August 24, 2026
Recent survey feedback from AICC members indicates several issues affecting independent packaging manufacturers across the industry. From pricing pressure and rising operating costs to leadership development and emerging technologies, the concerns members shared reflect broader trends shaping today’s business environment.
The good news? AICC continues to expand its educational programs, peer networking opportunities, and leadership resources to help members navigate an increasingly complex marketplace.
Market Pressures
The most common concern cited by members was customer pricing pressure, followed closely by increased competition, commoditization, and uneven demand.
How AICC Can Help
Members looking to strengthen customer relationships and protect margins have access to a variety of educational resources, including:
- Sales and customer service training focused on value-based selling and customer communication.
- Finance and cost management courses that help companies better understand pricing strategy, cost drivers, and profitability.
- Peer groups and AICC events, where members can exchange ideas and learn how fellow independents are addressing similar challenges.
Learn more at www.AICCbox.org/packu, www.AICCbox.org/pathways, and www.AICCbox.org/calendar.
Rising Costs
Market-driven operational and financial concerns ranked among the most frequently mentioned challenges in the survey. Members identified rising paper costs, freight expenses, energy prices, margin pressure, equipment limitations, and supply chain uncertainty as significant issues affecting day-to-day operations.
How AICC Can Help
AICC offers educational resources designed to improve operational performance, including:
- Operations and process improvement training.
- Technical education for production teams.
- Packaging University features more than 160 free online courses available to employees of member companies.
Visit www.AICCbox.org/packu to explore available courses.
Preparing for the Future
Beyond immediate business pressures, members also identified several strategic priorities, including leadership succession, leadership development, extended producer responsibility and sustainability expectations, market expansion, AI adoption, and regulatory changes.
How AICC Can Help
To support long-term growth and organizational development, AICC offers resources such as:
- Pathways to Success, AICC’s structured leadership and career development program.
- Emerging Leaders program, designed for professionals under age 35 preparing for future leadership roles.
- Upcoming free webinars and webinar recordings include:
- Practical AI for Customer Service & Sales
- Winning AI Search: How Packaging Manufacturers Get Found, Recommended, and Chosen
- A Revolution of Speed: How AI is Rewiring Packaging Manufacturing Workflows
- Sustainability and regulatory education.
- Business development, innovation, and market expansion courses.
These programs help companies prepare future leaders while building the skills needed to compete in a changing marketplace.
Learn more at www.AICCbox.org/pathways, www.AICCbox.org/calendar, and www.AICCbox.org/webinars.
Keeping Pace With Change
Members also cited concerns surrounding tariff uncertainty, shifting political and economic conditions, and determining how best to adopt AI within their organizations.
Trade policy continues to influence paper, recycled fiber, equipment, and broader supply chains. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence are creating opportunities to improve efficiency, streamline administrative work, enhance customer service, and support better decision-making. Many companies are exploring where these technologies fit within their operations and how to implement them effectively.
How AICC Can Help
AICC regularly provides timely education through webinars, articles, and on-demand programming covering emerging technologies, automation, business trends, and industry developments. AICC also gives Independents a policy voice through advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals.
Members can stay informed through NOW.AICCbox.org and continue building foundational business and technical skills through www.AICCbox.org/packu.
