Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are becoming a major regulatory and supply-chain issue across the printing, apparel decoration, and packaging industries. Long valued for their ability to repel water and oil, improve durability, and enhance surface performance, PFAS have historically been used in a variety of materials and processes that support print and packaging production.

States will continue to be active in labor and employment law and regulation because the federal government continues to practice a low-regulation and non-enforcement approach. This article covers the newest developments at the state level that may have an effect on printing companies.

The first quarter of 2026 was busy with a distinct uptick in federal and state labor and employment legislation and regulation. For the first time since the second Trump administration took office, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have quorums and are taking action to restore the policies that were initiated during the first Trump administration.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced the Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA) in February 2026, which is a significant step toward modernizing how recycled content is defined and communicated across the country. Backed by the Recycling Leadership Council (RLC), the legislation seeks to establish clear, consistent federal standards for recycling and recycled content marketing claims.

SCREEN Americas announces its commitment to be a keynote sponsor at the annual Inkjet Summit hosted by PRINTING United Alliance from April 27 to 29, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in San Antonio, Texas.

BELLA+CANVAS, the industry leader in premium blank apparel, will serve as the official blanks provider for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026 merchandise program. As part of the partnership, BELLA+CANVAS will be embedded directly into the Coachella merchandise ecosystem, with official products featuring a custom “printed on BELLA+CANVAS” neck label

What is one of the highest double-digit growth markets in the printing industry? Metal decorating. New Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint MetalCoat 484 for high-end coating and process automation will soon be launched.

Hybrid Software Brandz, a leading provider of artwork management and packaging visualization software for brands, FMCG manufacturers, design agencies and retailers, announced new advancements to its Artflow and iC3D solutions. The updates introduce AI-powered automation and enhanced compliance capabilities in Artflow.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Business Innovation Division, announces the opening call for entries for its Innovation Print Awards 2026 (hereafter, “IPA”) beginning this April. The IPA, held annually since 2008, has grown into a celebrated event for creativity and technical achievement in digital print.

PRINTING United Alliance is proud to join Business for America in their Together for 250 (TF250) campaign, a nationwide initiative that brings businesses and associations together to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The campaign highlights the role of business in strengthening civic connection and fostering shared purpose.