The industrial printing sector is experiencing a major shift driven by five key transitions tied to demographic, economic and technological change. Heading into the 2030s, print businesses must evolve to succeed in a future defined by greater automation, sustainability and digital integration.
These shifts include rethinking supply chains, adopting AI-powered automation, advancing environmentally responsible production, blending physical and digital experiences and moving to a service-provider model. By proactively embracing these trends, the industry can unlock fresh opportunities for innovation, resilience and sustained growth.
Amir Raziel, head of strategy for HP Industrial Print, presents the five biggest trends and five smartest actions you can take to prepare for the next decade:
TREND 1: Automation is the future of print.
By the 2030s, print will operate as a 24/7 automated industry, with AI-driven, lights-out production spanning from job entry to dispatch.
ACTION: Invest in intelligent automation.
Invest now in automation, AI integration and end-to-end workflow systems to prepare for a fully automated, 24/7 “lights-out” print production environment by the 2030s.
TREND 2: Sustainability is non-negotiable.
80% of decision-makers consider sustainability a key factor when considering their print purchases.
ACTION: Ensure your offerings meet future sustainability standards.
Digital printing, eco-friendly substrates and low-emission supply chains help to make your offerings align with customer expectations for cost, quality and environmental impact.
TREND 3: The role of print is evolving.
Print has reinvented itself as a powerful tool for brand storytelling and engagement through high-quality, experience-focused applications.
ACTION: Focus on delivering rich brand experiences.
Focus on high-quality print, tactile media and smart packaging to elevate brand value and drive customer engagement.
TREND 4: Businesses need to rethink their supply-chain strategies.
Fragile supply chains dependent on increasingly uncertain trading and geopolitical environment are driving a shift toward lower-risk, agile and localized supply chains.
ACTION: Build a flexible, multi-regional supply chain.
Enable systems integration and just-in-time digital production to allow real-time planning for a high volume of short-run orders.
TREND 5: Printers that sell more services are generating higher margins.
There is a rise of a more consultancy-based approach to printing, aided by big data and the ability to integrate directly into clients ‘systems to analyze and interact with their data.
ACTION: Position your company as a strategic partner.
Embed deeply in client systems, offering business-critical services beyond print — focusing on long term relationships, not one-off jobs.
