Halfway Through 2026: What to Expect in the Second Half of the Year for the Printing & Packaging Industry

Author: Shannon Polaski-Buchholz, CPC

Flexo Finders | Print Convert Network

Built for the Industry. Powered by Experts.

The first half of 2026 has continued a trend we've seen for several years now: packaging remains the growth engine of the printing industry. While commercial print continues to evolve, investment dollars, new equipment purchases, and hiring demand remain heavily focused on labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, corrugated packaging, and digital production technologies. Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, several key trends are expected to shape the industry.

Digital Printing

Digital printing continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. Brands are demanding shorter runs, faster turnaround times, versioning, personalization, and localized packaging—all areas where digital excels.

What to Expect:

• Increased adoption of inkjet technologies

• Growth in digitally printed labels and flexible packaging

• More hybrid press installations combining flexo and digital

• Greater use of AI-driven workflow automation

• Expansion of web-to-print and on-demand manufacturing models

What to Watch:

Converters that successfully blend digital and conventional production will gain a significant competitive advantage. Automation and workflow integration will be just as important as the press itself.

Offset Printing

Offset remains strong in folding carton, commercial print, direct mail, and specialty packaging applications.

What to Expect:

• Continued consolidation among commercial printers

• More automation on press and in finishing departments

• Increased use of digital embellishments and specialty coatings

• Growth opportunities in folding cartons and premium packaging

What to Watch:

Printers that focus on value-added applications rather than commodity print work will continue to thrive. AI-assisted scheduling and production planning are beginning to gain traction.

Envelope Manufacturing

The envelope industry remains surprisingly resilient despite digital communication.

What to Expect:

• Strong demand from direct mail and healthcare sectors

• Continued labor shortages in envelope converting

• More investment in automation and inserter technology

• Increased demand for security and specialty envelopes

What to Watch:

Direct mail response rates continue to outperform many digital channels, helping sustain envelope production volumes. Labor remains one of the industry's biggest challenges.

Flexographic Printing

Flexography remains the dominant process across labels, flexible packaging, corrugated, and many carton applications.

What to Expect:

• Continued growth in packaging demand

• More automation on press

• Increased adoption of fixed palette printing

• Expanded use of extended gamut color systems

• Growth in sustainable inks and substrates

What to Watch:

Flexo remains the workhorse of packaging production. Skilled operators, supervisors, and maintenance technicians will continue to be among the hardest positions to fill.

Label Industry

The label market continues to be one of the healthiest sectors in printing.

What to Expect:

• Growth in pressure-sensitive labels

• Increased demand for shrink sleeves

• More RFID and smart label applications

• Expansion of digital label production

• Greater demand for short-run and versioned work

What to Watch:

Brand owners are increasingly seeking sustainability, traceability, and smart packaging solutions, creating new opportunities for label converters.

Corrugated & Boxes

E-commerce continues to fuel corrugated demand.

What to Expect:

• Continued investment in high-graphics corrugated printing

• More automation in box plants

• Growth in right-sized packaging solutions

• Increased focus on sustainability and recyclability

What to Watch:

Retail-ready packaging and digitally printed corrugated solutions continue gaining momentum as brands seek shelf differentiation.

Folding Carton Packaging

Folding carton demand remains strong in food, pharmaceutical, and consumer products.

What to Expect:

• Continued growth in premium packaging

• Increased use of embellishments

• More automation in die cutting and folding/gluing

• Sustainability-driven material innovations

What to Watch:

Brands continue using packaging as a marketing tool, creating opportunities for high-end finishing and specialty effects.

Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging remains one of the industry's hottest segments.

What to Expect:

• Continued conversion from rigid packaging formats

• Growth in stand-up pouches

• Increased use of recyclable structures

• More digital printing adoption

• Faster product launches requiring shorter runs

What to Watch:

Converters investing in sustainable film structures and digital capabilities will be positioned for long-term growth.

3D Printing

While not yet a major force in traditional printing, 3D printing continues expanding into manufacturing and packaging applications.

What to Expect:

• More industrial adoption

• Growth in prototyping

• Faster packaging development cycles

• Increased use for tooling and replacement parts

What to Watch:

The overlap between manufacturing and print technologies continues to grow. 3D printing is becoming a valuable support tool throughout production environments.

New Trends Driving the Industry

Artificial Intelligence & Automation

AI is rapidly moving from buzzword to practical application.

Uses include:

• Predictive maintenance

• Scheduling optimization

• Color management

• Quality inspection

• Workflow automation

• Production forecasting

Companies that embrace automation will be better positioned to overcome labor shortages and increase profitability.

Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer optional.

Expect continued focus on:

• Recyclable packaging

• Reduced material usage

• Sustainable inks

• Energy-efficient equipment

• Circular packaging solutions

Nearly every major equipment supplier and converter is investing heavily in sustainability initiatives.

Smart Packaging

Look for continued growth in:

• RFID

• NFC-enabled packaging

• Interactive labels

• Product authentication

• Supply chain tracking

Smart packaging is moving from niche applications into mainstream packaging strategies.

Workforce Outlook

One challenge remains unchanged: finding talent.

The second half of 2026 will continue to see shortages of:

• Flexo Press Operators

• Digital Press Operators

• Offset Press Operators

• Maintenance Technicians

• Die Cutter Operators

• Folder Gluer Operators

• Production Supervisors

• Sales Professionals

The companies that invest in training, retention, and workplace culture will have the strongest advantage moving forward.

Industry Events to Watch

PRINTING United Expo 2026

September 23–25, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV. One of the largest events covering commercial print, packaging, labels, wide format, digital, workflow automation, and AI technologies.

LOUPE Americas 2026

September 15–17, 2026 – Chicago, IL. North America's largest dedicated label and package printing event, featuring hundreds of exhibitors and live demonstrations.

PACK EXPO International 2026

October 18–21, 2026 – Chicago, IL. A must-attend event for packaging machinery, automation, and manufacturing technology.

Final Thoughts

If the first half of 2026 taught us anything, it's that packaging remains the strongest growth segment in printing. The companies that invest in automation, sustainability, digital technology, and workforce development will be the ones positioned to win in the years ahead.

The second half of 2026 won't be about replacing traditional printing—it will be about combining conventional strengths with new technologies to create faster, smarter, and more profitable operations. Packaging, labels, flexible packaging, and digital production continue to lead the way, and the pace of innovation is only accelerating.