comprehensive and impactful sustainability initiatives. The judges recognized the Group’s holistic approach, which includes setting measurable carbon reduction targets, implementing robust ethical sourcing policies, investing in community development programs, and maintaining transparent ESG reporting. This award affirms CBL’s leadership in aligning financial performance with positive societal impact.
Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Banle Group, commented, “We are immensely honored to receive the CGMA Excellent Sustainability Award’ from CGMA. This recognition is a powerful validation of our steadfast belief that long-term business success is inextricably linked to responsible stewardship of our environment and a deep commitment to our social responsibilities. At CBL, sustainability is not a standalone initiative but a fundamental pillar of our corporate strategy. This award is a testament to the dedication of every member of our team who works tirelessly to embed sustainable practices across all our operations.”
CBL International Limited Wins Prestigious CGMA Excellent Sustainability Award at the CGMA Annual Awards 2025
About the Banle Group CBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistics company based in the Asia Pacific region that was established in 2015. We are committed to providing customers with a one-stop solution for vessel refueling, which is referred to as bunkering facilitator in the bunkering industry. We facilitate vessel refueling mainly through local physical suppliers in 65 major ports covering Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. The Group actively promotes the use of sustainable fuels and has been awarded the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications.
Industry giants, including AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz, to present real-world case studies in Miami
OMP, a global leader in supply chain planning solutions, announced its lineup of customer speakers for the OMP REAL Conference 2025, taking place November 18-19 in Miami. The event will gather industry leaders, technology innovators, and supply chain experts to share how AI-powered supply chain planning delivers real business results.
Speakers include executives from world-leading organizations, including Arxada,AstraZeneca, Beiersdorf, Eastman, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft Heinz, Land O’Lakes, and Visy. They will share real-world case studies of how they’re leveraging OMP’s Unison Planning™ to boost supply chain agility, resilience, and sustainability. Explore the program.
Conference theme: REAL This year’s theme – Real expertise. Real solutions. Real results. – underscores OMP’s commitment to deliver tangible impact through deep industry expertise, an open cloud-native AI-driven platform, and measurable outcomes. The highlight will be a showcase ofUnisonIQ, OMP’s AI orchestration framework that enables always-on decision intelligence across the end-to-end supply chain.
Designed for leaders driving transformation or looking to stay ahead of disruption, the OMP Conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers and share best practices. Participants will explore how human-AI collaboration is shaping the next era of planning excellence through keynotes, interactive sessions, and peer-to-peer learning.
Recognized excellence in supply chain planning Recently, ten OMP customers – including Diageo, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble – were honored in the 2025 Gartner® Supply Chain Top 25 and Masters. During the conference, OMP will recognize several customers for their outstanding supply chain performance.
“Our customers are at the forefront of supply chain innovation,” said Kurt Gillis, OMP’s Chief Industry & Commercial Officer. “Through human-AI synergy, they are redefining global supply chains with measurable impact across efficiency, service levels, and resilience.”
Register today to learn more about these impressive supply chain transformations.
About OMP OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow, and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries – spanning consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, paper and packaging – benefit from using OMP’s unique Unison Planning™.
Contact Information Philip Vervloesem Chief Commercial & Markets Officer pvervloesem@omp.com +1-770-956-2723
Kurt Gillis Chief Industry & Commercial Officer kgillis@omp.com +32 3 650 22 63
Air T, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRT) has entered into a Sale and Implementation Deed (SID) with the Administrators of Regional Express Holdings Limited (Administrators Appointed) and certain of its subsidiaries (Rex), which operates the leading regional airline in Australia. Air T expects to close the acquisition of Rex by year-end if creditor and other approvals are obtained.
Air T has been working closely with the Administrators and the Australian Government, Rex’s secured lender, to develop a solution that best serves the interests of all stakeholders. To support the implementation of the acquisition, Air T and the Commonwealth of Australia have entered into an agreement pursuant to which Rex’s financing arrangements will be restructured in connection with the acquisition.
The proposed acquisition contemplates a continuation and growth of Rex’s regional airline business and continuing employment for its workforce.
Rex plays an essential role in connecting regional Australian communities. Approximately 50% of Rex’s routes are not serviced by any other airline. Air T likes the Rex Saab 340 program and will be funding Rex’s engine renewal program and returning its fleet to service.
