Top Print Industry Trends for 2025: AI, Sustainability and Customisation

Why Staying Ahead in Print Matters More Than Ever

The print industry in 2025 is evolving faster than ever. New technology, shifting consumer behaviour and tighter regulations are transforming how we produce, personalise and deliver printed materials. For print resellers, marketers and creatives, understanding these changes is key to staying competitive.

From smart automation to sustainable packaging, this article explores the most important trends defining the future of print, and how your business can adapt to benefit.

Recent Shifts That Paved the Way

Before we look forward, it's worth reflecting on the major changes of recent years:

1. Digital Printing and Print-on-Demand Became the Norm

The rise of digital printing allowed for faster, cheaper and more flexible production. Short print runs and personalised materials became standard, particularly as e-commerce platforms exploded during the pandemic.

Print-on-demand models also gained traction, enabling small businesses, authors and creators to print only what was needed. This shift reduced storage costs and waste, opening the door to more niche and independent ventures.

2. Sustainability Moved Centre Stage

As climate concerns grew, so did demand for greener print solutions. Many printers began switching to recycled materials, soy-based inks and energy-efficient machinery. Customers now expect sustainability to be part of your value proposition, not just an optional extra.

Print Industry Trends to Watch in 2025

1. Real-Time Print Personalisation

Customisation isn't new, but in 2025, it’s all about real-time personalisation. Using customer data, businesses can dynamically generate print materials tailored to individual preferences, instantly.

Imagine personalised catalogues, direct mail, or business cards that link to a unique video message via a CAMIcode. This level of customisation boosts engagement, builds brand loyalty and increases conversions.

Key benefits:

• Higher response rates from direct mail
• More meaningful customer touchpoints
• Stronger integration with digital campaigns

2. The Comeback of Print Advertising Post-Cookies

With Google removing third-party cookies from Chrome, many brands are rethinking their ad strategies. As tracking becomes harder online, traditional channels like print are regaining value for their reach and reliability.

Print advertising offers:

• Targeted distribution through direct mail and niche publications
• Tangibility and trust that digital ads can't replicate
• No dependence on third-party data

Companies like Whistl are already investing in their print marketing services to meet this renewed demand.

3. Sustainable Materials and Greener Tech

Sustainability continues to dominate, but in 2025, it's getting more sophisticated. Businesses are turning to:

• Recycled and FSC-certified papers
• Vegetable and water-based inks
• Biodegradable and compostable packaging
• LED UV curing systems and renewable energy sources

At WTTB, we’ve eliminated excessive packaging and cut down single-use plastics. Our production facilities continue to adopt greener technologies and energy-efficient machinery to lower our environmental footprint.

This isn’t just about compliance, it's about giving resellers a competitive edge. As customers increasingly prioritise sustainability, WTTB empowers you to deliver eco-conscious print solutions at scale, without compromising quality, turnaround or creativity.

4. AI and Automation in Print Workflows

AI is streamlining how we create, manage and deliver print jobs. From automated file checks to smart print queue management, machine learning is reducing human error and improving efficiency.

Examples of AI in printing:

• Predictive maintenance on print machines
• Data-driven personalisation engines
• Automated artwork preparation and proofing
• Chatbots and virtual assistants for customer service

Automation tools are also making it easier for resellers to scale operations while offering premium, custom services.

Resources and Tools for Print Resellers

To stay competitive, resellers should be actively tracking market shifts and investing in the right tools. Here’s how:

Use Data to Identify Trends

Platforms like Google Trends and AnswerThePublic can help spot popular search topics and seasonal demand. Staying on top of trending keywords can improve your content and SEO efforts.

Follow Industry Insights

Stay informed with trade publications such as Print Week and Print Monthly. These sources cover innovation, policy changes and new technology launches that could affect your operations.

Leverage WTTB’s Print Capabilities

WTTB is more than a print provider,we’re a growth platform for resellers. Our investment in industry-leading equipment gives you access to tools that open up new product lines, reduce production time and help you scale without overhead.

• Our Muller Vareo system delivers rapid, high-quality short-run book production with exceptional finishing options, ideal for publishers, educators and self-published authors.
• Our Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing technology unlocks vibrant, full-colour apparel production, helping you offer high-margin custom merchandise.

By partnering with WTTB, you’re not just fulfilling print, you’re expanding what your business can offer.

Final Thoughts: Adapt to Lead

The print industry is far from fading, it’s reinventing itself. Those who embrace change, invest in innovation and put customers at the centre of their strategy will be the ones who thrive.

Whether you're a print reseller, marketer or entrepreneur, now is the time to explore new technologies and sustainable practices. Build smarter campaigns, create richer customer experiences and position yourself at the forefront of the next print revolution.

FAQs About the Future of Printing

What are the biggest printing industry trends in 2025? AI automation, sustainable printing materials, print-on-demand services and real-time personalisation are the key trends defining the industry.

Is print advertising still effective? Yes. With the decline of third-party cookies and increased digital fatigue, print ads are making a comeback as a trusted, trackable medium.

How is AI used in the printing process? AI is used for personalisation, workflow automation, predictive maintenance and customer service tools like chatbots.

What makes print more sustainable today? Recycled papers, plant-based inks, renewable energy and efficient logistics are helping reduce the environmental impact of printing.