November 6, 2026
Strengthening the independent for the path ahead
As we reflect on fiscal year 2026 (FY26), one thing is abundantly clear: The independent paper packaging industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, innovation, and optimism. While manufacturers across North America faced continued economic uncertainty, evolving customer expectations, workforce challenges, and rapid technological change, AICC remained steadfast in its mission to help independent converters become stronger, more competitive, and better prepared for the future.
Everything AICC accomplishes begins with one simple premise: Independent companies succeed when they learn from one another. That philosophy has guided this Association for more than five decades and continues to shape every meeting, educational program, advocacy initiative, publication, and member resource we provide.
Throughout the past year, AICC invested heavily in developing people, sharing knowledge, building relationships, and preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Whether through Packaging University, leadership development programs, regional summits, webinars, benchmarking initiatives, or national meetings, our focus remained on delivering practical solutions that members could immediately apply within their own organizations.
One of the defining characteristics of AICC has always been its willingness to evolve alongside the industry it serves. During FY26, that commitment continued as members explored emerging technologies, embraced automation, evaluated AI, strengthened succession-planning efforts, and sought innovative ways to attract and retain talented employees. AICC responded by providing timely education, expert guidance, and opportunities for members to learn directly from one another, continuing our tradition of independent companies helping independent companies succeed.
The strength of AICC has never been measured solely by attendance at meetings or participation in educational programs. Rather, it is reflected in the willingness of members to openly share ideas, host plant tours, mentor future leaders, serve on committees, contribute articles, sponsor educational initiatives, and volunteer countless hours to improve our industry. That spirit of collaboration remains one of the greatest competitive advantages enjoyed by independent converters and continues to distinguish AICC from every other organization serving the paper-based packaging industry.
FY26 also demonstrated the growing strength of AICC throughout North America. Members gathered through regional meetings, educational conferences, golf outings, leadership programs, and events in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These experiences reinforced not only the business value of membership but also the personal relationships that have long defined our Association. The celebration of AICC México’s 25th Anniversary served as a powerful reminder that our community extends well beyond national borders and that the challenges—and opportunities—we face are increasingly shared across the continent.
Education continued to be one of AICC’s highest priorities. Packaging University expanded its reach, leadership development programs continued to mature, and members increasingly turned to AICC NOW for on-demand learning, industry research, webinars, podcasts, and best practices. As workforce development remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges, AICC is committed to providing companies of every size with affordable, accessible training that helps employees build meaningful careers while strengthening their organizations.
Our advocacy efforts remained equally important. AICC continued to represent the interests of independent manufacturers before policymakers, regulatory agencies, and allied industry organizations. From tax policy and workforce development to environmental regulations, extended producer responsibility, and manufacturing competitiveness, the Association remained a consistent voice for policies that support entrepreneurship, investment, and the continued success of independent businesses.
Financially, AICC remains on exceptionally solid footing. Through careful stewardship of member resources and prudent fiscal management, your Association continues to invest strategically in education, technology, advocacy, and member services while maintaining the long-term financial strength necessary to support future generations of independent manufacturers. FY26 concluded with revenues of $5,494,898.00*, membership totaling 500 companies, and a member renewal rate of 94%, reflecting both the value members place on their Association and the confidence they have in its direction.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers, board of directors, committee members, Associate members, sponsors, foundation donors, speakers, host companies, and AICC staff. Their passion, expertise, and generosity continue to make this Association unlike any other.
As you read this report, you will see more than a list of meetings, programs, and accomplishments. You will see the collective efforts of hundreds of individuals working together to strengthen independent paper packaging manufacturers throughout North America. Every initiative described in these pages shares a common purpose: ensuring that AICC members have the knowledge, relationships, and resources they need not only to navigate change but to lead it.
The future of our industry has never been brighter, and together, we are ensuring that the independent continues to thrive.
National Meetings and Member Engagement – Where the Independents Come Together
One of AICC’s greatest strengths has always been its ability to bring independent paper packaging manufacturers together. Though technology has made information more accessible than ever before, there remains no substitute for face-to-face conversations, shared experiences, and the trusted relationships that develop when members gather to learn from one another.
Strengthening Connections
Throughout FY26, AICC continued to deliver a robust calendar of national, regional, and international events designed to help members strengthen their businesses while reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines the Association. Every meeting, whether a regional summit, golf outing, educational conference, leadership program, or international gathering, provided opportunities for members to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and discover practical solutions that could be implemented immediately upon returning home.
The Association’s regional meetings once again demonstrated the tremendous value of bringing education closer to members. Across North America, the Midwest Golf Outing, Northeast Summit, Great Lakes Summit, AICC Canada Annual Meeting, AICC West Ski Meeting, West Coast Golf Meeting, AICC México Annual Meeting and Trade Fair, and AICC México 25th Anniversary Meeting combined timely business programming with the networking opportunities that have become a hallmark of AICC. Plant tours, peer discussions, and presentations from industry and subject-matter experts gave members valuable insights into manufacturing best practices, workforce development, leadership, technology, safety, and operational excellence.
