The packaging industry outlook for 2026
The packaging industry enters 2026 under multiple pressures from sustainability regulations, consumer affordability, and tariff policies. Industry experts expect U.S. recycled content requirements to tighten, M&A activity to concentrate in specific segments, supply-demand adjustments in the containerboard market, and extended producer responsibility regulations to become the most closely watched policy variable.
Packaging manufacturers and their customers are starting 2026 navigating an increasingly complex web of sustainability regulations, consumer affordability challenges and a still-evolving tariffs landscape.
Below, we’ve rounded up insights from industry leaders and experts to start the year, including about what’s in store for recycled content in the United States, which types of acquisitions are on the rise, expected shifts in the containerboard market, the most notable extended producer responsibility developments and more.
What’s top of mind for you this year? You can always send us a message at [email protected].