Book Manufacturing in Review: What 2025 Taught Us and What Publishers Should Expect in 2026
As we kick off a new year, many publishers, education companies, and content creators are assessing what worked, what didn’t, and how to plan smarter in 2026. At Bridgeport National Bindery (BNB), 2025 reinforced several key truths about modern book manufacturing and offered a clear picture of where the industry is headed.
Here’s what we saw last year and what it means for publishers moving forward.
What 2025 Confirmed
Shorter runs are here to stay.
Publishers continue to prioritize flexibility over volume. Short-run digital printing and print-on-demand models allowed organizations to reduce warehousing, avoid overprinting, and keep content current, especially in education and professional publishing.
Speed matters, but reliability matters more.
Turnaround time remains important, but 2025 showed that customers value realistic timelines, clear communication, and consistent quality even more. Manufacturing partners who set expectations clearly, and meet them, stand out.
Binding choices are becoming more intentional.
We saw increased demand for durable binding solutions for libraries and institutions, alongside cost-conscious formats for pilot programs, test orders, and phased rollouts. Publishers are thinking carefully about how and where their books will be used before selecting formats.
File readiness impacts timelines more than ever.
As production schedules tighten, clean, print-ready files can make or break a timeline. Many delays in 2025 were not manufacturing-related but stemmed from file setup issues discovered late in the process.
What to Expect in 2026
More strategic print planning.
Publishers are entering projects with clearer goals, ordering smaller quantities upfront, then scaling based on demand.
Increased demand for consultative partners.
Manufacturers are no longer just vendors. In 2026, publishers will lean more heavily on partners who can advise on trim sizes, binding options, paper choices, and production efficiencies.
A continued blend of digital and offset printing.
Rather than choosing one over the other, publishers are combining digital and offset to match budgets, timelines, and distribution needs.
How BNB Supports Publishers in 2026
At Bridgeport National Bindery, we work with publishers, businesses, and education institutions to manufacture books efficiently, without sacrificing quality or durability. Whether you’re producing short runs, pilot programs, or large-scale distributions, our team helps you choose the right production approach for your goals.
As you plan for the year ahead, we’re here to help you move from concept to finished book with confidence.