Air T will work to ensure Rex will continue to operate on a sustainable basis, thereby providing critical services to regional Australians. Air T believes it was selected to acquire the company in part because of its long-term investment horizon, experience in regional aircraft, and commitment to stabilizing and growing Rex.
The transaction remains subject to certain other approvals, including approval by Rex’s creditors and the Federal Court of Australia.
Further disclosure regarding the implementation of the transaction will be provided as the transaction progresses. Air T remains committed to transparency and will share information about the transaction during this process.
About AIR T, INC. Established in 1980, Air T, Inc. is a portfolio of powerful businesses and financial assets, each of which is independent yet interrelated. Its core segments are overnight air cargo, ground support equipment, commercial aircraft, engines and parts, and digital solutions. We seek to expand, strengthen and diversify Air T’s after-tax cash flow per share. Our goal is to build Air T’s core businesses, and when appropriate, to expand into adjacent and other industries. We seek to activate growth and overcome challenges while delivering meaningful value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.airt.com. The information on our website is available for informational purposes only and is not incorporated by reference into this press release.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this press release, including those contained in “Overview,” are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes”, “pending”, “future”, “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “depends” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, because of, among other things, potential risks and uncertainties, such as:
An inability to finance our operations through bank or other financing or through the sale of issuance of debt or equity securities;
Economic and industry conditions in the Company’s markets;
The risk that contracts with FedEx could be terminated or adversely modified;
The risk that the number of aircraft operated for FedEx will be reduced;
The risk that GGS customers will defer or reduce significant orders for deicing equipment;
The impact of any terrorist activities on United States soil or abroad;
The Company’s ability to manage its cost structure for operating expenses, or unanticipated capital requirements, and match them to shifting customer service requirements and production volume levels;
The Company’s ability to meet debt service covenants and to refinance existing debt obligations;
The risk of injury or other damage arising from accidents involving the Company’s overnight air cargo operations, equipment or parts sold and/or services provided;
Market acceptance of the Company’s commercial and military equipment and services;
Competition from other providers of similar equipment and services;
Changes in government regulation and technology;
Changes in the value of marketable securities held as investments;
Mild winter weather conditions reducing the demand for deicing equipment;
Market acceptance and operational success of the Company’s commercial jet engines and parts segment or its aircraft asset management business and related aircraft capital joint venture; and
Despite our current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.
A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur. We are under no obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OMP, a global leader in supply chain planning solutions, today announced the availability of UnisonIQ, a game-changing AI orchestration framework that transforms supply chain decision-making through human-AI synergy. Embedded within OMP’s Unison Planning™ platform, UnisonIQ delivers insightful always-on agents that leverage Unison Companion, a generative AI-based assistant, and market-leading AI engines.
UnisonIQ
Bridging four decades of supply chain innovation with the agentic age
As supply chains face unprecedented complexity and volatility, organizations need more than traditional planning tools – they need intelligent systems that can adapt, learn, and act autonomously. Gartner predicts that by 2030, 50% of cross-functional supply chain management (SCM) solutions will use intelligent agents to autonomously execute decisions in the ecosystem.
With UnisonIQ, industry leaders can orchestrate decision-centric planning across their global supply chains. This framework meets manufacturers as they progress on their transformation journey, enabling a seamless evolution from AI-assisted operations to agentic teamwork and ultimately to fully autonomous planning. This new era of human-AI synergy empowers planners to harmonize end-to-end supply chains with unprecedented alignment, agility, and excellence – even amid constant disruption.
By enabling autonomous planning with full transparency, UnisonIQ demonstrates how autonomous and agentic AI are transforming the future of touchless decision-making and helping organizations build resilience in an era of relentless market volatility.
“This is an evolution grounded in reality, not just buzzwords, designed to provide incremental value and drive business adoption,” said Andrew Byer, supply chain advisor. “With UnisonIQ, organizations can now move beyond reactive planning to truly proactive, autonomous decision-making.”
Three pillars of UnisonIQ 1. Always-on agents: delivering real-world AI success UnisonIQ introduces a new paradigm in supply chain management through decision-centric, event-driven agents that go beyond technology to offer a strategic platform for business resilience and growth. Building on forty years of supply chain innovation and expertise, and collaborating with innovation partners for validation and refinement, UnisonIQ delivers a robust framework for autonomous planning.
