Over the years, printing companies have adopted several new practices due to innovative technologies, and industry trends continue to rise. With new and exciting developments in both analog and digital printing, analysts project the market to grow from USD 36.13 billion to USD 60.56 billion over the next decade. In this blog, you’ll learn about 13 trends to watch for in 2026. Consider reviewing your strategy for the new year to determine whether you should incorporate some of these methods.
Key Takeaways
- Several trends, such as cloud printing and security, go hand-in-hand.
- Consumers want efficiency but also care about sustainability and keeping their data protected.
- These trends benefit both businesses and customers, so also think about the buyer journey as you read on.
Why It’s Important to Keep Up With Printing Industry Trends
It’s likely that your competition is already embracing some, if not all, of these trends. If you’re not worried about competition, perhaps you should pay attention to how some of these technologies are disrupting several industries. Last but not least, these trends influence customer expectations. Staying informed on the latest printing industry trends, and incorporating the ones you see fit, can boost your business and improve your customer experience.
Printing Trends Shaping the Industry
Chances are that if you’re in the printing industry, you’ve likely heard of these trends before. Nevertheless, consider this a refresher course to make sure you don’t have any blind spots in your business model.
Product Personalization
Give yourself a competitive edge by helping customers fulfill their desire to choose with intuitive design tools and ready-made templates. Personalization via customization tools doesn’t just help with creativity; they also help with branding, marketing, and relationship building. Personalization comes with several more benefits. Recent statistics reveal that 56% of shoppers are more likely to return to your website if it has personalized recommendations.
Print-On-Demand
Among the many trends in the printing industry, print-on-demand is growing at a rapid pace. Not only is it a good choice if you don’t want to deal with the stress of inventory, but it also allows customers to personalize their items and indulge or explore their creativity at an affordable price.
Sustainable Materials and Eco-Friendly Printing
When it comes to commercial industry trends, sustainable printing is expected to grow. Think of recycled paper and eco-friendly inks. Choosing recycled paper, printing with eco-friendly inks, and installing sustainable signage, for example, is less wasteful for both businesses and consumers. Additionally, customers want to feel like they’re not contributing to a larger carbon footprint than they already are. They’re also attracted to businesses that are environmentally conscious. Business owners also want to make sure they’re adhering to local environmental rules and regulations.
Web-to-Print Solutions
Web-to-Print offers solutions for several types of customers. Some customers enjoy DIY solutions, while others want customization options. Many of them want to do this all from the comfort of their homes. Virtually all of them appreciate being able to track their orders and view their history. For business owners, web-to-print is another opportunity to make more sales with fewer costs.
Digital Printing
If you’re still unsure which of the printing trends listed so far has to offer you, look at what digital printing can do for you. This process allows you to print digital images onto a specific print media without the need for expensive printing plates. This makes it a more affordable option with a fast turnaround time. It also produces high-quality prints that can go on various materials other than paper, such as acrylic signs, wood, and aluminum signage.
3D Printing
For nearly 15 years, this technology has gone from niche to mainstream. 3D printing has been applied to everything from business signs to replacement organs in the medical field. 3D prints have a longer lifespan, reduce waste, and are lightweight. There are no signs of this trend slowing down. Indeed, its market size is expected to rise from $34.85 billion in 2026 to $134.58 billion in 2034.
Combining Print and Digital Solutions
Another emerging practice that’s part of the commercial printing industry trends is combining print and digital solutions. This method blends physical media with digital marketing to reach a wider audience. For example, printing a QR code on direct mail material can bring customers to your online store. This opens a new opportunity for customers to discover more of your services, bring in more online traffic, and may result in higher conversion rates.
AI Integration
There are several ways to incorporate AI into your business model for 2026. When it comes to design, several design tools can now generate unique images and improve image quality. You can also add it to your workflow, use it to help you with market precision, data analysis, and print automation.
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
Other trends in the printing industry include incorporating augmented reality (AR). AR helps the buyer experience on several levels. For example, virtual dressing rooms provide users with a unique experience that will encourage them to come back for more. Incorporating it into your brochures or catalogs also grabs and sustains attention and enhances your brand storytelling.
Hybrid Printing
This is a different method from combining print and digital solutions. Hybrid printing is performed when analog printing stations work in tandem with digital printing technology. With hybrid printing, you end up with a solid print quality, more options, a quick turnaround, and an overall improved user experience.
Cloud Printing Technologies
Cloud printing technology allows users to print from any supported device connected to the internet. This means you can print from a remote location on your phone and other linked devices. It’s centralized, convenient, and reduces maintenance costs. When properly configured, cloud printing can be a secure solution, which makes it a reliable tool in other trends such as cybersecurity.
Focus on Print Security
You should view security less as a trend and more as a requirement for 2026. Protecting yourself from cyber attacks with the proper software and hardware keeps confidential information and customer data safe. It also strengthens your reputation and helps you meet regulatory compliance.
Smart Packaging
Last but not least, smart packaging is another growing trend in the print industry. On a practical level, RFID tags can improve your tracking software and data analytics. When it comes to customer engagement, QR codes can offer information such as special discounts. The practice improves your business and makes it a positive experience for your customers.
Explore the ones you think will work well for you, and if they don’t, experiment with other methods that you might have overlooked. Although it’s important to be up-to-date with these printing trends for 2026 to help you keep up with competition and consumer demand, we also hope they inspire you to try something new, exciting, and fun.
Contact us to create signage that keeps up with the hottest trends!