Labelmaster, together with DGeo, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and CurTec, released the results of the 10^th annual Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook. The survey reveals that while companies feel confident in their current dangerous goods (DG) / hazardous materials (hazmat) operations, preparing for the future will require greater investment in innovation, digitalization and packaging solutions.

The survey shows that most DG professionals are confident in their organizations’ ability to meet today’s compliance and safety standards (57% very confident, 35% somewhat confident). However, that confidence weakens when looking to the future. As supply chains become increasingly complex and expectations rise, organizations that do only the regulatory minimum put their operations and overall business at risk.

“A decade of survey data reveals a clear pattern: investment drives both confidence and performance,” said Robert Finn, vice president, Labelmaster. “Organizations that prioritize DG compliance and innovation gain measurable operational and financial advantages while those that don’t risk falling behind.”

Key Findings

• Confidence in current DG operations: 92% of respondents are confident their company can maintain safe and compliant operations today.

• Investment is increasing: 43% reported higher DG investment over the past five years, compared to just 4% reporting a decrease.

• Future readiness is a concern: 33% believe their current investment will meet future needs (up from 18% five years ago), yet 57% feel operations are adequate only for today.

• Confidence in supply chain partners is low: Just 22% are confident in upstream partners and 19% in downstream partners.

Innovation Driving Change

Where will companies invest moving forward? These two key areas:

• Smarter packaging: 60% of companies plan to invest in smarter packaging over the next two years, with 26% calling it a “major focus.” Packaging issues, such as leaks and damaged containers, have impacted more than half of organizations, with 21% reporting moderate to severe consequences.

“Hazmat packaging technology has advanced significantly in recent years, yet many companies still rely on outdated or inferior solutions,” said John Jansen, head of global marketing, CurTec International. “Even in highly regulated markets like pharma and fine chemicals, the pressure to cut costs can lead to short-sighted decisions – choosing cheaper containers that may save a few dollars upfront but risk costly consequences such as leaks, product damage or regulatory non-compliance.”

• Digital transformation: Companies continue to digitalize DG processes, including digital regulatory publications (57%), e-documentation (51%) and virtual training (50%). Nearly half (43%) now use digital traceability or smart sensors to monitor DG shipments in transit.

Over the next five years, DG professionals are most excited about advances in battery technology (56%), improved data connectivity (51%), smarter warehouse tools (51%), digital access to regulations and product data (41%) and sustainable packaging (38%).

Raising The Safety Bar in Dangerous Goods Operations

The survey highlights that those companies treating DG management as a business priority – and investing accordingly – achieve operational and financial advantages. Top-performing organizations excel in two areas:

Data Quality & Shipping Management

• Ensure consistency and compliance across locations

• Automate processes and reduce manual touchpoints

• Optimize costs and delivery speed

Modern Packaging

• Use slimmer, lightweight materials to cut costs and save space

• Employ advanced materials for rigorous testing

• Simplify compliance and reduce labor costs

• Make sustainable packaging choices with measurable ROI

According to Brendan Sullivan, global head of cargo, IATA, “Increased implementation of data-driven processes, along with sustainably sourced and modern packaging, will enable a more efficient, transparent and compliant supply chain. With supply chains adopting the IATA ONE Record data standard and companies integrating advanced DG software solutions such as DG AutoCheck into their business processes, companies can ensure accurate data and will see faster, more efficient, streamlined operations.”

To learn more about the state of the global DG supply chain and how top-performing companies are turning DG shipping into a competitive advantage, download the full infographic: https://www.labelmaster.com/dg-confidence-outlook/2025-results.

About the Survey

Sponsored by Labelmaster, DGeo, IATA and CurTec, nearly 300 DG professionals from around the world were surveyed about their organizations’ operations and their expectations for the industry. The survey was conducted between May 28 and July 21, 2025.

About Labelmaster

For more than five decades, Labelmaster has been the go-to source for companies – big and small – to navigate and comply with the complex, ever-changing regulations that govern the transport of dangerous goods and hazardous materials. From hazmat labels and UN-certified packaging, hazmat placards and regulatory publications, to advanced technology and regulatory training, Labelmaster’s comprehensive offering of industry-leading software, products, and services helps customers remain compliant with all dangerous goods regulations, mitigate risk and maintain smooth, safe operations. To learn more, visit www.labelmaster.com.

About DGeo

DGeo helps companies reduce risk and increase compliance within their dangerous goods (DG) supply chain, while increasing business efficiency and profitability. Backed by Labelmaster’s 50+ years of industry expertise, DGeo simplifies even the most complex DG shipping operations. Our specialties span all things DG – from innovative hazmat packaging and battery warehousing to logistics strategy, hazmat shipping software, consulting and more. From end-to-end solutions to targeted project support, our proven, third party-tested offerings are tailored to meet our customers’ unique supply chain needs. To learn more, visit www.DGeo.com.

About IATA

• IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 350 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic.
• You can follow us on X for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information.
• Fly Net Zero.

About CurTec

CurTec is a premium manufacturer of high-performance plastic packaging for the pharmaceutical, specialty chemicals, and logistics industries. With production facilities in Europe and the United States, CurTec partners with over 300 companies worldwide to ensure the safe, clean, and efficient transport of valuable goods. The company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and quality, helping customers protect their products and enhance supply chain performance. For additional information, visit www.curtec.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250909239691/en/

While companies feel confident in their current dangerous goods operations, preparing for the future will require greater investment in innovation, digitalization and packaging solutions.