The Future of Commercial Printing: Trends to Watch in 2025

Emerging Trends in Commercial Printing

It’s 2025, and we’ve come a very long way from the first Gutenberg press back in the 1400s. Thanks to the breakneck pace of innovation, the print industry is anticipated to reach an estimated value of more than $443 billion by 2028.

So where will printing go next? Below, we discuss how technology is transforming commercial printing and upcoming trends in the industry including automation, eco-friendly prints, and variable data printing. Discovering these trends enables your print business to capture new markets and stay ahead of the competition.

Hottest Trends in Commercial Printing for 2025

AI and Automation in Commercial Printing

Creating custom, handcrafted prints takes a ton of time and work. What if there was a faster, easier way to get the job done? By using print automation, there is.
Digital integration with AI enables businesses to make gorgeous, professional-looking prints in a fraction of the time it takes a human to do the job. Here’s how it works: A printer tells an AI their requirements for the job, and the AI creates an image that matches those criteria exactly. Using such tech, printers can craft images in seconds, not days.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Printing

Sustainability is all the rage these days, and that applies to printing as much as it does clothing and food. Consumers have wised up to the fact that traditional printing isn’t exactly an eco-friendly process.
In response, today’s printers are making the switch to sustainable printing which includes recycled paper, green packaging, and environmentally gentle inks.

Personalization and Variable Data Printing

In 2025, personalized printing will be the norm, all thanks to a technology called variable data printing which allows businesses to craft custom prints for clients. With variable data printing, businesses can create one-of-a-kind designs and offers tailored to appeal to different demographics.

This is by far one of the biggest commercial printing trends because consumers love customization. Some reports suggest that over 80% don’t mind sharing personal details to get personalized experiences. This is a big boon for the real estate and retail industries.

Augmented Reality and Interactive Prints

Augmented reality (AR) printing truly is the wave of the future. AR goes beyond traditional printing by providing an interactive experience, allowing consumers to visualize themselves using or wearing a product.
For example, users can scan an ad to virtually try on clothing, watch how a product works, or access additional content. As you might imagine, AR could change the landscape of online shopping.

On-Demand and Short Run Printing

Print-on-demand (POD) is yet another exciting technology to watch for businesses that care about sustainability. POD allows businesses to print only what they need, when they need it, instead of printing in bulk upfront.
The biggest perk of POD is that it prevents waste because less paper and ink end up in landfills.

Technology Innovations Transforming the Industry

Digital Printing Advancements

The original printing press could produce up to 3,600 pages daily, which sounds impressive until weighed against advancements like digital printing. With this technology, printers can produce a whopping 15,000 pages per hour.

Digital printing eliminates the need for traditional printing plates, significantly slashing waste while improving print speed drastically. Some of today’s movers and shakers in digital printing include Quad/Graphics, Inc., Raksul Inc., and The Vomela Companies.

Flatbed and Large-Format Printing

Thought you could only print on paper? Think again. With flatbed printing, businesses can print on a surprising array of substrates including wood, plastic, acrylic, glass and ceramic tile. Large-format flatbed printers can also accommodate substrates up to several inches thick.

Some flatbed printers employ UV (ultraviolet) light. When ink is exposed to UV light, it cures instantly, producing a crisp image with excellent weather resistance. This makes flatbed printing ideal for outdoor signage and displays.

3D Printing in Commercial Applications

Who says prints need to stick to two dimensions? 3D commercial printing enables businesses to create lifelike, three-dimensional prints and objects. The technology already has impressive applications in medicine and aerospace.

3D printing shows plenty of promise. Analysts expect the tech to grow from $17.5 billion in 2025 to more than $37 billion by 2029.

Industry Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Rising Costs of Materials and Energy

One of the biggest challenges for printing businesses in 2025 is the ever-rising costs of print materials and energy. To keep costs down, consider utilizing POD and only printing as needed.
Another strategy is to take advantage of local suppliers. Doing so can significantly cut down on shipping costs.

Competition from Digital Marketing

With the rapid rise in digital marketing, you may think traditional print marketing will go the way of the dinosaur. However, with strategic planning, physical prints and digital marketing can combine to produce excellent results.
For example, one study found that businesses that combine direct mail with digital marketing enjoy a 28% boost in conversion rates.

Future Opportunities in Commercial Printing

Custom Packaging and Branding

Today’s store shelves are, to put it mildly, crowded. If your product has to fight with hundreds of others for a shopper’s attention, what are the chances that shoppers will choose your brand? This is where custom packaging shines. Custom packaging and branding enable your product to stand out on shelves.
One printing company created custom packaging for Occo, a brand that sells pre-portioned spices. Its packaging was a huge success and won the prestigious Dow’s Packaging Innovation Awards.

Expansion into Niche Markets

Looking for more business? Consider tapping into niche markets. Event decor and textile printing, for example, can yield serious profits if you play your cards right.
To look for new markets, start local. Questioning local businesses about their needs and challenges can spark ideas for new types of printing and materials to use.

Key Takeaways for Businesses

With trends like automation, POD, and custom packaging, it’s an exciting time for the print industry. Following these trends is a smart way to stay competitive and take your commercial printing business to the next level. To get a quote for custom prints or learn more about industry trends, call Classic Printing & Signs at (205) 326-6540 today.