Its agentic architecture includes a diverse range of persona-based agents equipped with AI skills, including optimization, scenario management, and data management, transforming key decisions into plans and continuously learning from sensing and user direction:
Supply planning agent: Constantly optimizes production and distribution decisions
Scenario planning agent: Simulates complex scenarios for proactive planning
Demand planning agent: Anticipates market changes and optimizes forecasting processes
Data management agent: Ensures data quality and consistency across all planning systems
“At Zero100 Live 2025, we saw firsthand how decision-centric planning powered by agentic AI is no longer a future vision; it’s happening now,” says Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial Officer. “UnisonIQ brings together decades of supply chain expertise with cutting-edge AI to help planners move from reactive responses to confident, autonomous decisions.”
2. Unison Companion: driving collaboration and adoption While Unison Planning’s AI-powered approach proactively optimizes supply chain operations, Unison Companion, its generative AI assistant, enhances user adoption and collaboration to unlock the platform’s full value. Designed to support a wide range of users, Unison Companion leverages natural language capabilities to accelerate onboarding and increase platform utilization.
Recognizing that different users have different needs, Unison Companion speaks the language of business, tailored to each role – whether it’s a data architect seeking better master data quality, a business leader influencing S&OP scenarios, or a salesperson simply asking when an order will be delivered. This personalized, AI-driven support ensures every user can obtain maximum value from the platform, regardless of their technical expertise.
3. AI engines: solving complex problems with predictive and prescriptive intelligence UnisonIQ integrates a sophisticated suite of AI engines designed to support autonomous, decision-centric supply chain planning. Powered by the always-on agents, these engines combine classical optimization techniques, advanced machine learning (ML), and explainable AI (XAI) to deliver agility, transparency, and strategic insight across the entire planning process.
Using telescopic digital twins in combination with advanced optimization and ML, these engines allow companies to simulate, explore, and optimize supply chains while accounting for real-world constraints. The result: smarter, more agile decisions and stronger performance across service, inventory, cost, and ESG metrics – with full understanding of how every decision is made and executed.
Experience UnisonIQ in action Join us at the OMP REAL Conference 2025, November 18-19 in Miami, to see UnisonIQ in action. Hear from global leaders, including AstraZeneca, Beiersdorf, Eastman, Kraft Heinz, Land O’Lakes, and Visy, as they share how Unison Planning™ helps them scale innovation, build sustainable supply chains, and drive resilience.
About OMP OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries – spanning consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, paper, packaging, plastics – benefit from using OMP’s unique Unison Planning™.
Contact Information Philip Vervloesem Chief Commercial & Markets Officer pvervloesem@omp.com +1-770-956-2723
OMPand Evonik Oxeno announce the successful go-live of a significant digital transformation milestone: the move of OMP’s Unison Planning™ to the cloud across Evonik Oxeno’s key production sites in Marl and Antwerp. With this project going live, Oxeno elevates its planning capabilities into a new insight-driven, decision-centric planning era.
This is not a new beginning. It’s the next evolution of a platform that has been live and delivering real results since April 2021. Over the last four years, Evonik Oxeno has embraced decision-centric planning, calculating 30 to 50 scenarios per day and nearly 10,000 simulations since the launch. These scenarios allow teams to explore future possibilities and make informed, data-driven decisions across the company’s chemical value chain. The result is a supply chain that can respond to feedstock volatility, market shifts, or logistical risks while safeguarding business continuity and capturing opportunities.
The newly deployed version is a significant enhancement, built from the ground up based on four years of operational insight. It introduces a streamlined cloud environment, a purpose-built framework for continuous production, and more intelligent, low-friction workflows, making it easier and faster for planners to proactively optimize, simulate, compare, and act on complex scenarios. While the core approach remains the same, the new version lowers the barriers to advanced planning. It accelerates the path to insight, empowering planners to focus more on strategic decision-making.
“We didn’t reinvent how we work, we just made it easier,” said Frank Beißmann, Managing Director at Evonik Oxeno. “With this new version, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned and turned it into a faster, more intuitive, and even more powerful platform supporting confident, proactive decisions.”
OMP’s continued partnership with Evonik Oxeno underscores a shared commitment to innovation and operational excellence in the chemical industry.
“Oxeno’s forward-thinking approach is a benchmark for what decision-centric planning can achieve,” said Christian Wöllenstein, Senior Project Manager at OMP. “This upgrade reflects our shared vision of continuous improvement, one where supply chain planning is deeply intelligent, future-proof, and business-aligned.”
