Top digital print trends that dominated 2025

Written By Tammy Newell

With 2026 on the horizon, here’s a snapshot of our top digital printing trends which have dominated the print industry in 2025.

1. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Printing Practices

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the beating heart of the 2025 digital printing revolution. Industry players are embracing greener materials and processes such as:

  • Recycled, FSC-certified papers, biodegradable and compostable substrates, and zero-waste packaging. You can explore our very own green credentials right here too.

  • Vegetable, water, soy, algae-based inks, and water-based or waterless printing technology, which cut out harmful chemicals and water usage.

  • Energy-efficient machinery like LED-UV curing systems, idle-power-saving modes, heat recovery systems, and adoption of renewable energy sources to lower carbon footprints.

  • Strategic waste-reduction techniques, such as print-on-demand, lean manufacturing, nesting software, ink optimisation, digital pre-press proofs, and closed-loop recycling of paper and ink all improve material efficiency and cost savings.

These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also elevate brand reputation, align with consumer values, and can deliver cost efficiencies.

2. AI & Automation in Print Workflows

Artificial Intelligence and automation are powering smarter, faster, and more efficient printing:

  • AI-driven file checks, smart print queue management, and automated proofing tools streamline production workflows.

  • Predictive maintenance, print security, and analytics systems help prevent downtime and improve quality control.

  • The infusion of AI in design generation, layout optimisation, and color matching reduces errors and accelerates creativity.

3. Personalisation & Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Consumers expect print that speaks to them, and VDP delivers:

  • Enables mass customisation, generating uniquely tailored mailers, packaging, and marketing materials for individual recipients.

  • Boosts engagement through hyper-personalised direct mail, dynamic packaging, and interactive signage.

4. Interactive Print: AR, Smart Labels & Beyond

Print is merging with digital to become immersive and interactive:

  • Augmented Reality (AR) on print: scanners unlock videos, animations, or 3D experiences.

  • QR codes, NFC tags, and smart labels bridge the physical and digital, driving engagement and enabling enriched content delivery.

  • Interactive large-format prints like AR-enabled posters, dynamic displays, and interactive signage are gaining traction in advertising and events.

5. On-Demand & Distributed Printing Models

Efficiency meets flexibility in print production:

  • Print-on-Demand (POD) cuts overproduction, reduces inventory costs, and minimises waste, printing exactly what’s needed when it’s needed.

  • Distributed or decentralised print hubs bring production closer to customers, lowering carbon footprints and speeding delivery.

  • Cloud printing simplifies operations, offering seamless mobile/device printing, supply monitoring, and eco-friendly workflows through optimised resource use.

    Final Thoughts

    The digital printing industry in 2025 is defined by this powerful intersection: eco-conscious innovation meets intelligent, interactive design, fuelled by AI and distributed systems. Whether you're a print service provider, brand marketer, or creative agency, tapping into these trends means delivering smarter, greener, and more engaging print solutions – all while staying ahead of the curve. To find out more or to explore our processes for your next print project, email: hello@maximservices.co.uk

Tammy Newell
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