As industries continue to evolve, material selection is becoming more strategic than ever. In 2025, manufacturers across packaging, construction, filtration, and industrial markets placed greater emphasis on performance, consistency, and efficiency — not just cost or availability. That shift is setting the tone for 2026.
At ANCI, we work at the intersection of polymer science, engineered fabrics, and real-world application needs. As we look ahead, several key material trends are shaping how products are designed, manufactured, and brought to market.
1. Lightweighting Without Sacrificing Performance
Across industries, customers are asking a common question: How can we reduce material usage while maintaining strength and durability?
In packaging, construction, and industrial composites, lightweighting is no longer about simply using less material — it’s about using smarter structures. Engineered meshes and composites allow manufacturers to reinforce products exactly where strength is needed while eliminating unnecessary bulk.
In 2026, expect continued growth in:
- Reinforced laminates that improve tear and puncture resistance
- Open-structure materials that maintain airflow and flexibility
- Composite designs that deliver performance at lower overall weights
This approach improves handling, installation, and efficiency across supply chains.
2. Engineered Drainage and Moisture Management
Moisture remains one of the most damaging forces across building materials, packaging, and filtration systems. Rather than relying on coatings or surface treatments, material design is shifting toward built-in performance.
Engineered structures that create natural pathways for air or water movement are gaining traction because they:
- Maintain consistent performance over time
- Avoid degradation associated with applied surface layers
- Perform reliably across changing environmental conditions
In construction especially, drainage-focused materials are becoming a critical part of the building envelope conversation, particularly in climates exposed to freeze/thaw cycles and prolonged moisture exposure.
3. Demand for Consistency in High-Speed Manufacturing
As production speeds increase, material consistency matters more than ever. Converters and manufacturers are prioritizing materials that run smoothly through automated processes without stretching, tearing, or distorting.
In 2026, materials will increasingly be evaluated on:
- Dimensional stability
- Uniform structure and openings
- Predictable behavior under tension
- Reliable roll quality and handling
Engineered fabrics and meshes designed for converting efficiency help reduce downtime, improve yields, and support scalable production.
4. Materials That Serve Multiple Functions
Another clear trend is the move toward multi-functional materials. Instead of layering separate products to achieve strength, airflow, drainage, or support, manufacturers are seeking materials that deliver multiple benefits at once.
This trend supports:
- Simpler product designs
- Reduced assembly complexity
- Improved long-term performance
Engineered meshes and composites are especially well suited for this approach, acting as both structural reinforcement and functional performance layers within a finished product.
5. Customization as a Competitive Advantage
Standard materials will always have a place, but customization is becoming a key differentiator. Customers want materials that align with their specific application needs, whether that means adjusting weight, openness, width, or visual appearance.
In 2026, suppliers that can offer flexible design options — without sacrificing consistency — will be better positioned to support innovation across markets.
Moving Forward With Purpose
As 2025 comes to a close, one thing is clear: material innovation is no longer driven by a single industry or application. Performance expectations are rising across the board, and engineered solutions are playing a larger role in meeting those demands.
At ANCI, we’re focused on advancing materials that help customers build better products — through smarter structures, reliable performance, and adaptable design. The trends shaping 2026 point toward a future where engineering and efficiency go hand in hand.