Commercial printing is rapidly changing with the rise of digitalization. Innovation means the commercial printing industry trends are evolving. As the trends change, so must the printing companies.
Otherwise, they will fail in the highly competitive market. Here at CityPress, we are constantly updating our services according to the latest trends.
So, let's see what are the current trends in commercial printing!
Commercial Printing Industry Trends
The commercial printing industry has consistently grown since its beginning. Yet, a consistent presence does not mean the industry has seen no changes. In fact, commercial printing is one of the fastest-changing industries.
As a printing company, we know how valuable keeping up with current industry trends is. Modernization is crucial for a business to survive in a highly competitive market.
The printing companies that thrive and get ahead of the competition embrace the modernization of business processes. Some of the current trends in the commercial printing industry are the following:
Digital printing and marketing
Environmentally conscious printing
Print-on-demand
Web-to-print
Customized printing
Innovative technologies
1. Digital printing and marketing
Living in today's digital age has opened up new ways to reach many potential clients. We deliver high-quality digital printing services by using cutting-edge technology.
Digital printing is rapidly growing and is estimated to be worth USD 34.3 billion by 2026.
The digital printing market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2021 to 2026.
Moreover, one of the best types of advertising today is digital marketing. Social media ads are one example of a looping piece that can continuously reach target audiences.
2. Environmentally conscious printing
In recent years, sustainability has become a priority for most consumers. Consumers like companies dedicated to lessening plastic use and protecting the environment. Dedication to reducing waste is a big motivator for consumers when choosing a company.
There are billions of tons of paper produced annually by the print sector. Businesses demonstrating their commitment to reducing their environmental impact will gain market share.
Waste reduction on these has been the focus of industry-wide initiatives. Companies offer rolls of paper and materials in various sizes to prevent waste.
VOCs
Another way the printing industry has also affected the environment is by using VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are present in:
Printing inks
Lacquers
Moistening solutions
Cleaning solvents
This is why many are turning to VOC-free inks that are more environmentally friendly.
Sustainable inks
VOC Compounds | Sustainable Alternatives |
Ethanol | Vegetable oil-based Inks (Linseed, Soybean oil, etc.) |
Methyl acetate | Water-based inks |
Isopropanol | |
Acetone | |
Isopropyl alcohol | |
3. Print-on-demand
Printing on demand is another growing trend in commercial printing. Our print-on-demand services allow consumers to print what they only need and when needed. Print-on-demand effectively reduces warehouse costs and the risk of obsolescence.
Print-on-demand is excellent for short runs of prints and one-of-a-kind products. Consumers save money and time by having their files printed directly to our digital printer.
4. Online printing services (Web-to-print)
Online printing services allow consumers to access the online storefront of a printing company. These web-to-print system interfaces let consumers select, customize, and ship products anywhere.
Our consumers benefit from online ordering, proofing, and an online approval process. The benefits of web-to-print services are why they are a growing trend.
5. Direct mailing
Direct mailing campaigns are a consistently growing trend in commercial printing. The reason is that direct mailing is a fast, affordable, and convenient way to reach new consumers.
Our clients have the benefit of the following:
Automated assembly
Certified mailing lists
Mail is designed and sorted according to postal regulations.
With our streamlined mailing services, consumers can professionally mail:
Newsletters
Booklets
Postcards
Brochures
Moreover, we specialize in EDDM mailings. We offer clients the opportunity to have their mail or publication mailed directly from our location.
6. Customized printing
One of the driving factors in commercial printing is personalized marketing in promotional campaigns. We understand that consumers may require unique customization. This is why we offer so many services.
Businesses that employ digital printing technology are meeting the demand for customized printing. These technologies include printing with variable data (VDP).
VDP allows each printed item to be customized with images, text, and graphics. Due to order versatility, improved inventory handling, and reduced time-to-market for print content.
This might also help to fuel the expansion of spending in the commercial printing industry. Digital marketing uses data to personalize printed messages based on consumer interests.
7. Innovative technologies
The development of technology, digitization, and automation have significantly improved productivity. This transformed the industry, so growth capability no longer correlates with direct labor.
With constant investment in upgrades, we ensure CityPress is on the cutting edge of digital technology. Some of our state-of-the-art digital systems include the following:
The latest Windows and Macintosh software and hardware configurations.
Digital computer-to-plate technology.
Internet access with online capability to transfer.
In-Rip trapping.
UltraChrome K3 technology for large format prints (up to 44') with extreme precision.
Foil stamping and embossing.
Market Share and Growth Projections
Adopting new technologies means the growth of the commercial printing industry looks positive. This is true, especially for companies focusing more on digital than analog printing services.
That is not to say that analog printing will completely vanish. However, the growth of the digital printing market is exponentially higher on a global scale. Digital printing was estimated to be USD 24.8 billion in revenue in 2021.
This number is expected to reach USD 34.3 billion by 2026. Printing companies that learn to adapt and embrace innovations will thrive.
Hence, CityPress is dedicated to keeping up with the latest technological developments in commercial printing. We do this as we strive to provide our consumers with the highest quality services.
Final Words
Commercial printing industry trends evolve; the latest are significantly tied to digital technology.
One thing is for sure: Printing is here to stay, especially digital printing. Digital printing allows businesses and individuals to reach wider audiences quickly.
Plus, by adopting current sustainability trends and customized printing, companies increase consumer satisfaction.
Steve Bates
Steve is the president of CityPress and brings a wealth of knowledge from the printing industry to readers, helping them make more informed decisions in an ever changing printing space.