Why 2026 Will Be a Big Year for Flexible Packaging Talent

The flexible packaging sector is gearing up for one of its strongest growth periods yet. Industry research shows the global flexible packaging market was valued at roughly $281.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to about $373.4 billion by 2030, fueled by demand across food, consumer goods, and e-commerce. This steady climb is creating real movement in the job market for operators, technicians, prepress professionals, and leaders who understand how modern flex pack plants run.

Below are a few reasons why 2026 is shaping up to be a major talent year for flexible packaging.

E-commerce keeps growing, and packaging needs are changing

E-commerce isn’t slowing down, and brands are expecting packaging that is lightweight, protective, and visually strong. Flexible packaging checks those boxes, which means more variety, shorter runs, and more complexity on the production floor.

This surge affects a wide range of roles. Pouch machine operators need to handle more SKUs, press operators need to work with changing materials, and technicians are asked to troubleshoot issues tied to shipping durability. Plants want people who can adapt quickly, work through changeovers, and keep production consistent.

Food safety expectations are rising

Food and beverage packaging is one of the biggest growth drivers in the flex pack world. With rising regulatory expectations and customer focus on quality, companies are leaning into stronger documentation, traceability, and food-safe processes.

This increases demand for operators who know how to run in food environments, quality professionals comfortable with audits, and prepress teams who pay close attention to accuracy before jobs ever reach the press or pouch line.

People who understand both production and compliance will be especially valuable in 2026.

Sustainability is now a requirement, not a trend

Many manufacturers are moving toward recyclable and mono-material structures. These push teams to rethink everything from sealing temperatures to machine setup, especially on automated equipment.

Operators and technicians who have already worked with newer sustainable materials will stand out, and companies will be looking for people who can problem-solve and adjust without disrupting production targets.

Automation is changing the work, not replacing the worker

Flexible packaging companies are investing heavily in automated pouching lines, inspection systems, digital workflows, and advanced converting equipment. Automation boosts consistency and output, but it also raises the skill level needed on the floor.

This shift increases demand for:

• Operators who are comfortable with automated and semi-automated systems

• Maintenance technicians with electrical or PLC aptitude

• Supervisors and leads who understand how automation affects staffing, training, throughput, and troubleshooting

Curious and technically adaptable candidates will be the ones who get the best opportunities in 2026.

What this means for people working in flex pack

If you’re already in flexible packaging-in roles like pouching, lamination, press operation, prepress, maintenance, or production leadership-2026 is a strong year to stay open to new opportunities. Experience with film, barrier materials, automation, food-safe workflows, or sustainable structures is becoming incredibly valuable.

Even candidates coming from adjacent areas like labels, commercial print, folding cartons, or corrugated may find it easier than ever to transition into flexible packaging as companies widen the pool of transferable experience.

What this means for companies hiring

For manufacturers, the competition for skilled talent will be even stronger than last year. Plants that invest in people, training, cross-training, leadership development, and clear communication about schedules and expectations will have a major advantage.

Relying only on traditional job boards won’t be enough. Companies will need industry-specific recruiting strategies and visibility to the right candidate pools.

Final thought

Flexible packaging is evolving quickly, and the talent market is evolving right along with it. Companies that invest in the right people (and candidates who stay open to learning and growth) will be best positioned to benefit from the momentum heading into 2026.

For companies hiring, there are multiple ways to reach the right talent. At Flexo Finders, we partner directly with manufacturers and suppliers to recruit experienced professionals across printing, packaging, and converting. You can learn more at www.flexofinders.com.

For organizations that want to increase visibility for their own openings, PrintConvert Network offers an industry-specific job board designed exclusively for printing, packaging, and converting roles. You can explore the platform at www.printconvertnetwork.com.

For candidates, this is a reminder that staying connected and aware of where the industry is heading (even if you’re not actively looking) can open doors that aren’t visible on traditional job sites.

The flexible packaging industry is growing, changing, and creating opportunity. Being proactive now can make a meaningful difference in 2026 and beyond.