The print industry has come a long way from traditional, high volume print runs with long lead times. Today, print buyers are no longer just looking for printed materials, they want greater control, fast turnarounds, and suppliers who align with their sustainable values. As a result, the print industry is evolving to meet these changing expectations.
Three key trends are shaping this:
Sustainability
Both businesses and consumers are paying close attention to the environmental impact of the products they order.
Personalisation
There’s an increased demand for targeted and relevant print marketing that allows businesses to closely connect with their audiences.
Smart technology
Is transforming how customers expect to order print and quickly have it delivered using automation and integrations.
The shift towards sustainable printing
Businesses and consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, with print being no exception. From the materials used to the way print in produced and delivered, there’s more pressure on printing companies to be eco-friendly.
Recycled and FSC certified papers are now widely available and advances in ink technology, such as vegetable based inks, are helping lower the environmental impact of printing.
Print workflows are becoming more efficient, with less waste thanks to fixed online templates and automated artwork checks. Even packaging and delivery are being reconsidered, with many print providers moving toward recyclable or reduced packaging options.
One of the biggest shifts supporting sustainability in print is the move towards on-demand production. Rather than printing large quantities in advance and storing stock, businesses are increasingly choosing to print only what they need, when they need it.
The rise of personalisation in print
Rather than mass producing generic print materials aimed at a broad audience, businesses have become focused on creating content that’s more relevant and tailored. This shift reflects customer expectations where individuals are now experiencing personalisation across digital channels.
This means moving beyond static print creative and embracing data driven approaches. Variable data printing allows businesses to customise elements of their artwork such as names, locations and images within 1 single print run. This makes print far more powerful and capable of delivering content that resonates with the receiver.
A personalised leaflet or brochure is far more likely to capture attention than something generic. Even small details, such as personalised inserts or geo-targeted messaging, can make a noticeable difference in how a brand is perceived.
Smart technology and automation
Smart technology in print is about using automation, integrations and connected systems to streamline workflows. Tasks that once required manual processing by staff, such as checking artwork, preparing files for print, or generating job tickets, can now be handled automatically through print software.
Modern print workflows often connect e-commerce platforms, web-to-print portals, and production systems so that information flows seamlessly between them. When an order is placed online, the details can be automatically passed to production, with minimal manual intervention.
Businesses can monitor the status of orders at each stage of production, while customers benefit from clearer updates and more accurate delivery expectations. Automated systems can handle increased demand without the need to increase staff or resources.
The Online Print Solution – Bringing It All Together
Modern day web to print platforms bring all these developments together in one streamlined system. Rather than treating print design, ordering, production and delivery as separate processes.
The Online Print Solution (OPS) integrates with key platforms to keep everything running efficiently. Payment gateways are connected to handle transactions, while shipping providers can be linked to automate delivery options and tracking. Integration with print MIS systems means orders can move directly into production workflows, reducing delays and improving accuracy across the board.
For print customers, OPS offers secure online print ordering at anytime of day, a simple way to select products and customise designs. Fixed online templates ensure brand consistency while still allowing some flexibility, making it easy for users to personalise materials without compromising on branding guidelines.
OPS not only improves operational efficiency but also supports the wider trends shaping the industry, from personalisation and on-demand printing to smarter, more scalable production.