A research publication of LPC, Inc. | info@lpcprint.com
Selected findings from Trendline 2026
Converters entered 2026 cautious, but not pessimistic. After several years of supply chain disruption, inflation, and shifting demand, respondents described a reset: protecting margins, building flexibility into production, and making investment decisions with sharper filters.
Trendline 2026 findings
58%
More than 80%
More than 80%
of respondents said they were proceeding cautiously with planned investments. Just 3% were pausing or cancelling investments.
More than 80%
More than 80%
More than 80%
of respondents ranked lead times and product availability as their number one supplier challenge.
67%
More than 80%
67%
of respondents cited improving automation and efficiency as a driver of press investment.
The market doesn't feel like it's falling off a cliff, but it definitely feels different than it did a few years ago. Growth is harder to come by, and customers are more price sensitive. That puts more pressure on us to run efficiently and control what we can control.
CEO, family-owned mid-sized label converter, Mid-Atlantic
What the full report covers
- Top operational and strategic priorities
- Revenue growth and the impact of economic uncertainty
- Delivery expectations from brands and packaging buyers
- The most significant challenges converters face
- How brands and label buyers are responding to economic conditions
- Workforce strategies in a tight labor market
- Press purchase plans by format, and the drivers behind them
- Converters' biggest challenges with their suppliers
- The marketing strategies converters say attract new customers
- Emerging technologies on converters' radar, including AI, RFID, 2D barcodes, preparation for Sunrise 2027, automation, and hybrid presses
The report examines how priorities and pressures differ between small to mid-sized and large converters.
LPC's take
The central theme of Trendline 2026: North American label converters aren't pulling back from investment, but they are operating with much less tolerance for misalignment or risk. Execution is taking priority over expansion.
Findings reflect Trendline 2026 respondents at the time of data collection and are directional, not predictive. The full report is available exclusively to converters who complete the survey and to LPC clients.
Participate in Trendline 2027
Converters who complete the survey receive the full report at no cost.
For suppliers: talk to LPC
The full Trendline report is available exclusively to converters who complete the survey and to LPC clients.
LPC Trendline is a research publication of LPC, Inc. · info@lpcprint.com · lpcprint.com · © 2026 LPC, Inc. All rights reserved.
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