Key facts
- Essity received an A score on CDP's Supplier Engagement A List for the seventh consecutive year.
- Michel Lagarde will become CEO of West Pharmaceutical Services on August 31.
- First Mold hired two AI Managers to integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing.
- WuXi Biologics' Singapore CRDMO Hub topped out its Drug Product facility.
- Sailun Group presented its green innovation and digital manufacturing at the 2026 WBCSD meeting.
- SGS acquired bioanalytical testing firm CMIC, INC., based in Chicago, Illinois.
- Aphranel celebrated its first anniversary on May 20, 2026.
- Aphranel achieved EU MDR certification.
- Aphranel launched its Arc product line.
- Aphranel delivered over 150,000 syringes.
- The Braille Institute announced its third annual Community Hero Award recipients.
- West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. released its 2025 Sustainability Report.
Essity has achieved recognition for its sustainability efforts, earning an A score on CDP's Supplier Engagement A List for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition underscores the company's sustained commitment to environmental engagement with its suppliers.
In leadership changes, West Pharmaceutical Services announced that Michel Lagarde will assume the role of CEO on August 31. Lagarde brings extensive experience in the healthcare and life sciences sectors and is expected to guide the company's future growth and innovation.
Manufacturing and technology sectors saw notable developments. First Mold has hired two AI Managers to bolster its integration of artificial intelligence into its manufacturing processes, aligning with its strategy to adapt to technological advancements and enhance efficiency. WuXi Biologics marked a construction milestone with the topping out of its Drug Product facility at its Singapore CRDMO Hub, a facility designed to provide integrated drug development and manufacturing services. Chinese tire manufacturer Sailun Group presented its advancements in digital intelligent manufacturing and green technology innovation at the 2026 annual meeting of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices.
In terms of expansion and acquisition, SGS has acquired CMIC, INC., a Chicago-based firm specializing in bioanalytical testing services. This acquisition is intended to broaden SGS's bioanalytical testing capacity within North America. Meanwhile, Aphranel celebrated its first anniversary on May 20, 2026, reflecting on its launch on May 8, 2025. During its first year, the company secured EU MDR certification, launched its Arc product line, and distributed over 150,000 syringes.
Other organizational announcements include the Braille Institute revealing the recipients of its third annual Community Hero Awards, honoring individuals for their contributions to accessibility and inclusion for the blind and visually impaired. Additionally, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing its performance across environmental, social, and governance metrics. Beijing Sentu Education Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Jianzhi Education Technology Group Company Limited, has also formed a strategic partnership with Shenzhen TaiDian Industry Co., Ltd., though the specifics of this collaboration remain undisclosed.