In just the past five years, print and mail outsourcing providers have transformed more than they did in the previous 20, evolving from paper-heavy operations into strategic partners that deliver faster, smarter, and more secure communications.
From automation to ironclad security measures, the industry in 2026 looks nothing like the one most of us grew up with.
Here are four trends shaping the future and how forward-looking providers are responding.
1. Omnichannel is the New Normal
Five years ago, print and mail outsourcing mostly meant handling stacks of envelopes. Today, it’s one part of a larger omnichannel communication strategy. Customers want the ability to receive critical information in the way that works best for them. This could be a bill in the mail, a payment reminder via text, or a secure statement through email.
As one would expect, demographics play a key role. Many older consumers continue to rely on traditional print and mail for important documents, while younger generations prefer digital-first communications.
That’s why the future isn’t about abandoning paper, it’s about offering flexibility. Outsourcing partners that combine transactional and statement printing and mailing with text, email, and digital portals are giving audiences what they want – which is essential to a positive customer experience (CX). Look for partners with an omnichannel communication platform to make the process seamless.
Read our white paper, The Power of CCM + Print: New Technologies Are Reinventing Customer Communications
2. Rising Costs Demand Smarter ROI
Costs for postage, paper, and labor continue to rise. Companies will be keeping a watchful eye on cost efficiency and waste reduction to make every dollar count.
That means not every customer should receive a printed envelope (think Gen Z), especially if they’re likely to throw it away. The focus for 2026 is smarter targeting: aligning print and digital channels to the right recipients to maximize ROI – and reduce waste.
For industries like healthcare, where patient statement printing and mailing services remain critical, cost efficiency must be balanced with compliance requirements and timeliness. This is why many outsourcing partners are investing in automation and analytics, so their clients don’t have to shoulder the cost of equipment or technology upgrades on their own. That’s a major advantage of print and mail outsourcing: gaining efficiency without major capital expense.
3. Automation and AI Redefine Operations
Behind the scenes, outsourcing partners like Nordis are investing in advanced print production processes. State-of-the-art continuous-feed printers and high-speed inserters allow jobs that once took days to be completed in hours with fewer operators and less overhead.
Of course, AI is also playing a growing role. Instead of using manual spreadsheets, companies can now access real-time data on inventory, postage, and machine performance.
These insights enable companies to get quick answers to questions like, “When did my job run?” or “Where is my mail piece right now?” For transactional print and mail documents like statements and invoices, that level of precision and transparency builds confidence and trust.
4. Compliance and Security Are Non-Negotiable
Cyberattacks are on the rise, and companies should be concerned – especially those in industries that send transactional communications with sensitive information, like healthcare, financial services, and utilities.
For example, in healthcare, where patient privacy is critical, companies depend on partners that can handle HIPAA-compliant printing and mailing. From patient statements to policy notices, every communication must meet the strictest security standards while still being delivered on time.
A best-in-class customer communication management (CCM) platform integrates compliance into every step – whether delivering a printed statement, a text notification, or an email. For organizations in regulated industries, the right outsourcing partner is more than a vendor. It’s a strategic choice that can affect their reputation and their customers’ trust.
Print and mail outsourcing continues to play a vital role in customer communications, but it’s no longer standing alone. In 2026, the real opportunity lies in working with a partner who can blend print with digital channels to adopt a true omnichannel communication strategy while remaining cost-effective and secure.