The AICC Spring Meeting continued to serve as the Association’s premier annual event. Bringing together independent converters, supplier partners, and industry experts, the meeting featured presentations addressing the issues most critical to today’s business leaders, including AI, economic trends, leadership development, succession planning, sales strategy, operational performance, and the rapidly evolving needs of customers. Members consistently cite the Spring Meeting as one of the most valuable investments they make each year because of the unique opportunity it provides to learn directly from peers facing many of the same business challenges.
Equally important has been the continued growth of family participation at AICC meetings. Programs such as Kids in Corrugated reinforce the Association’s commitment to introducing younger generations to the opportunities available within the paper packaging industry. As many member companies prepare for leadership transitions over the coming decade, engaging future generations has become a critical component of AICC’s long-term strategy to help preserve the strength and independence of family-owned businesses.
A major highlight of FY26 was the celebration of AICC Mexico’s 25th Anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s continued growth throughout North America. Members from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico gathered to recognize a quarter century of collaboration while celebrating the remarkable growth of the independent corrugated industry throughout the region. The anniversary served not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but also as a reminder that AICC’s mission transcends borders. Today, members across all three countries benefit from shared educational resources, leadership development opportunities, technical expertise, and professional relationships that strengthen the entire industry.
Leadership development remained another cornerstone of member engagement throughout the year. The Emerging Leader (EL) program continued to provide rising professionals with unique opportunities to visit member facilities, interact with senior executives, and develop relationships that will benefit both their careers and the companies they serve. These experiences expose future industry leaders to different operating philosophies, management styles, and business strategies while reinforcing the collaborative values that distinguish independent manufacturers.
Likewise, AICC’s expanding portfolio of leadership programming, including the Business Management in Corrugated Packaging (BMCP) Certificate Program and advanced executive development initiatives continued to demonstrate the Association’s commitment to preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. As succession planning becomes an increasingly important priority for member companies, these programs are helping develop the managerial, financial, and leadership skills necessary to guide independent businesses through the next generation.
None of AICC’s meetings would be possible without the extraordinary generosity of member companies that open their facilities for plant tours, the volunteer leaders who dedicate countless hours to planning educational programs, the speakers who willingly share their expertise, and the Associate Members whose sponsorship helps make these events affordable and accessible. Their contributions embody the culture of collaboration that has defined AICC since its founding.
As of press time, anticipation was continuing to build for Corrugated Week 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. As a joint venture between AICC and TAPPI, Corrugated Week once again brought together manufacturers, suppliers, innovators, and industry leaders from around the world to explore the latest technologies, operational strategies, and market trends shaping the future of corrugated packaging. Events such as Corrugated Week reaffirm AICC’s leadership role in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and strengthening the independent paper-based packaging industry.
While every meeting differs in location and format, each shares a common purpose: helping members build stronger companies through education, collaboration, and lasting professional relationships. That commitment remains one of AICC’s greatest competitive advantages and continues to provide members with value that extends far beyond the meeting room.
Education, Workforce Development, and Leadership – Investing in People
The greatest competitive advantage any independent converter possesses is not found in its equipment, technology, or facilities; it is found in its people. Developing knowledgeable employees, effective supervisors, and visionary leaders has always been central to AICC’s mission, and during FY26, the Association continued to make significant investments in education and professional development at every level of member organizations.
As workforce shortages, accelerating technology, and increasing customer expectations continue to reshape manufacturing, lifelong learning has become a business necessity rather than a competitive advantage. AICC’s educational strategy is built around the simple objective of providing every employee at every member company with practical, affordable, and accessible opportunities to develop the skills necessary to succeed.
Packaging University Continues to Grow
Packaging University has become one of the Association’s most valuable member benefits and one of the most comprehensive online learning platforms dedicated exclusively to the boxmaking industry. Available to every employee of every AICC member company, the platform provides on-demand training that supports onboarding, professional development, leadership preparation, and continuing education.
During FY26, Packaging University continued its rapid expansion, adding new coursework while enhancing existing curricula to reflect the latest manufacturing practices, leadership principles, and business strategies. Organized into specialized colleges including Leadership, Production, Sales, Maintenance, Customer Service, Human Resources, Finance, Process Improvement, Design, and Warehousing & Logistics, the platform allows employees to build customized learning paths that align with both their individual career goals and their company’s operational needs.
Today, Packaging University includes more than 150 online courses with 30,000 course completions since going online, demonstrating both the industry’s commitment to continuous learning and the tremendous value members place on readily accessible education. As innovative technologies and business practices emerge, AICC continues to expand the curriculum to ensure members remain prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
Recognizing the growing diversity of the industry’s workforce, AICC also continued expanding its Spanish-language offerings. By making high-quality technical and leadership education available in both English and Spanish, the Association is helping member companies train employees more effectively while strengthening communication throughout their organizations.
AICC NOW: Knowledge Available Anytime
Education no longer happens only in classrooms or at conferences. Members increasingly expect information to be available whenever they need it, whether they are onboarding a new employee, researching a technical issue, or preparing for an important customer meeting.
