Top Printing Industry Trends In 2026 You Need to Know

Summary: With the changing customer demands and ever-evolving printing industry, staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies is a must for new-age print businesses. This comprehensive blog will give insights into the print industry trends of 2026 to help you stay informed and market ready.

The print industry is going through a major transformation with new trends emerging every now and then. From traditional methods to digital innovations, print businesses have evolved significantly.

Keep reading as we will be discovering the top printing trends to watch out for in 2026. Embracing these popular trends and utilizing an advanced web-to-print software can prepare print businesses to stay at the forefront of the printing industry. Read on for insights.

Key Print Industry Trends to Watch in 2026

Let’s look at the must-know top printing trends in 2026 for new-age printers. These include -

1. Print-On-Demand to Reduce Material Wastage and Costs

This popular printing trend saves material wastage and cost by allowing print businesses to print only the required print products in the necessary quantities and at the right time. If you are looking for a profitable business option in the coming years, learning the functioning and steps to start a print-on-demand business can help you get started.

2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Printing and Packaging

Print businesses are shifting to sustainable printing and packaging methods to reduce their carbon footprint, paving the way for an eco-friendly environment. The sustainable packaging market is valued at USD 334.43 billion in 2026 and is anticipated to reach USD 594.46 billion by 2035, rising at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2026 to 2035.

3. Digital Printing for Short-Runs and Faster Turnarounds

It is a type of printing method that involves transferring digital-based images into the chosen print media substrates, eliminating the requirement for traditional printing plates or cylinders. The digital printing industry trend is particularly popular for print-on-demand businesses offering short print runs as it helps in significant cost savings, waste reduction, and faster turnarounds.

4. Product Personalization for Individual Customer Preferences

Modern customers prefer brands that remember their preferences and offer one-of-a-kind products that are tailored to individual preferences. By utilizing an advanced print personalization software , print business owners can keep up with the never-aging trend of product personalization.

5. Web-to-Print Solutions for Design Customization and Ordering

Another current trend in the printing industry is custom web-to-print solution that enables customers to seamlessly design and order print products online. This innovative solution also offers print businesses and end customers the convenience of tracking and managing their orders with ease.

6. 3D Printing for Industrial and Commercial Applications

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the latest innovation that utilizes digital design files for creating three-dimensional objects with applications in aerospace, healthcare, automative, and many other industries. Research indicates that the global 3D printing market will reach USD 35.79 billion by 2030.

7. Smart Packaging with Advanced Print Technologies

This type of packaging involves utilizing an innovative approach by integrating new printing technologies like RFID tags, sensors, and QR codes. Research shows that the global smart packaging market is anticipated to grow from USD 46.62 billion in 2026 to USD 84.27 billion by 2035, rising at a CAGR of 6.8%.

8. Augmented Reality (AR) in Print for Interactive Experiences

It is a technology in the printing industry with a projected market value of $289.05 Billion by 2030, that enables users to visualize digital content such as images or 3D models in the real world. This technology can be used for enhancing the user experience by showcasing interactive ads and product demonstrations in marketing, interactive textbooks in education, as well as virtual try-ons and product demonstrations in the retail industry.

9. AI-Led Print Automation for Smarter & Error-Free Operations

The trend of using AI-driven web-to-print capabilities for print businesses for content & design creation, job ticket management, production scheduling, workflow analysis is booming. This AI-based approach automates print operations, making it efficient and error-free as compared to traditional approach.

10. Hybrid Printing Technologies for Flexible Print Production

It combines multiple technologies including traditional and modern methods to leverage both their advantages. The market size of hybrid printing technologies is anticipated to reach USD 10.2 billion by the year 2028, rising at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 13.2%.

11. Pocket or Portable Printers for On-The-Go Printing

Such printers are compact devices that can be easily connected using Bluetooth or USB, popularly used for applications in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, logistics, and ecommerce sectors. As per IMARC Group, the worldwide market size of portable printers is anticipated to reach US$ 24.6 Billion by 2033.

12. Cloud Printing for Anytime and Anywhere Access

It is a new trend in the printing industry that allows users to print from any device using the internet, eliminating the need for driver installation. The global market of cloud printing services is expected to reach USD 4374.6 million by 2035.

13. Comprehensive Ecommerce Integration for Unified Operations

Ecommerce integration involves the process of integrating ecommerce platform with back-end systems like ERP, CRM accounting, inventory, and marketing with the help of an API. This integration can enhance collaboration with data synchronization between multiple systems and improving the overall customer experience.

14. Erasable Printing Technology for Reducing Environmental Impact

This technology uses an erasable ink for printing on paper and later erases it by exposing it to ultraviolet light, enabling the paper to be re-used up to five times. This leads to a significant reduction in paper wastage, reduces the negative impact on the environment, and saves costs.

15. Print Security Solutions to Protect Against IoT Cyber Threats

IoT-related cyber-attacks on print businesses have become very common these days, making it mandatory for printers to invest in printing technologies that offer robust security measures. Adopt managed print services providing cloud-based patch management, security assessment and monitoring to get protection against these vulnerabilities.

16. Voice-Activated Printing Systems for Smarter Print Operations

As voice technology-based smart assistants have become a part of our everyday lives, print businesses are incorporating this approach to speeding up the operations of print workflows. This trend utilizes biometric data analysis to perform critical tasks such as adjusting the maintenance settings or printing by detecting voice commands, enhancing convenience, and usability.

17. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing for Apparel and Non-Textile Applications

Apart from the popular application of DTF technology on fabrics, this innovation will be utilized by modern print businesses to print on non-textile substrates like ceramics, glass, and metals. The capability of this new age technology will allow print businesses to expand their product range beyond just apparel, providing customers with high-end personalization and eco-friendly products.

18. Specialty Inks and Print Materials for Premium Print Effects

Utilization of advanced ink and substrates with eco-friendly formulations like water-based and UV-curable inks are trending as it allows brands to stand out. Modern varnishes, premium finishes, and coatings with textured, metallic, thermochromic, glow-in-the-dark effect, allow print businesses to meet the print personalization demands of customers.

Why Should Printing Businesses Keep Up with Industry Trends?

It's necessary for print businesses to stay updated with print industry trends as it allows to stay competitive, reach new markets, secure repeat business, increase revenue and growth. Let’s see the reasons in detail.

Identify and Capture New Markets

Following the print business trends allows printers to analyse the rise in specific print segments. Printers can leverage these trends to expand into new product lines and reach global customers.

Better Risk Management

Being aware of trends helps businesses to forecast and prepare for industry changes, thereby minimizing the risk of being caught off-guarded by disruptive technologies.

Adaptation of New Methods

By staying informed about print industry trends, businesses can adopt new methods and processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the final quality of print products.

The BottomlineThis strategic outlook of the printing industry can prepare your printing business to stay ahead in this competitive era. Implementing the trends that are aligned to your print business goals and adapting with the evolving customer demands is the secret to achieving continuous success in the printing industry.Choosing an all-in-one web to print solution like the ones offered by OnPrintShop, which scales with your growing print business, is the best way to get started. To know more about our software, request a demo with OnPrintShop today to experience next-generation printing solutions and watch your business soar.