Paper Goods and the Topeka Economy
Paper goods might seem old-fashioned in a digital world, but demand remains strong. E-commerce has driven unprecedented need for corrugated boxes. Schools still treasure printed yearbooks. Families buy greeting cards for every occasion. Restaurants depend on paper cups, bags, and napkins. Hospitals, offices, and households use tissue and towel products daily.
Topeka has a direct stake in this industry through one of the country's best-known yearbook producers, and the broader region is home to iconic greeting card and packaging operations. These companies provide jobs, support local suppliers, and keep paper products flowing to businesses throughout Kansas.
How We Selected These Companies
We focused on paper goods manufacturers and suppliers with a presence in or strong connection to Topeka and northeast Kansas. Criteria included production capabilities, product quality, sustainability practices, and regional impact. This guide is informational and not a paid endorsement.
The Top 10 Paper Goods Manufacturers for Topeka
1. Jostens
Jostens operates a major production facility in Topeka, where it prints and binds yearbooks for schools across the country. The plant has long been an important Topeka employer and showcases sophisticated printing and binding capabilities that preserve memories for millions of students.
2. Hallmark Cards
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Hallmark has a significant production and distribution presence in Lawrence, Kansas. Its greeting cards, gift wrap, and paper party goods are found in stores throughout Topeka and around the world.
3. International Paper
International Paper is one of the largest producers of corrugated packaging in the world. Its box plants and regional operations supply packaging to food, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturers in Kansas.
4. Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock produces paper-based packaging, including corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and displays. Its sustainable packaging solutions serve food, beverage, and retail customers across the Midwest.
5. Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America manufactures containerboard and corrugated packaging. Its network of box plants supports shippers that need reliable, customized boxes for their products.
6. Pratt Industries
Pratt Industries is known for producing corrugated packaging from 100 percent recycled paper. Its commitment to recycling and clean energy makes it an attractive partner for environmentally focused businesses.
7. Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific produces tissue, towels, cups, plates, and packaging. Its commercial dispensers and paper products are common in Topeka offices, schools, and public facilities.
8. Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark manufactures well-known tissue and personal care brands, along with professional products for workplaces. Its products are staples in homes and businesses throughout the capital region.
9. Mainline Printing
Mainline Printing is a Topeka commercial printer offering printing, direct mail, and marketing materials. Local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies rely on its services for brochures, forms, and promotional pieces.
10. Veritiv
Veritiv is a leading distributor of packaging, facility supplies, and print paper. It helps Topeka businesses source paper goods efficiently and offers packaging design and supply chain support.
Paper Industry Trends
E-commerce growth continues to fuel demand for corrugated packaging, while brands seek right-sized boxes that reduce waste and shipping costs. Sustainability is a top priority, with companies increasing recycled content and replacing plastic packaging with paper alternatives. Digital printing allows shorter runs and personalized products, benefiting yearbooks, packaging, and marketing materials alike. Automation is improving efficiency in printing, converting, and box manufacturing.
Fiber sourcing and recycling infrastructure are also gaining attention. Paper is among the most recycled materials in the United States, and Topeka residents and businesses play a part by recycling cardboard and paper through local programs.
Tips for Sourcing Paper Goods
Define your requirements carefully, including material strength, print quality, and quantity. For packaging, ask suppliers about structural design services and testing. Consider recycled content and certifications if sustainability matters to your customers. Compare lead times and minimum order quantities, especially for custom printed products. Building a relationship with a reliable supplier can provide better pricing and priority during peak seasons.
Careers in Topeka's Paper and Printing Industry
The paper and printing industry offers a wide range of career opportunities in the Topeka area. Production roles include press operators, bindery technicians, machine maintenance specialists, and quality inspectors. Pre-press and design positions require skills in graphic design, color management, and digital file preparation. Logistics, customer service, and sales roles support the movement of products to customers across the country.
Many employers provide on-the-job training, making these careers accessible to workers without advanced degrees. Seasonal peaks, such as yearbook production in spring, can also offer temporary employment opportunities that sometimes lead to permanent positions. As automation increases, technical skills in operating and maintaining sophisticated equipment are becoming more valuable, creating pathways for career growth within the industry.
Final Thoughts
Paper goods remain essential to Topeka's schools, businesses, and households. From yearbooks printed right in the capital to packaging that ships products nationwide, the manufacturers above keep paper products at the heart of everyday life in Kansas.