AICC NOW has evolved into the industry’s digital knowledge center, providing members with immediate access to webinars, white papers, benchmarking information, BoxScore magazine archives, Ask the Expert resources, podcasts, and Packaging University. Rather than searching multiple sources for information, members have a single destination where decades of industry knowledge is organized and continually expanded.
The continued growth of AICC NOW reflects AICC’s commitment to making education both practical and convenient. Whether learning occurs on the plant floor, during travel, or at home, members have immediate access to resources designed specifically for independent converters.
Leadership Development for the Next Generation
Preparing future leaders remains one of AICC’s highest priorities. Many member companies are family-owned businesses navigating generational transitions while developing emerging managers capable of leading increasingly sophisticated organizations.
AICC’s leadership development initiatives continued to expand during FY26, providing educational opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers. The Emerging Leader program remains one of the Association’s signature offerings, introducing rising professionals to industry best practices while fostering relationships that often last throughout their careers.
The BMCP Certificate Program likewise continues to provide participants with a deeper understanding of finance, operations, strategy, sales, leadership, and organizational management. By blending proven business principles with the unique realities of the paper packaging industry, the program equips participants to make stronger business decisions and assume greater leadership responsibilities within their companies.
Building on that foundation, AICC’s advanced leadership initiatives, including the Next Generation Master’s program, continued to provide experienced leaders with executive-level development through personalized coaching, peer collaboration, strategic thinking, and leadership assessment. These programs reflect AICC’s belief that leadership development is not a single event but an ongoing journey requiring continuous growth throughout one’s career.
Addressing the Industry’s Biggest Challenges
In any given year, AICC’s educational programming remains closely aligned with the issues most affecting member companies. Educational webinars, conferences, podcasts, and articles addressed topics including:
- AI and practical business applications.
- Workforce recruitment and employee retention.
- Leadership and succession planning.
- Operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Safety and regulatory compliance.
- Sales effectiveness and customer experience.
- Economic outlooks and strategic planning.
- Manufacturing technology and automation.
Rather than focusing on theory alone, AICC continues to emphasize practical education that members can implement immediately within their organizations. This “learn today, apply tomorrow” philosophy remains one of the defining characteristics of AICC programming.
Education Made Possible Through Partnership
The continued success of AICC’s educational initiatives would not be possible without the generous support of the Association’s education investors and Associate members. Their financial investment, technical expertise, and willingness to share knowledge allow AICC to continually improve its educational offerings while keeping them affordable for member companies.
Education is among the most important investments an independent company can make. By providing high-quality learning opportunities that are relevant, accessible, and immediately applicable, AICC is helping members develop stronger employees, more confident leaders, and more successful businesses.
As the pace of change continues to accelerate, AICC’s commitment to
education has never been more important. The Association will continue investing in modern technologies, expanded curricula, innovative delivery methods, and leadership development opportunities that prepare members for the challenges of today and opportunities of tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
Each year presents a distinct set of challenges. Markets fluctuate. Customer expectations evolve. New technologies emerge. Regulations change. Leadership transitions occur. Through it all, one constant remains: Companies that continue to learn, adapt, and invest in their people are the ones that thrive. That is where AICC makes a difference.
For more than five decades, AICC has been the place where independent paper packaging manufacturers come together, not simply to attend meetings but to exchange ideas, solve problems, develop leaders, and strengthen one another. It is where competitors become colleagues, where experience is shared freely, and where relationships built over decades continue to benefit businesses every day.
FY26 demonstrated that the Association is stronger than ever. Our educational programs continue to expand. Our leadership development initiatives are preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Our advocacy efforts ensure that the voice of the independent is heard where it matters most. Our foundations continue to invest in the future of the industry. Most importantly, our members continue to demonstrate that collaboration, not isolation, is one of the greatest competitive advantages an independent company can possess.
The future of our industry will undoubtedly bring new opportunities and new challenges. AI will reshape business processes, automation will continue to transform manufacturing, workforce development will remain a priority, sustainability expectations will evolve, and customer demands will continue to accelerate. Throughout every change, AICC will remain focused on providing members with practical education, meaningful connections, trusted resources, and a strong voice for independent manufacturers.
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary commitment of our volunteer leaders, board of directors, committee members, Associate members, foundation donors, sponsors, speakers, host companies, and the wonderful and dedicated AICC staff. Their generosity, expertise, and willingness to serve are the foundation upon which this Association is built.
Most of all, we thank you, our members. Your willingness to participate, share ideas, mentor future leaders, support educational initiatives, and invest in one another is what makes AICC unlike any other trade association. Together, we have built a community defined not only by business success but by trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to advancing the independent paper-based packaging industry.
As we begin fiscal year 2027, we do so from a position of strength. We are financially sound. We are growing. We are investing in the future. Most importantly, we remain committed to helping every member company become stronger, more competitive, and better prepared for whatever lies ahead.
The independent corrugated industry has never stood still—and neither has AICC. Together, we will continue to innovate. Together, we will continue to lead. Together, we will continue to ensure that the independent not only succeeds but sets the standard for excellence across the industry.
Thank you for your continued confidence in AICC. The best chapters of our story are still being written, and we look forward to writing them with you.