For a deeper dive into how Evonik Oxeno transformed its planning – including organizational changes, scenario-based decision-making, and sustainability gains beyond what’s covered here – explore the full story.
Contact Information Christian Wöllenstein Senior Project Manager at OMP cwoellenstein@omp.com
SOURCE: OMP
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Evonik Oxeno goes live with upgraded decision-centric planning platform in the cloud
– Focusing on supply chain diversification, emerging market opportunities, low-altitude economy and sustainability
– The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) opened today under the theme “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape” – The event brings together over 80 heavyweight speakers to explore industry trends and opportunities, driving high-quality development in logistics and supply chain management – New thematic sessions spotlight the Middle East and Central Asia markets, with speakers sharing the latest developments and future opportunities, analysing key strategies and investment directions – John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Almaz Turgunbaev, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic, attended the Special Address session on the first day of the conference. Their participation aims to deepen international exchange and cooperation, helping to further enhance Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping and aviation hub and its roles as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder”.
The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today (17 November) and runs for two days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape”, the conference aligns with recommendations in the 15th Five-Year Plan to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre, and policies laid out in the Policy Address to strengthen the development of the shipping, aviation and logistics sectors in the city. As the industry’s annual flagship event, the two-day conference gathers over 80 distinguished speakers, including government officials and industry leaders, to discuss trends and opportunities and promote high-quality development in logistics and supply chain management.
John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, attended the first day of the conference to deliver a Special Address. In addition, this year’s ALMAC invited Central Asian official Almaz Turgunbaev, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic, to also deliver a Special Address.
John Lee said: “The conference theme this year, ‘Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape’, is a timely response to rising geopolitical tensions and the volatile global trade policies, which present considerable challenges for our maritime, aviation and logistics industries, from route planning and shipping fleet deployment to inventory and warehouse management. Nevertheless, as the Chinese saying goes, ‘where there are challenges, there are opportunities’. Geopolitical risks can be overcome by market diversification. Increased costs related to supply chain concerns can be offset, at least partially, by technology-enabled efficiencies.”
Mr Lee also shared: “I am particularly pleased to announce that Hong Kong has established Partner Port relationships with Guangxi port and Dalian port in the Chinese Mainland, and Port San Antonio in Chile. These ports are of strategic importance, and true to our character and policy priorities. As an international maritime centre, we connect the Chinese Mainland with the world and seek partners who support an open, international trade order.”
In her welcome remarks, Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Now is the perfect time to embrace new possibilities, as trade networks and supply chains around the world undergo a sweeping transformation. The ever-changing trade polices of major economies continue to keep business agile. At the same time, the world is being rapidly reshaped by technological advances – particularly the digitalisation of trade – and a growing industry-wide commitment to sustainability. Hong Kong, as a major hub for aviation, shipping, logistics and supply chain management, is at the forefront of these changes. The HKTDC remains committed to leveraging the city’s unique strengths to help businesses establish resilient and sustainable supply chains, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector and super value-adder.”
Strengthening Hong Kong’s logistics hub role and promoting regional cooperation Recommendations in the 15th Five-Year Plan to support the consolidation and enhancement of Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre carry profound strategic significance. The HKTDC will continue to deepen Hong Kong’s role as an international exchange platform, facilitating connections and substantive cooperation between local and overseas industries, assisting enterprises in “going global”, helping to expand their businesses in global markets, and enhancing their competitiveness. A key focus is promoting trade linkages and actively encouraging enterprises to leverage the HKTDC’s trade platforms and events to achieve greater cooperation across industries. This year’s ALMAC continues to feature business–matching sessions, connecting shippers with service providers to foster regional partnerships and drive industry growth.
ALMAC this year features exhibition zones dedicated to aviation, the low-altitude economy, technology, supply chain management and logistics services as well as maritime and port services. Over 90 exhibitors are showcasing the latest leading logistics and supply chain solutions. Notably, the Low-altitude Economy zone makes its debut at ALMAC, with enterprises from the Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects – including SF Express (Hong Kong) and Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited –demonstrating cutting-edge technologies and applications in drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and urban air mobility (UAM), promoting awareness of the latest innovations and applications in this fast-rising sector.
