In what has been – and will continue to be - a turbulent 12 months, production levels are being weighed down and the industry is struggling to recover from the economic recession. Logistics and supplier challenges stemming from Covid-19, as well as reduced consumer spending and operating costs, are testing the industry’s ability to adapt in what has been one of the most difficult years in history. In 2021 and beyond, manufacturers will look to regain the initiative, ushering us into a new era for manufacturing. As organisations seek to become more sustainable, digital and efficient, continuous improvement will become non-negotiable. Embedding a culture of continuous improvement focused on process efficiency and agility will enable companies to ride the wave towards the new post-pandemic consumer.