6 Paper Industry Trends To Watch in 2026

The paper trade has never been short on change, but 2026 is shaping up to be a year where long-discussed shifts start showing up in real decisions. From policy to packaging to day-to-day operations, these six trends are already influencing how companies plan for the year ahead.

1. EPR Is Now Part of Day-to-Day Planning

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) has moved firmly into the operational phase. By 2026, more companies are managing reporting requirements, fees, and compliance timelines tied to EPR programs. For the paper trade, this means closer attention to product design, labeling, and recovery, along with more coordination with partners around shared responsibility. Companies that started asking questions early and building internal processes are generally better positioned than those reacting as deadlines approach.

2. Fiber-Based Packaging Continues To Expand

The shift away from plastic packaging is continuing, but customer expectations are changing. Conversations are less about whether paper can replace plastic and more about how it performs across applications, volumes, and budgets. In 2026, paper distributors are increasingly helping customers evaluate trade-offs, addressing concerns such as barrier performance, durability during shipping, and consistency at scale.

3. Recycled Fiber Shapes Supply Decisions

Recycled fiber is playing a larger role in planning discussions across the industry. As demand increases, access to reliable, high-quality recycled material is becoming more competitive. Companies are responding by strengthening sourcing relationships, setting clearer quality standards, and having more direct conversations with customers about availability and lead times. In 2026, recycled fiber influences pricing, production schedules, and customer expectations.

4. Efficiency Focuses on Practical Improvements

Labor shortages and cost pressure remain key factors in operational planning, but approaches to efficiency are becoming more targeted. Instead of investing in tools that create additional complexity, many paper distributors are prioritizing practical improvements that support accuracy and visibility. Inventory systems, forecasting tools, and warehouse processes are being refined with the goal of making daily work more manageable for teams.

5. Customers Are Looking for Clear Guidance

As regulations evolve and sustainability requirements become harder to interpret, customers are asking more questions. Certifications, recycled content thresholds, and compliance language can be difficult to navigate, and buyers often look to their paper partners for straightforward explanations. In 2026, the ability to provide clear, realistic guidance is becoming an important part of maintaining trust and long-term relationships.

6. Collaboration Supports Long-Term Stability

Many of the challenges facing the paper trade benefit from shared effort. Recycling infrastructure, workforce development, and policy interpretation are areas where collaboration can make a meaningful difference. Industry associations, supplier partnerships, and cross-sector initiatives are helping companies exchange information and align on practical approaches. In 2026, these connections play an important role in helping the industry adapt to ongoing change.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the paper industry looks ahead to 2026, the common thread across these trends is preparation. Clear communication, realistic planning, and strong partnerships will matter as much as any single product or policy. Organizations like NPTA play an important role in supporting this work by bringing together distributors, suppliers, and industry leaders to share insight, exchange information, and respond to the issues shaping the industry today and in the years ahead.