Three key trends in focus; unlocking opportunities in the Middle East and Central Asia This year’s ALMAC focuses on three key trends: supply chain diversification, sustainability and green energy and innovation and technology, highlighting Hong Kong’s critical role in global connectivity.
On the first day, the key session “Insights into a New Era of Global Trade: Driving Business Growth” will feature international industry leaders from SEKO Logistics, GEODIS, and Mattel who will explore the challenges and opportunities arising from changes in trade policies and economic fragmentation. Newly launched thematic sessions will focus on the potential of the Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. In the Middle East Session, representatives from Etihad Airways, DP World Logistics and the Qatar Free Zones Authority will share insights on logistics innovation and investment strategies. The Central Asia Session will engage representatives from QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development, JSC, under the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Shyngar Trans Logistics Company, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development and PTC. The discussion will address regional supply chain development and the advantages of multimodal transport.
Low-altitude economy and smart ports: reshaping the air and maritime transport landscape In the first-day session “The Engine of Low-altitude Economy: How Cargo Drones Are Revolutionising the Future of Air Logistics”, Manal Habib, CEO and Founder, MightyFly; Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder, Manna; Kenny Lau, Chief Technology Officer, SF Express (Hong Kong) Limited; Ryan Walsh, Founder and CEO, Valqari; and Andrea Wu, CEO, Urban-Air Port Ltd, shared the latest breakthroughs in drone freight design, automation and AI-driven logistics systems. Meanwhile, the Low-altitude Economy zone at the conference is showcasing drones and related applications, allowing participants to experience first hand the future of air transport and explore the potential of low-altitude economy innovations in the logistics sector.
In addition, the Port Community System X LSCM Maritime Summit 2025 will focus on the future development of smart ports and smart trade. The summit will explore how applying the Port Community System (PCS) can significantly enhance operational efficiency and supply chain visibility through cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain and the Internet of Things. It will also showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international shipping centre and a hub for smart trade.
Conference and workshops support enterprises’ green transformation A first-day workshop, “Sustainable Finance: Navigating a Sustainable Future across Logistics, Shipping, and Aviation Industries”, focused on how ESG (environmental, social and governance) is reshaping operational models and development directions in the logistics, maritime and aviation sectors. Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, gave the Opening Address at the workshop, followed by industry experts including KT Ting, Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency; Calvin Chung, Director, Chimbusco Pan Nation; Wai Yeung Tam, Senior Finance Manager, SF REIT Asset Management Limited; and Eric Liu, Chief Executive, Cathay United Bank Hong Kong Branch. They discussed challenges and opportunities in the industry’s green transformation and addressed the important role of sustainable finance to support enterprises in the transition.
As the world strives towards net-zero emissions, Hong Kong is committed to developing as a green maritime centre. The recent Policy Address proposes establishing Hong Kong as a green marine fuel bunkering centre, focusing on green methanol, green ammonia and hydrogen. A session titled “Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero” will be held tomorrow (18 November) to share pathways, challenges and opportunities for a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Speakers include Essam Al Sheibany, Vice President Sustainability, Asyad Group; Tryggvi ThorHerbertsson, Head of Hydrogen Strategy and Partnership, Qair Group; James Laybourn, Regional Segment Director, APAC, DNV Energy Systems; and Wu Yi, Deputy General Manager, Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd.
ALMAC offers a rich and diverse programme for participants, with tomorrow’s highlighted sessions, including the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the Supply Chain Management and Logistics Panel, “Logtech Forum: Stay Ahead in the Next Wave of Supply Chain Innovation”, and the Youth Empowerment Workshop. Representatives from companies such as HP, Reckitt, DHL Express, LALAMOVE and Procter & Gamble will share valuable insights and practical skills, helping participants stay ahead of the latest industry developments.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
OMP, a global leader in supply chain planning solutions, brought together global supply chain executives, technology innovators, and strategic partners at the OMP REAL Conference 2025 in Miami. Held on November 18-19, the event showcased how agentic AI, decision-centric planning, and human-AI collaboration are reshaping the future of supply chain planning. A key highlight was UnisonIQ, OMP’s advanced AI orchestration framework, designed to support faster and smarter decisions across global supply chains.
