Industry News
UK print industry suff ers sharp Q2 downturn as costs squeeze profits
T
he UK printing and printed packaging industry suffered its sharpest downturn in six years during Q2 2026, with rising costs, political uncertainty and confl ict in the Middle East hitting output and profi tability, according to the latest BPIF Printing Outlook survey. The report found that 42% of printers experienced a fall in output during the quarter, while 37% maintained production levels and just 21% recorded growth. This produced an output balance of -21, down sharply from -2 in Q1 and marking the most negative result since the Covid shutdowns.
However, the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) expects the downturn to be short-lived, with the Q3 output balance forecast to rise to +7. Sales have emerged as the industry’s biggest business concern, with 55% of respondents citing sales levels among their top fi ve concerns, up from 33% in April. Profi tability was the second-largest concern, selected by 39%, while competitor pricing followed at 34%. The survey also highlighted widespread
Graph showing the 2026 Q2 drop
cost pressures. Labour remained the industry’s largest cost component, accounting for 34% of total costs, while 62% of respondents reported increases in paper prices during Q2, with the average rise reaching 4.3%.
“Orders and output have taken a knock, but the industry is expecting some degree of recovery as we move into the second half of the year,” said Kyle
Managed workwear off ers blueprint for circular textile economy
M
anaged workwear services could provide a blueprint for a more circular textile industry, according to a new report from Textiles Intelligence.
The 14-page report, Managed workwear services – a circular textile economy ahead of the game, examines how European providers have moved beyond simply supplying garments to managing them throughout their working lives.
By retaining ownership, companies take responsibility for laundering, repairs, replacement, tracking and eventual recycling. This creates an incentive to maximise garment lifespans, with workwear designed to withstand hundreds of industrial washing cycles while remaining comfortable, compliant and repairable.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Technology including RFID, automated sorting and digital inventory systems is also helping providers track garments, maximise usage and reduce environmental impact.
The report highlights Alsico, CWS Workwear, Elis, Fristads, Lindström, Mascot and Mewa as examples of the model in action.
Textiles Intelligence said the approach demonstrates that circularity can operate at commercial scale, with ownership encouraging businesses to prioritise durability, repair and material recovery.
The report concluded that, while the model may not suit every apparel sector, it offers valuable lessons for businesses seeking practical routes towards greater circularity.
Jardine, BPIF economist.
BPIF chief executive Charles Jarrold added that a pick-up in confi dence, falling uncertainty and increased demand would be needed to ease concerns around demand and profi tability.
The Q3 survey forecasts a modest improvement in both output and confi dence, suggesting Q2 could prove to be the low point for the industry in 2026.
YES Group to host free innovation workshops
Y
ES Group is to host three days of free Print, Embroidery & Apparel Innovation Workshops from
September 8 to 10.
Held at the company’s headquarters, the event will showcase developments in commercial embroidery, DTF and UV printing through live demonstrations, practical workshops and expert sessions. Each day will focus on a different area of garment decoration, giving visitors the opportunity to see technology in action, explore ways to improve productivity and profi tability, and speak with engineers, manufacturers and industry specialists. The event will also mark the launch of Sunny Studio, a new initiative aimed at home embroiderers, crafters and start-ups looking to enter the embroidery sector.
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