Panel discussion at OMP Conference Transforming supply chain vision into REAL impact with human-AI synergy
Fortune 500 leaders share real-world transformation stories Supply chain leaders from Arxada,AstraZeneca, Beiersdorf, Eastman, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft Heinz, Land O’Lakes, and Visy shared compelling case studies demonstrating tangible results:
AstraZeneca outlined how they scaled Unison Planning™ across global operations, implementing decision-centric planning to improve agility and decision confidence in volatile markets.
Beiersdorf revealed how AI-driven insights empower planners to make more informed, impactful decisions across their supply chain.
Eastman showcased the integration of sustainability into core planning processes, demonstrating how they balance business performance with environmental goals.
Participants from Kraft Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, and Land O’Lakes emphasized the growing importance of collaboration and shared innovation as companies work to make supply chains more resilient and adaptive.
Agentic AI takes center stage Under the conference theme ‘REAL – Real expertise. Real solutions. Real results.’, attendees explored how AI is transforming supply chain planning. Keynote speaker Kevin O’Marah, Co-Founder and Chief Research Officer at Zero100, delivered bold insights on how agentic and autonomous AI are transforming planner roles and redefining supply chain resilience.
The Unison Plaza served as an innovation hub where OMP experts showcased Unison Planning™, including UnisonIQ, the AI orchestration framework, and Unison Companion, its AI assistant. Live demos highlighted how AI-powered decision intelligence delivers always-on visibility, agility, and collaboration across end-to-end supply chains. Strategic alliance partners including Microsoft Azure, Rulex, Nulogy, EY, Deloitte, and Bluecrux showcased ecosystem innovations that accelerate digital transformation across industries.
A community united by progress “Our customers are at the forefront of supply chain innovation,” said Paul Vanvuchelen, CEO at OMP. “Through human-AI synergy, they are redefining global supply chains with measurable impact across efficiency, service, and resilience. This conference brought our community together and reaffirmed our shared commitment to shaping the future of supply chain planning.”
About OMP OMP helps companies facing complex planning challenges to excel, grow and thrive by offering the best digitized supply chain planning solution on the market. Hundreds of customers in a wide range of industries – spanning consumer goods, life sciences, chemicals, metals, paper and packaging – benefit from using OMP’s unique Unison Planning™.
Contact Information Philip Vervloesem Chief Commercial & Markets Officer pvervloesem@omp.com +1-770-956-2723
– Findings of a supply chain study commissioned by the HKTDC point out that even amid tense US-China relations, many US companies remain deeply engaged in the Chinese market, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area due to its unique and highly concentrated supplier network that is difficult to replace
– Mainland enterprises are actively diversifying their supply chains and using Hong Kong as a supply chain management centre, with the city playing a key role in regional supply chain transformation
– Hong Kong is a “superconnector” that serves as a crucial gateway for mainland enterprises to expand overseas and for global companies to access the Chinese Mainland market and regional supply chains
Hong Kong’s status as the preeminent supply chain “superconnector” has been reaffirmed by a major new US-Hong Kong research initiative. This was one of the key findings of “Strategically Leveraging Supply Chains to Access the Asian Market”, a major new research initiative commissioned by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)and conducted by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute of the United States.
At the heart of the study is a timely analysis of the ways in which the shift in US trade policy has triggered the accelerated reconfiguration of global supply chains, creating a raft of new challenges and opportunities along the way.
While full details of the analysis will be published in December, preliminary findings introduced in the run-up to the 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) indicate heightened geopolitical tensions, evolving trade policies, environmental pressures and technological advancements as becoming the collective catalyst for a supply chain revolution that is impacting every aspect of the global economy. In the wake of this mass recalibration, companies are reassessing their operations and looking to manage hitherto unencountered risks, ensuring that resilience is now prioritised alongside cost management and consistent competitiveness. This will inevitably impact the primacy of Asia’s role within this transformed landscape.
The US research team was headed by Sean Randolph, Senior Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, an acknowledged authority on economic and policy issues. Detailing the transformation underway, Mr Randolph said that the adoption of strategies such as reshoring, nearshoring and developing redundant supply routes by many global businesses is accelerating the regionalisation of supply chains. This shift, he said, has been partly driven by the regional trade agreements in place, but also by the need for greater supply chain security and a desire for proximity.
Expanding on this, Mr Randolph said: “Companies are diversifying their manufacturing bases, while relocating certain activities from China to other countries in Southeast Asia, India and Mexico – adopting the so-called ‘China+1’ strategy in order to ensure resilience and reduce risk exposure.
“At the same time, despite the ongoing bilateral friction, it is notable that many US companies remain deeply engaged with China. This is largely on account of the country’s unique concentration of suppliers – especially in the case of such regions as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) – which cannot be easily replaced or replicated elsewhere. Indeed, a number of recent surveys and announcements – including major Chinese Mainland investment commitments by businesses of the stature of Nvidia and Apple – have clearly demonstrated that, for many US businesses, China remains a key locale, with their engagement at least partly due to the indispensability of the broader regional supply chains.”
Hong Kong can benefit as mainland enterprises look to diversify supply chains Noting that the new tariffs and President Trump’s changed trade priorities have given some countries comparative advantages when exporting to the US, HKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan said: “In a development likely to bolster China’s stature as a production base, following early November’s US-China trade agreement, Chinese imports to the United States will be subject to a 20% tariff rate (10% reciprocal tariff + 10% fentanyl related) for the period 10 November 2025 to 10 November 2026. This comparatively low tariff level puts China-based suppliers on a par with many of their Southeast Asia counterparts, while providing them with a significant competitive advantage over countries with a higher tariff rate.”
Maintaining that this does not suggest that Chinese Mainland businesses are complacent about their status, Ms Fan added: “Currently, many mainland enterprises are proactively taking steps to diversify and strengthen their supply chains, with a significant number of them leveraging Hong Kong as their supply chain management centre. Overall, Hong Kong is clearly set to play an increasingly important role in the ongoing supply chain transformation process, a change that is being driven by the region’s deeper economic integration and the new generation of supply chain networks.”
The report cited the electric vehicle (EV) sector as one example where Hong Kong is already playing a pivotal role in the regional supply chain transformation process. As mainland-based automotive manufacturers, as well as their global counterparts, prioritise the expansion of EV and battery production in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong has more than proved its worth as a crucial investment and financial hub, acting as an effective conduit for significant capital to be channelled into countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. More generally, recent investment data also clearly indicated that Chinese Mainland companies are increasingly utilising Hong Kong as the support platform for many of their regional projects.
This outcome is likely to be bolstered by Hong Kong’s wide-ranging financial and professional services sectors, as well as the city’s agility in adapting to technological transformation and the evolving regulatory landscape – attributes that collectively position it as an indispensable nexus for international businesses.
Summing up the report’s assessment of Hong Kong, Ms Fan said: “Essentially, this new research highlights Hong Kong’s vital roles as both a superconnector and a super-value-adder, while confirming the city’s status as the key enabler for any mainland enterprise looking to expand overseas, and simultaneously serving as a gateway for any global company looking to access the revitalised regional supply chains and the China market. This ubiquity is reflected within Hong Kong itself, with the city now home to an ever-higher number of overseas businesses, including 1,390 US companies, as of June 2024.”
Flagship logistics event set to address regional supply chain developments The rise of regional supply chains and the implications for global trade will be among the many key issues addressed at the upcoming ALMAC, which will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 and 18 November. Organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the HKTDC, the event will bring together some 80 distinguished speakers and is expected to attract 2,300 participants from more than 40 countries and regions. In line with the policies outlined in the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee and the 2025 Policy Address, the event will focus on many of the recent moves to further enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre and global logistics hub.
As the annual flagship event for the logistics, maritime and aviation sectors, ALMAC 2025 is running under the theme “Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape”, reflecting the event’s commitment to exploring trends and opportunities in the fields of logistics, shipping and air freight. Ultimately, the aims of the event are to foster the high-quality development of logistics and supply chain management, deepen international engagement, and facilitate practical cooperation throughout the logistics industry.
Introduction to Sean Randolph, Senior Director, Bay Area Council Economic Institute
Sean Randolph served as President and Chief Executive of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute from 1998 to 2015. The Economic Institute is a business-supported public policy research and strategy organisation that focuses on the economy of the San Francisco/Silicon Valley Bay Area and California. He previously served as Director of International Trade for the State of California, and, before that, as International Director General of the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC), a 1,000-member Asia-Pacific business organisation. His professional career includes service in the US Government on Congressional staffs, the White House staff, and in senior positions at the Departments of State and Energy, including as Deputy/Ambassador-at-Large for Pacific Basin Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs. Based in San Francisco, he writes for regional, US and global media and frequently speaks to Bay Area and international audiences on technology, innovation and global economic issues.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
